As the crisp autumn air begins to swirl around us, there’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of baked goods to lift our spirits. The very thought of cozy evenings spent in the kitchen, with the aroma of pumpkin spice filling the air, is enough to rekindle fond memories. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe for soft and cakey pumpkin spice cookies while sifting through my collection of fall treats, and let me tell you, it instantly became a favorite! With its rich blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, each bite is a celebration of fall flavors, perfectly complemented by a tangy cream cheese frosting that takes these cookies to the next level.
What I love most? They’re shockingly easy to whip up—ideal for everything from casual family breakfasts to festive holiday gatherings. Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s bring a warm taste of the season into your home with these irresistible cookies!
Why are Pumpkin Spice Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible flavors: The blend of warm spices creates a cozy flavor that embodies fall.
Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Soft and cakey, these cookies practically dissolve blissfully in your mouth.
Simple to make: You don’t need to be a baking expert to impress family and friends with these.
Versatile indulgence: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack with coffee.
Crowd-pleaser: These cookies are sure to be the highlight of any gathering, beckoning for seconds and thirds.
Elevate your baking game with this fantastic recipe that promises to delight everyone at your table!
Pumpkin Spice Cookie Ingredients
• Let’s gather what you need for these delightful pumpkin spice cookies!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – This forms the backbone of your cookies; be precise with your measurements for the best texture.
- Baking soda – Essential for a good rise; make sure not to swap it with baking powder.
- Baking powder – Works alongside baking soda to add lift; use both for that fluffy texture!
- Salt – A tiny pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Brown sugar – This adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like depth; granulated sugar is a substitute, but the texture will differ.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens your cookies and helps structure; don’t skip this!
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice – These spices bring the warm, cozy essence of fall; adjust to suit your taste!
- Vanilla extract – A splash adds a lovely depth of flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
- Unsalted butter – Ensure it’s softened for that creamy consistency; adds richness to your dough.
- Pumpkin purée – Keeps the dough moist and brings that classic pumpkin flavor; canned purée works perfectly, just avoid pie filling.
For the Frosting
- Cream cheese – The star of your frosting, lending a creamy tang; let it come to room temperature first.
- Butter (for frosting) – Enhances the frosting’s richness and flavor; it should also be softened.
- Milk – Adjusts the frosting’s consistency so it spreads like a dream.
- Powdered sugar – This adds sweetness and thickens the frosting to perfection; sift it for a smooth finish.
Now you’re all set to create these delicious pumpkin spice cookies! Happy baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies
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Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Then, blend in the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine your dry ingredients, whisking together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a sticky dough.
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Shape and Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. With wet hands, roll the dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each and flatten them slightly. Bake for 15 minutes, or until they’re set but still soft in the center. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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Make the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. Frost the cooled cookies with this luscious cream cheese frosting and, if you like, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for an extra touch!
Optional: For added flair, garnish with chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies Variations
Feel free to bring your own twist to these delightful cookies and make them your own!
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Applesauce Swap: Replace pumpkin purée with an equal amount of applesauce for a unique fruity flavor. It’s just as moist and delicious!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary needs, allowing everyone to enjoy these treats.
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Choco Chip Delight: Fold in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the spices.
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Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin.
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Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins to add a touch of chewiness and a tangy burst of flavor in every bite.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to kick up the heat and create a warm, spiced flavor explosion.
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Maple Frosting: Use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar in your frosting for a delightful, earthy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
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Coconut Flour: Substitute 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour with coconut flour for a hint of tropical flavor and a softer texture that melts in your mouth.
Let your creativity shine as you bake these scrumptious pumpkin spice cookies!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Cookies?
Indulging in pumpkin spice cookies offers a delightful experience, and pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate that pleasure even more.
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Black Coffee: The bitterness of coffee beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a perfect morning or afternoon pairing.
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Warm Apple Cider: Nothing says fall quite like a warm mug of apple cider, which enhances the spices in the cookies and adds comforting warmth to your treat.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety hot chocolate is a sweet companion, blending seamlessly with the soft texture of the cookies for a cozy treat.
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Maple Walnut Ice Cream: The nutty tones of walnut ice cream, combined with a hint of maple, complement the pumpkin flavors beautifully for a luxurious dessert experience.
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Fruity Herbal Tea: Fresh, fruity tea provides a refreshing contrast and enhances the cookie’s warm spices, ideal for a light afternoon snack.
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Chai Latte: The spiced flavor of chai mirrors the comforting notes of the cookies, making it an irresistible choice for warming up on chilly days.
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Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop of creamy, tangy yogurt adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness and layers of flavor, offering a refreshing twist.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies adds a rich, buttery sweetness that’s simply irresistible, perfect for indulgent gatherings.
With these pairings, every bite of your pumpkin spice cookies becomes a moment of cozy joy!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, perfect for those unexpected cravings!
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Freezer: Freeze pumpkin spice cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter before enjoying, or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
Reheating: To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Serve with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a delightful treat!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Spice Cookies
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Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too sticky, briefly chill it in the refrigerator to make shaping easier.
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Cool Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding frosting to avoid meltiness; patience pays off!
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Electric Mixer: For a perfectly smooth texture, use an electric mixer when preparing both the cookie dough and the frosting.
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Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking; they should remain soft and will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste; these pumpkin spice cookies are versatile and can handle creative twists!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft and Cakey Pumpkin Spice Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain the cookies’ delightful texture and flavor, cover the dough tightly to prevent drying out. Additionally, the cream cheese frosting can be made up to 1 day ahead; simply refrigerate it in a sealed container. When you’re ready to bake, scoop and shape the dough into balls, then bake as directed, and frost once cooled for a homemade treat that’s just as delicious as if made fresh that day!
Soft and Cakey Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to choose ripe pumpkin purée for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin purée, look for cans labeled as “100% pumpkin” with no added sugars or spices—these will yield the best flavor and consistency. If using fresh pumpkin, choose a sugar pumpkin, which is smaller and sweeter than standard carving pumpkins.
How should I store leftover pumpkin spice cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh for up to one week, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their soft texture. If you’re keeping them at room temperature, it’s best to consume them within 3 days to enjoy them at their utmost freshness.
Can I freeze pumpkin spice cookies? If so, how should I do it?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these delightful cookies! First, allow the cookies to cool completely, then wrap each one in plastic wrap tightly. Place the wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, comforting treat.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky to work with?
Very! If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls for baking. Don’t forget to wet your hands a bit while rolling the dough to prevent sticking!
Are these cookies suitable for those with food allergies?
If you have allergies, modifications can be made! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for gluten sensitivity. For dairy allergies, try using a dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternative for the frosting. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
How long can I keep the cream cheese frosting?
You can store your cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to place it in an airtight container. If you want to make it in advance, it’s best to frost the cookies closer to serving time to maintain freshness.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Creamy Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Blend in pumpkin purée and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a sticky dough.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. With wet hands, roll dough into 2-tablespoon balls and flatten them slightly. Bake for 15 minutes, or until set but still soft in the center.
- Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting. Optionally sprinkle cinnamon on top for an extra touch!