Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of warmth and sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for the holiday season. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that tastes like autumn wrapped in a hug, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg dancing on your palate. comfort food with tortellini The creamy frosting adds a luscious touch that elevates these cookies to the next level of deliciousness.
Every Thanksgiving, I whip up a batch of these delightful cookies, filling the kitchen with enticing aromas that remind me of family gatherings and cozy evenings by the fireplace. They’re not just cookies; they’re an experience! Whether you’re sharing them at a festive gathering or indulging in them solo while binge-watching your favorite holiday movies, each bite promises to delight. cozy dinners with stuffing.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies offer effortless preparation for busy bakers
- Each cookie bursts with rich pumpkin flavor balanced by sweet cream cheese frosting
- Their charming appearance makes them a festive addition to any dessert table
- Perfect for sharing but delicious enough to keep all to yourself!
I once took these cookies to a family gathering, and let’s just say they vanished quicker than my uncle’s famous turkey—no leftovers in sight!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience; just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pie filling.
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Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for extra moisture and flavor.
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Butter: Softened butter creates tender cookies; never underestimate the power of good-quality butter!
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Eggs: One large egg helps bind everything together—making sure it’s at room temperature helps with mixing.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors beautifully.
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Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both are essential for achieving that perfect rise and texture.
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Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices bring out the warm flavors of fall; fresh ground spices work wonders. fall squash soup recipe.
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Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure; be careful not to overmix when adding it in!
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Cream Cheese: For frosting, use softened cream cheese for a smooth finish. For more inspiration, check out this cream cheese wontons recipe.
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Powdered Sugar: Sweetens up the frosting perfectly; sift it first for a lump-free texture.
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Milk or Heavy Cream: A splash helps achieve your desired frosting consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare your work area: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup later.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients separately: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed. This helps distribute all those lovely spices throughout.
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing here—this keeps your cookies soft!
Scoop and bake those beauties!: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop tablespoon-sized balls onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool and frost!: Let cookies cool on wire racks once out of the oven. Meanwhile, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. Frost cooled cookies generously before serving.
Now you have delightful Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting ready to impress! Enjoy every bite as you celebrate this season of gratitude. keto pepperoni cheese bites.
You Must Know
- These Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a holiday treat; they’ll make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn day
- The blend of spices and the creamy frosting will leave everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make these scrumptious cookies, start by mixing the dry ingredients, then cream the butter and sugar before adding the pumpkin puree. This order ensures a smooth batter that bakes evenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices or add chocolate chips for an extra twist. A sprinkle of nutmeg or even some chopped pecans could elevate these cookies from delightful to divine! For more inspiration, check out this espresso chocolate chip cookies recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for about ten seconds to enhance their flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted
- Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps achieve that perfect texture!
The first time I made these cookies, my family devoured them in minutes. They declared it was like tasting fall itself, which is quite a compliment coming from my picky cousin!
FAQ
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin?
Using pumpkin pie filling will alter the flavor; stick with pure pumpkin for a balanced taste.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden while the centers appear soft and slightly underbaked.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in frosting?
Mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt can be used as alternatives for a lighter frosting option.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies topped with creamy frosting. Each soft, chewy cookie is infused with rich pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, delivering a delightful taste that embodies the holiday spirit. Perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned, pure)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them two inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden; cool on wire racks.
- For frosting, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until smooth; frost cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg




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