🍂 Historical Overview
Sugar cookies date back to the 1700s, originating in Pennsylvania among German settlers who prized simple, buttery sweets. Pumpkin, native to North America, became a fall baking staple in the 19th century when home cooks began incorporating it into breads, pies, and cookies. Combining the two traditions gives us today’s Pumpkin Sugar Cookies — a perfect blend of old-world simplicity and cozy autumn warmth. The cream cheese frosting adds a modern, tangy twist that balances the cookies’ sweet, spiced flavor.
Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, pillowy, and full of cozy fall flavor. Perfect for chilly autumn days, these cookies bring together the sweetness of pumpkin and the tang of cream cheese for an irresistibly moist and flavorful treat. Whether for Thanksgiving dessert tables, Halloween parties, or afternoon tea, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp ginger
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup pumpkin puree
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: a dash of cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
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In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
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Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla; mix until combined.
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Gradually add dry ingredients, stirring until dough forms.
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Scoop dough onto baking sheets and flatten slightly with your fingers or a spoon.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft. Cool completely.
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For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
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Frost cooled cookies and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
Notes
For extra pumpkin spice flavor, add a pinch of cloves or allspice.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies.
Store frosted cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days.
