Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with cozy spices and the sweet goodness of pumpkin. They’re perfect for family gatherings, school parties, or just a special snack at home. Trust me, both kids and adults will be clamoring for these soft, delicious cookies!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple, wholesome items that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-Friendly Appeal: These cookies are soft and sweet, making them a hit with everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a flavor that is both comforting and irresistible.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake—perfect for busy schedules!
• Frosted Delight: The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy touch that elevates these cookies to another level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich flavor and soft texture that makes these cookies so comforting.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ⅓ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (for rolling)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar

Variations

This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
• Use Different Frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a lighter option.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like cloves or cardamom to give your cookies a unique twist.
• Incorporate Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for added crunch.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. This step is important because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, leading to light and fluffy cookies.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together at low speed until well combined. This mix of wet ingredients not only adds moisture but also infuses your cookies with that lovely pumpkin flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg. Combining dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution throughout the cookie dough—no one likes a cookie that’s too salty or spicy!

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in several additions. Beat on low speed after each addition while scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes; this resting period helps develop flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 5: Prepare Sugar Mixture

While your dough is chilling, prepare your rolling mixture by combining granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This adds a lovely sweet crust to your cookies that enhances their overall taste.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Scoop about two tablespoons of dough at a time and roll it into balls. Then roll each ball in the sugar-cinnamon mixture before placing them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper—leaving about an inch between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake

Press each ball down slightly with your palm or a spoon before baking them in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be very lightly browned on the edges when done.

Step 8: Cool & Frost

Once baked, let your cookies cool completely on wire racks while you prepare the cream cheese frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar until well mixed.

Step 9: Decorate & Enjoy!

Spread that luscious cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cookie and sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired! Now it’s time to dig in—you deserve it! Enjoy every soft bite of these delightful pumpkin sugar cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some tips to ensure your pumpkin sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the butter and cream cheese blend smoothly, ensuring a light and fluffy texture for your cookies and frosting.

• Don’t skip the chilling step – Chilling the dough for 30 minutes makes it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in soft, puffy cookies.

• Adjust the baking time – Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them once the edges are slightly browned; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Adding nutmeg or cardamom can give a unique twist that enhances the fall flavors.

• Store properly – To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for several days!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Serving these soft pumpkin sugar cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some ideas to make your treats even more delightful.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle – A light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances their festive appearance.

• Chopped nuts – Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a crunchy contrast that complements the softness of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider – The warm spices in apple cider pair beautifully with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for fall gatherings.

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies creates a classic dessert experience that’s sure to please everyone.

• Caramel sauce drizzling – Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the frosted cookies for an indulgent touch that brings out their sweetness.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, your soft pumpkin sugar cookies will be a hit at any gathering this fall! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance, store it, and bake fresh cookies whenever you crave a sweet treat. Here’s how to store and freeze them for future enjoyment:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to 10 days.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookie dough, scoop and roll the dough balls as directed, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, and they can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Bake directly from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• If you have leftover baked cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.
• Alternatively, warm them in an oven preheated to 300F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe that might help you out!

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe! Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without added spices or sugar.

How do I know when my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges turn slightly golden brown. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut whipped cream or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water or almond milk.

How should I store my Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you’d like them to last longer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to bake these delightful Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies! They truly capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and soft texture. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies are bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking—enjoy every moment!