Introduction
Fall is the perfect season for baking and nothing says fall quite like pumpkin. Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are a classic treat that bring warmth and comfort to any home. This recipe from Taste of Home is the perfect combination of pumpkin spice and creamy frosting, making it a must-try this fall.
Ingredients
For the cookies, you will need: – 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1 cup granulated sugar – 1 cup canned pumpkin – 1 large egg – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 2 cups all-purpose flour – 1 teaspoon baking powder – 1 teaspoon baking soda – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon ground ginger – ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon salt For the cream cheese frosting, you will need: – 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened – 2 cups powdered sugar – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Add in the canned pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. 6. Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. 8. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 9. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. 10. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on each cookie and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Each cookie has approximately: – Calories: 223 – Fat: 11g – Carbohydrates: 30g – Fiber: 1g – Protein: 2g
Cooking Time
This recipe takes about 30-35 minutes to prepare and bake.
Equipment
– Large mixing bowl – Whisk – Baking sheet – Parchment paper – Cookie scoop – Wire rack – Hand mixer or stand mixer
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for a fall dessert or afternoon snack. Serve them with a cup of hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treat.
Variations and Substitutions
– For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. – Try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor. – Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a simple vanilla glaze or maple icing.
Storage
Store these pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips and Notes
– Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them for the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. – When measuring your flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid overpacking your flour and making your cookies dry. – If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
While you can use fresh pumpkin, canned pumpkin is more convenient and has a consistent flavor and texture.
Yes, you can make the cookie dough up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are a fall favorite for a reason. This recipe from Taste of Home is easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. Perfectly spiced pumpkin cookies with a creamy frosting are sure to impress your family and friends this season. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite.