Are you ready for the ultimate fall cookie recipe? Look no further than these soft pumpkin sugar cookies with caramel cream cheese frosting. These cookies are perfect for any autumn occasion, from a cozy night in to a Halloween party. The combination of warm pumpkin spice and rich caramel cream cheese frosting is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy. Plus, they’re easy to make and will impress any guest.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
- Mix in caramel sauce until well combined.
- Add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Spread frosting onto cooled cookies.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 cookie | Calories: 170 | Total Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 80mg | Total Carbohydrates: 26g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Sugars: 17g | Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12-15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are perfect for any fall occasion, from a cozy night in to a Halloween party. Serve them with a warm cup of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treat.
Variations:
Looking to switch things up? Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for added crunch. You could also drizzle extra caramel sauce on top of the frosting for a decadent touch.
Substitutions:
- You can use any type of caramel sauce you like, whether it’s homemade or store-bought.
- For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Storage:
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough or else the cookies will be tough.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting or else the frosting will melt.
Notes:
This recipe makes about 30 cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
- Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
- Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just make sure to drain any excess water from the puree before adding it to the cookie dough.
Yes, you can make the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Yes, you can use any type of frosting you like. Cream cheese frosting pairs well with the pumpkin flavor, but you could also use vanilla or chocolate frosting.
Final Thoughts:
These soft pumpkin sugar cookies with caramel cream cheese frosting are the ultimate fall treat. They’re easy to make, and the combination of warm pumpkin spice and rich caramel cream cheese frosting is sure to impress any guest. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just looking for a cozy night in, these cookies are the perfect addition to your autumnal spread. Try them out for yourself and see what all the fuss is about!