Soft, fluffy, and packed with cozy fall flavor, these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are the kind of dessert that disappears fast every single time they’re made. They have an almost cake-like texture, warm pumpkin spice flavor, and a rich swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting that takes them completely over the top.
These cookies are perfect for fall baking, Thanksgiving dessert trays, Halloween parties, or just a cozy weekend at home with coffee and a warm sweater.
And honestly? Even without the frosting, they’re incredibly good.
This post may contain affiliate links which helps me keep this blog alive, questions? View the privacy policy.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cookies
- Super soft and fluffy texture
- Easy homemade cream cheese frosting
- Perfect fall dessert recipe
- Great for bake sales and holiday trays
- Delicious with or without frosting
- Easy to customize with cinnamon, sprinkles, or nuts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until a soft cookie dough forms.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to place dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the tops are set and the cookies spring back lightly when touched.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
- Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue mixing until fluffy.
- Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies.
Notes
Tips For The Best Pumpkin Cookies
Use Pumpkin Purée — Not Pie Filling
Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which can throw off the recipe.Don’t Overbake
These cookies should stay soft. Pull them from the oven once the tops look set.Customize The Flavor
Lots of people love adding extra cinnamon, festive sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even sunflower seeds on top for added texture.Storage Tips
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you prefer, you can leave some cookies unfrosted and freeze them for later.How To Make Pumpkin Cookies
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until a soft cookie dough forms.
Step 5: Scoop And Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to place dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the tops are set and the cookies spring back lightly when touched.
Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
How To Make Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue mixing until fluffy.
Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies.
Tips For The Best Pumpkin Cookies
Use Pumpkin Purée — Not Pie Filling
Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which can throw off the recipe.
Don’t Overbake
These cookies should stay soft. Pull them from the oven once the tops look set.
Customize The Flavor
Lots of people love adding extra cinnamon, festive sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even sunflower seeds on top for added texture.
Storage Tips
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
If you prefer, you can leave some cookies unfrosted and freeze them for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze pumpkin cookies?
Yes. Freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely. The cookies are soft, fluffy, and flavorful all on their own.
Why are my pumpkin cookies cakey?
Pumpkin adds moisture, which naturally creates a soft, cake-like texture.
More Cozy Fall Desserts To Try
- Pumpkin Cakes
- Carrot Cake Blondies With Cream Cheese Frosting
- Fall Dessert Recipes
- Easy Thanksgiving Desserts
- Pumpkin Spice Treats
Final Thoughts
These soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are one of those classic fall desserts people make on repeat every single year. They’re cozy, easy, incredibly soft, and packed with pumpkin flavor in every bite.
Whether you frost them heavily, lightly dust them with cinnamon, or enjoy them plain with coffee, they’re the perfect cozy fall cookie recipe to keep in your baking rotation.
More Cozy Dessert Recipes To Try
If you love soft and comforting desserts, there are so many delicious treats to bake next. These cozy pumpkin cakes are packed with warm fall flavor, while these rich carrot cake blondies with cream cheese frosting are perfect when you want something sweet and extra indulgent. Chocolate lovers will definitely want to try this soft and fluffy chocolate chip cake recipe, and for colorful dessert inspiration, don’t miss these fun rainbow cake ideas and magical green cake ideas. If you’re craving an easy crowd-pleasing dessert, these warm and gooey gooey s’mores bars are always a huge hit.
