Name: Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk

Soft, spiced, and impossibly cozy, these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect autumn indulgence. Whether you’re whipping up a festive treat for a Halloween gathering or just craving something sweet with your coffee, these cookies are rich with pumpkin flavor and topped with a luscious swirl of tangy cream cheese frosting.

The cookie base is tender and pillowy, thanks to the moisture from pumpkin puree, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create that signature fall aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, sweet contrast that melts beautifully into each bite. They look bakery-ready but are actually incredibly easy to make from scratch.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

You get the softness of a cake-like sugar cookie, the warmth of pumpkin spice, and the decadence of a thick cream cheese frosting all in one bite. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that require chilling and rolling, this dough is a simple scoop-and-bake situation. That means fewer steps and more delicious cookies faster.

They’re perfect for sharing and ideal for those who love a good seasonal twist on a classic dessert. Plus, they stay soft for days, making them a great make-ahead option.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

Always go for pure canned pumpkin puree—not the pre-spiced pumpkin pie mix. The only ingredient listed on the can should be pumpkin. This gives you full control over the spices and sweetness in the cookies. Libby’s is a consistent favorite for its smooth texture and bright flavor.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These cookies are made with easy-to-find ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in getting that perfect soft and frosted bite.

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Pumpkin pie spice
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Pumpkin puree
Egg
Vanilla extract
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Milk

The butter gives these cookies a tender crumb, while both white and brown sugar add sweetness and a hint of molasses depth. The pumpkin puree provides moisture and flavor, and the cream cheese frosting? That brings the tangy, silky finish that makes these cookies irresistible.

How To Make the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Line the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Scoop

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Scoop dough onto baking sheets using a cookie scoop, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are set and centers look puffed. Let cookies cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a touch of milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Once cookies are cool, generously frost each one and optionally sprinkle with extra cinnamon or nutmeg.

Storing and Serving Your Cookies

These cookies are soft and slightly cakey, making them a great choice for dessert trays or as a sweet companion to a hot drink. The recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on your scoop size. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If stacking, place parchment between layers to keep the frosting intact. Let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Hot Apple Cider

Warm spices in the cider complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies perfectly.

Chai Latte

The bold spices in a chai latte bring out the pumpkin spice even more.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

For a decadent dessert, serve cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream.

Roasted Pecans

Their earthy crunch is a great contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Yes, double the pumpkin! It enhances every bite.

Maple Whipped Cream

Use as a dip or dollop—maple adds depth to the creamy sweetness.

Caramel Drizzle

A little drizzle over the frosted cookies takes them to the next level.

Cranberry Compote

The tartness cuts through the richness of the frosting and spices.

If you loved these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, here are more treats you’ll want to bake next:

Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a gooey, nostalgic combo.
Lemon Truffles Recipe for something sweet, tart, and bite-sized.
Baby Lemon Impossible Pies if you’re craving citrusy custard in cookie form.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for cinnamon sugar lovers.
Classic French Butter Cookies for a buttery, crisp option.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra heavy on the frosting? Did you try a caramel drizzle? I love hearing how you personalize these cookies!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate cozy treat for fall baking season. The texture is soft and satisfying, the flavor rich with spice and pumpkin, and the frosting is the kind of creamy finishing touch that keeps everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies never disappoint.