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Pumpkin cookie with visible soft center and frosting
Anne Newgent

Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfectly soft, cakey, and pillowy, these pumpkin cookies are packed with warm fall spices and topped with rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting. They're cozy, comforting, and perfect for any autumn gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 185
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground ginger
  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1 batch cinnamon cream cheese frosting

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the softened butter and sugar together using a mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then add pumpkin purée and beat until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger together.
  5. Slowly mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in optional chopped nuts if using.
  7. Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto baking sheets. Flatten each slightly.
  8. Bake for 12 minutes or until tops are set but not browned.
  9. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.
  10. Spread cinnamon cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top.

Notes

For a lighter option, make a cinnamon glaze with 1 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Adjust consistency as needed.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Cookies and raw dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving or baking.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 185 | Total Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 120mg | Carbohydrates: 26g | Sugar: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fiber: 1g
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the products and brands you use. Calculate the actual nutrition values using your preferred nutrition calculator and the exact ingredients you choose.