Bake Unforgettable Pumpkin Sugar Cookies With 1 Secret

Oh, you know fall is *officially* here when the pumpkin spice cravings kick in! And what better way to celebrate than with my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting? Seriously, these aren’t just any cookies; they’re little bites of autumn heaven. I’m Maxine, by the way, and around here, I’m known for my Southern comfort food – with a twist, of course. Baking these cookies just makes my heart happy. They fill the kitchen with the most amazing smell, and honestly, who can resist a soft, spiced cookie topped with tangy cream cheese frosting? Not me, that’s for sure! This recipe? It’s one I’ve tweaked and perfected over the years, and I just *know* you’re gonna love it. Get ready for some serious fall baking fun!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Quick and Easy Fall Baking

Let’s be real, nobody wants to spend *all* day in the kitchen. This recipe is surprisingly simple and quick. You’ll have a batch of gorgeous fall cookies ready in no time! Perfect for when that pumpkin craving hits *hard*.

Warm Spices and Creamy Frosting

Okay, the flavor combo? It’s where it’s AT! Think warm pumpkin pie spice dancing with a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting. Trust me; it’s a match made in autumn baking heaven. My favorite part is that first bite – wow!

Perfect for Sharing

These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re practically begging to be shared! Bring ’em to a fall gathering, wrap ’em up as a sweet little gift, or just surprise your neighbors. Sharing is caring, especially when it involves pumpkin sugar cookies!

The Best Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Alright, so what makes *my* pumpkin sugar cookies the best? It’s all about the balance, y’all! We’re talking perfectly spiced, super soft cookies with a cream cheese frosting that’s just the right amount of tangy. Trust me, this recipe? It’s a winner!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing pumpkin sugar cookies. Don’t skimp – good ingredients make all the difference, ya know?

For the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

Make sure it’s *softened*, not melted! You want it nice and creamy, not a greasy mess.

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Plain ol’ granulated sugar works perfectly here.

1 cup pumpkin puree

Gotta have the pumpkin, right? Make sure it’s *canned pumpkin puree*, not pumpkin pie filling! Big difference!

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Adds that little somethin’ somethin’!

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Store-bought is fine, but homemade is even better! I usually have a jar of my own blend ready to go.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.

4 cups all-purpose flour

When measuring, spoon it lightly into your measuring cup and level it off. We don’t want any dense cookies!

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Definitely go for the *full-fat cream cheese* here, y’all. It makes the frosting so much richer.

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Again, softened, *not* melted! We want that creamy texture.

4 cups powdered sugar

Sift it for the best results! Nobody wants lumpy frosting.

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Can’t have cream cheese frosting without vanilla!

2-4 tablespoons milk or cream

I prefer *whole milk or heavy cream*. Add it gradually until you get the right consistency. You want it spreadable, not runny!

How to Make Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on the best pumpkin sugar cookies EVER. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through it.

Preparing the Pumpkin Sugar Cookie Dough

Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. We’re talking about 3-5 minutes, y’all! It should look almost like whipped cream. This step is *key* for a tender cookie.

Adding Pumpkin and Spices

Beat in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix it until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! We don’t want tough cookies.

Incorporating Flour

Gradually add the flour, mixing until it’s *just* combined. Again, be gentle! Overmixing = tough cookies. Nobody wants that!

Baking the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Rolling and Cutting

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters! This is where you can get creative. My little niece loves helping with this part!

Baking Time

Place those cuties on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on ’em! You want the edges to be lightly golden. If they start to brown too much, pull ’em out!

Cooling

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool *completely*. This is important! You can’t frost warm cookies, trust me; I’ve tried. Oops!

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beating Cream Cheese and Butter

In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps! Lumpy frosting? No, thank you!

Adding Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until it’s well combined. Go slow, or you’ll end up with a powdered sugar cloud in your kitchen! (Been there, done that!)

Achieving the Right Consistency

Stir in the milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. You want it creamy and spreadable, but not too runny. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed.

Frosting and Decorating the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, frost ’em with that luscious cream cheese frosting! Get creative with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or whatever your heart desires! Then, the best part… EAT THEM!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Okay, listen up, buttercups! Want to take your pumpkin sugar cookies from “meh” to “WOW”? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years.

Chill the Dough

Seriously, don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Plus, it makes the dough easier to handle. Win-win!

Use Quality Ingredients

Good butter and vanilla extract? They make ALL the difference! Splurge a little, and you’ll taste it in every bite. Trust me on this one.

Don’t Overbake

Overbaked cookies are sad cookies. Keep a close eye on ’em! You want the edges to be lightly golden, but the centers should still be a little soft. If they’re starting to brown too much, they’re probably done. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Alright, let’s talk swaps! Sometimes you’re missing an ingredient, or maybe you just wanna try something a little different. Here are a few ideas to keep you baking!

Pumpkin Puree Substitutions

No pumpkin puree on hand? No problem! Applesauce works great in a pinch. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try mashed sweet potato! It’ll give the cookies a slightly different flavor, but still totally delicious.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Alternatives

Out of pumpkin pie spice? Don’t panic! You can easily make your own. Just mix together cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a tiny pinch of cloves. Taste it and adjust until it smells like fall! For more information on spices, check out this guide to making pumpkin pie spice.

Cream Cheese Frosting Variations

Wanna jazz up that cream cheese frosting? Try adding a little lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor. Or, for extra warmth, stir in a pinch of cinnamon. So yummy!

Storing Your Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Okay, so you’ve baked these beautiful cookies, but what if you have leftovers? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and tasty.

Storing Frosted Cookies

Pop those frosted beauties into an airtight container and stash ’em in the refrigerator. That cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled, ya know!

Freezing Unfrosted Cookies

If you wanna freeze some for later (great idea!), wrap the *unfrosted* cookies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for a couple of months. Just thaw ’em out and frost when you’re ready to indulge!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Can I make these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely, darlin’! You can totally make the dough a day or two in advance. Just wrap it up tight and keep it in the fridge. The frosted cookies? They’re best enjoyed within a couple of days, but they’ll still be mighty tasty!

How do I prevent my Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting from spreading?

Ah, the dreaded cookie spread! The biggest trick is to chill that dough, like I mentioned before. Also, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly. Too much flour = dry cookies, but too little flour = flat, sad cookies. Spoon and level, remember?

Can I use a different type of frosting on these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Of course, you can! While I *adore* the cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream would be divine too. Or even a simple glaze! Get creative, y’all! It’s your kitchen, your cookies!

What’s the best way to decorate these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Ooh, this is the fun part! Sprinkles are always a winner, especially those fall-themed ones! Sanding sugar adds a little sparkle. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even try royal icing details! The sky’s the limit, really!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Okay, so you wanna know the damage, huh? Just a heads up, this is just an estimate, but each cookie is around 250 calories. You know, give or take! 😉

Enjoy Your Delicious Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Alright, y’all! Go bake these cookies and let me know what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and be sure to share your gorgeous creations on social media! Happy fall baking!

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