Name: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-4 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream), for desired consistency

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Get ready to cozy up with the best soft pumpkin cookies you’ve ever tasted! These are pillowy, spiced delights swirled with a creamy, tangy frosting that takes pumpkin season to a whole new level. If you’ve ever wished autumn had a signature treat, this is it. These cookies are tender, fragrant, and just sweet enough—with a rich cream cheese frosting that’ll have everyone sneaking back for seconds. Trust me, if you’re looking for the best pumpkin cookie to share or savor with a cup of coffee, this is truly The Best recipe for you!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated or hard-to-find here—just a handful of classic, easy-to-love ingredients that, when combined, are pure autumn magic. Each one plays a part in making The Best cookies: from perfect softness to unbeatable flavor and that gorgeous color pumpkin lovers crave.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure so your cookies are soft yet hold their shape—be sure to measure accurately for the best results.
Baking soda: Gives just the right lift, ensuring these cookies stay fluffy and tender.
Ground cinnamon: The essential spice for warmth and that classic pumpkin flavor everyone loves.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a unique depth and cozy aroma, rounding out the spice blend.
Ground cloves: Just a little brings the perfect hint of boldness and autumnal flair.
Salt: Balances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Unsalted butter (for cookies): Makes each bite rich and melt-in-your-mouth; softening it helps with creaming.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps them brown beautifully.
Pumpkin puree: The star—use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for that authentic flavor and tender texture.
Large egg: Binds everything for a smooth, cohesive dough.
Vanilla extract (for cookies): Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Cream cheese (for frosting): Gives your frosting a dreamy, tangy flavor and ultra-creamy texture.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): Ensures the frosting is rich, smooth, and perfect for spreading.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting so you can swirl it generously on every cookie.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds warmth and depth to the creamy topping.
Milk or heavy cream: Lets you perfect the consistency of your frosting—just a drizzle at a time.

How to Make The Best

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This step is key: combining these first ensures your spices are perfectly distributed, so every bite of The Best pumpkin cookies has a bit of that irresistible autumn flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until it’s light, airy, and pale. This usually takes 3–5 minutes—don’t rush! Creaming well helps your cookies bake up fluffy and soft, just the way The Best pumpkin cookies should be.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Now mix in the pumpkin puree until it’s fully incorporated, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides to make sure everything is silky-smooth—these simple steps bring all the flavors together and set the stage for the most luscious cookie dough.

Step 4: Blend in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your bowl of dry ingredients, mixing gently on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that holds together but isn’t tough. This keeps your cookies delightfully tender—exactly what makes The Best pumpkin cookies stand out.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour (or up to 24 hours if you’re prepping ahead). Chilling is the secret to thick, soft cookies that bake up perfectly every time and help meld all those fall flavors together.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This helps each cookie bake evenly and releases easily with no sticking—no fuss, just The Best homemade treats.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of chilled dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread into their signature pillowy shape.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Pop baking sheets in the oven for 10–12 minutes, keeping an eye out for lightly golden edges and centers that are set but still soft. The aroma alone is enough to let you know you’re baking the best pumpkin cookies!

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling completely is important so your cream cheese frosting glides on smoothly without melting.

Step 10: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese (Frosting)

In a fresh bowl or clean stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until silky-smooth and creamy. Patience here pays off with the best, fluffiest frosting you can imagine.

Step 11: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar (Frosting)

Add the powdered sugar a cup at a time, beating on low so it doesn’t dust your kitchen. The frosting will come together thick and luscious, exactly how you want it for swirling onto each cookie.

Step 12: Add Vanilla Extract and Milk (Frosting)

Mix in the vanilla, then add milk or heavy cream a tablespoon at a time, stopping when you reach your ideal creamy consistency. Whether you love a thick, bakery-style swirl or a glossy, drizzly finish, this frosting is the real deal.

Step 13: Frost the Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to frost! Spoon or pipe the frosting onto each cookie and enjoy watching them transform into the best autumn bakery-style treats—no fancy tools required.

Step 14: Optional Decorations

Decorate the frosted cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’d like—these little extras not only look gorgeous but bring a touch of festive fun to The Best pumpkin cookies.

Step 15: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these irresistible cookies right away, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for a cool, creamy treat whenever the craving hits. However you enjoy them, you’ll see why these are called The Best!

How to Serve The Best

Garnishes

Go beyond basic by sprinkling a little cinnamon or pumpkin spice right on top of the frosting. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts are delicious for a sweet crunch, while festive sprinkles can give these cookies even more autumn flair. These finishing touches make The Best pumpkin cookies look (and taste) like they came straight from the bakery.

Side Dishes

Pair your soft pumpkin cookies with a steaming mug of chai, a pumpkin spice latte, or even a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving a crowd, consider adding a fruit platter or a bowl of spiced nuts—the cookies will always be the star, but these sides complement their warm, cozy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a circular pattern on a rustic tray, stack them high on a cake stand, or wrap a few in cellophane with a ribbon for a festive fall gift. For Thanksgiving or Halloween gatherings, add a tag naming them “The Best Pumpkin Cookies” and watch everyone smile before the first bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your frosted cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and the cookies stay super soft—making The Best pumpkin cookies a make-ahead dream!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! For best results, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag or container. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw at room temperature and frost fresh. You can also freeze the frosting separately, then whip it briefly before using.

Reheating

If you love that just-baked feel, pop unfrosted cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–5 minutes. For frosted cookies, let them come to room temperature on the counter. The Best way to revive them is always gentle—just enough to bring out that softness and fresh-baked aroma.

FAQs

What makes these the best soft pumpkin cookies?

It’s all about the perfectly balanced spices, real pumpkin puree, and a pillowy soft texture that melts in your mouth. Add a rich cream cheese frosting on top, and you instantly have The Best autumn cookie around!

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to drain it well so it’s not watery. Homemade puree makes these cookies taste even more fresh and earthy—a wonderful twist on The Best classic recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend at a 1:1 ratio. The results will still be incredibly soft and delicious—no one will believe they’re not the original best pumpkin cookies.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling helps the dough firm up, controls spreading, and lets the flavors deepen and meld together. It’s a small step that guarantees bakery-quality results every time you bake The Best pumpkin cookies.

How do I keep the frosting thick and fluffy?

Beat the butter and cream cheese really well before you add the powdered sugar, and add milk just a little at a time. Stop mixing as soon as it reaches that cloud-like texture—this ensures The Best cream cheese frosting every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about baking in the fall, and these cookies capture all of the season’s best flavors and aromas. Whether you share them with family or keep a secret stash for yourself, I hope you’ll agree that this is The Best soft pumpkin cookie recipe out there—happy baking and enjoy every sweet bite!