Soft Pumpkin Cookies

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are not only a delightful treat but also an easy-to-make dessert perfect for various occasions. With their soft and cakey texture, they bring the warmth of pumpkin spice to your table. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, these cookies are a fall favorite. Enjoy them at holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or as a sweet snack throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in one bowl with no need for chilling time.
• Delicious Flavor: Packed with pumpkin spice and topped with creamy frosting, they are bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them plain or frosted to suit your mood or occasion.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a double batch to freeze leftovers for easy treats later on.
• Great for Sharing: With 24 cookies per batch, they’re ideal for parties and gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these amazing Soft Pumpkin Cookies, gather your tools and prepare your space. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Cookie sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric mixer: These tools save time and effort by thoroughly mixing the ingredients quickly.
• Cookie sheet: A good quality cookie sheet ensures even baking, which is crucial for soft, tender cookies.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

These soft and cakey pumpkin cookies are packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Made in one bowl with no chill time, they’re the perfect quick and easy fall treat. Enjoy them plain or frosted, and don’t forget to make a double batch—they disappear fast! Freeze leftovers for a make-ahead dessert or meal-prep snack.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (blotted dry with paper towels)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl with an electric mixer or stand mixer:
1. Beat butter on medium-high speed for 1 minute.
2. Add sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add:
1. The egg and vanilla, beating until no yellow streaks remain.
2. Then add the pumpkin puree and beat again until incorporated.

Step 4: Add Flour

With the mixer running on low:
1. Gradually add the flour. Turn up to medium speed until completely incorporated.
2. The dough will be slightly wet; this is what you want!

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Use a heaping tablespoon or medium cookie scoop to drop cookie dough balls onto prepared cookie sheet:
1. Place them a few inches apart.
2. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until tops are set and no longer look wet.
3. Allow cooling on cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl:
1. Beat together softened butter and softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Sift in the powdered sugar then add the vanilla extract.
3. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
4. Frost cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy your delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Soft pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them plain or dressed up, these cookies are versatile enough for any occasion.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

• A classic choice, the rich cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the warm pumpkin spice flavor.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break. Their soft texture makes them a perfect pairing with your favorite hot beverage.

At Holiday Gatherings

• These cookies are ideal for holiday parties or potlucks. Their festive color and flavor make them a seasonal favorite that everyone will love.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package them in decorative boxes or bags to share with friends and family. A batch of soft pumpkin cookies makes for a thoughtful homemade gift during the fall season.

Decorated for Special Occasions

• Use festive sprinkles or themed decorations on top of the frosting to match any celebration—Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas!

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies

To achieve the best soft pumpkin cookies, keep these essential tips in mind.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined; this prevents tough cookies and keeps them soft and cakey.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
• Check doneness carefully: Bake until the tops are set but still soft; they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences, adding nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Soft pumpkin cookies can be paired with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some delightful options:

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the flavors of pumpkin spice beautifully.
2. Apple Cider: A classic fall beverage that pairs well with sweet treats; serve it warm or chilled.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.
4. Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside fruits like pears and figs for a savory balance.
5. Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoy these cookies with a comforting cup of PSL for an ultimate pumpkin experience.
6. Nuts and Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix can provide a nice texture contrast while keeping things healthy.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: This savory dish can balance out the sweetness of the cookies nicely when served together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making soft pumpkin cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold Ingredient Measurements: Always double-check your ingredient measurements. Using too much flour or sugar can lead to cookies that are too dry or overly sweet.
• Bold Not Preheating the Oven: Forgetting to preheat your oven can result in uneven baking. Always set the temperature before you start mixing your ingredients.
• Bold Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too long can make your cookies tough instead of soft and cakey. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Bold Skipping the Parchment Paper: Baking directly on the cookie sheet can cause sticking. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Bold Ignoring Cooling Time: Letting cookies cool on the sheet for too long can lead to overcooking. Transfer them to a wire rack after a few minutes for perfect softness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store soft pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cookies for about 5-7 minutes for optimal freshness.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.
• Bold Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat to warm cookies gently, which helps maintain their softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Soft Pumpkin Cookies so unique?

Soft pumpkin cookies stand out due to their delightful cakey texture and rich pumpkin spice flavor, making them a comforting fall treat.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree as a substitute, but ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your dough.

How do I customize my Soft Pumpkin Cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture. Feel free to get creative!

How long do Soft Pumpkin Cookies last?

These cookies last about one week in the refrigerator and up to three months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

Soft pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them plain or topped with cream cheese frosting. Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding nuts or spices. These treats are sure to become a favorite in your fall baking repertoire!