Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Fall baking just got cozier with these irresistibly soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering warm spices, subtle pumpkin sweetness, and that silky tang of frosting that keeps you reaching for just one more.

Perfect for Halloween gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or simply a crisp weekend treat, these cookies balance the festive charm of pumpkin spice with the nostalgic feel of classic frosted sugar cookies. They bake up pillowy soft and look stunning with a simple swirl of frosting and a dusting of cinnamon.

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Recipe

These cookies are the ultimate celebration of fall flavors with minimal effort. You’ll love them because:

• They stay soft for days.
• The dough requires no chilling.
• They’re made with real pumpkin puree.
• The tangy cream cheese frosting cuts the sweetness perfectly.
• They freeze beautifully—frosted or unfrosted.

Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned cookie artist, this recipe delivers foolproof results.

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Can I Use Canned Pumpkin or Homemade Puree?

You can use either! Canned pumpkin puree is ideal for consistency and ease, just make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling. If you prefer homemade puree, ensure it’s thick and not watery. You can strain excess moisture using a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. The key is to keep the dough from getting too soft.

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Ingredients for the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Each ingredient in this cookie recipe serves a purpose to create perfect texture and flavor:

• Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and natural sweetness. Real pumpkin flavor is essential.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Help the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Clove – Create that cozy fall spice blend.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps the cookies spread just right.
• Granulated & Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds depth while granulated keeps things crisp.
• Egg Yolk – Makes the cookies soft and tender.
• Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavor.
• Cream Cheese & Powdered Sugar (for the frosting) – Create that creamy, slightly tangy frosting we all crave.

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How To Make the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Bake

Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Leave room for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers look slightly underdone.

Step 4: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Frost and Sprinkle

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy. Frost each cooled cookie and dust with a pinch of cinnamon.

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How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These pumpkin sugar cookies are best served fresh at room temperature. Once frosted, they become soft and dreamy—perfect for dessert platters or cozy nights in.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temp before serving. This recipe makes about 20 cookies, ideal for a small crowd or a week of sweet snacking.

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What to Serve With Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

A Warm Chai Latte

Its spiced flavors match perfectly with pumpkin and cream cheese.

Apple Cider

Hot or cold, it’s a refreshing contrast to the rich frosting.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Sandwich a cookie with a scoop for an elevated ice cream sandwich.

Spiced Hot Chocolate

A cozy sip with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Maple Glazed Pecans

Add crunch to your cookie platter.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Sweet and salty play well together.

Whipped Cream with Cinnamon

A fluffy dollop alongside your cookie makes it feel fancy.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, you’ll adore these other unique treats:

• Banana Bread Cookies for a comforting twist on a breakfast classic.
• Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins if you’re into melt-in-your-mouth centers.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe for buttery, delicate bites.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for when you’re craving bold and fruity.
• Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast if you want your sweets in breakfast form.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go light or heavy on the frosting? Add a sprinkle of nutmeg?

I love seeing your takes on my recipes, so don’t be shy about sharing. Questions welcome too—let’s bake better together.

Explore more cozy, creative sweets on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and keep your kitchen inspired all season long!

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