Description
Soft, cake-like Pumpkin Cookies topped with tangy cream cheese frosting. Warm spices, tender texture, and simple steps make these a cozy Halloween favorite that you can whip up fast.
Ingredients
1/2 cup salted butter (sweet cream)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 large eggs
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 batch cream cheese frosting (plain or cinnamon)
Instructions
1. Cream butter and sugar in a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add eggs and pumpkin; mix for another 3 minutes until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; add to the batter.
4. Gradually mix in flour, one cup at a time, just until blended; do not overmix.
5. Optionally fold in nuts.
6. Scoop about 1.5 oz of batter onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet; flatten slightly with a spoon.
7. Bake at 350°F for around 12 minutes or until set; rotate sheets halfway through.
8. Cool cookies completely before frosting.
9. Spread frosting on cooled cookies and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top.
Notes
Use room temperature butter and eggs for better texture.
If needed, warm eggs in water for 5–10 minutes; butter should be soft enough to leave an indentation.
Do not use melted butter.
Mixing by hand is possible but a mixer is preferred.
Properly creaming butter and sugar adds air for soft cookies.
Once flour is added, mix only until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
Line baking sheets with parchment to prevent sticking and over-browning.
Use at least two baking sheets so you never scoop onto a hot pan.
Rotate cookie sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
Separate layers with parchment and bring to room temperature before serving.
Texture: cake-like, moist, soft; Flavor: pumpkin-forward with warm spice.
Storage: refrigerate in airtight container; layer with parchment.
Frosting ideas: cinnamon, brown sugar, or caramel cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Category: Halloween Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie