There’s something magical about fall—the cozy sweaters, the crisp air, and the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin desserts wafting through your home. These Pumpkin Bliss Cookies with Creamy Spice Frosting are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Soft and spiced cookies topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting bring together the best flavors of autumn. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are bound to become a seasonal tradition.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bliss Cookies
These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:
- Fall flavors in every bite: Pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice make these cookies taste like autumn.
- Soft and chewy texture: The cookies have a perfect balance of softness and a light crisp edge.
- Decadent frosting: The creamy, spiced frosting elevates the cookies to bakery-quality status.
- Easy to bake: Straightforward ingredients and steps make them ideal for all bakers.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bliss Cookies with Creamy Spice Frosting
Category | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
For the Cookies | Butter, softened | 1 cup | Use unsalted for better flavor control. |
Salt | ¾ teaspoon | Balances sweetness. | |
Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Adds sweetness and structure. | |
Brown sugar | ⅔ cup | Adds moisture and a caramel flavor. | |
Large egg | 1 | Acts as a binder. | |
Pumpkin puree | ½ cup | Not pumpkin pie filling. | |
Vanilla extract | 1½ teaspoons | Enhances flavor. | |
All-purpose flour | 3⅓ cups | Provides structure. | |
Pumpkin spice mix | 2 teaspoons | The star spice blend of fall! | |
Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | Adds extra warmth. | |
Baking powder | 2 teaspoons | Helps the cookies rise. |
| For the Frosting | Cream cheese, softened | 4 oz | Use full-fat for best results. |
| | Butter, softened | 2 oz | Adds richness to the frosting. |
| | Powdered sugar | 1⅔ cups | For sweetness and texture. |
| | Milk | 1 tablespoon | Adjust for desired consistency. |
| | Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon | Complements the spices. |
| | Pumpkin spice blend | ½ teaspoon | Adds flavor and a festive touch. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice mix, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your palm.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Spice Frosting
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice blend. Mix until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Step 4: Frost and Garnish
- Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread the frosting over each cookie using a spatula.
- Lightly sprinkle extra pumpkin spice blend over the frosting for a decorative and flavorful touch.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for Baking Perfect Pumpkin Bliss Cookies
- Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before baking.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Softened butter and cream cheese mix more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
- Don’t overbake: These cookies are best when slightly underbaked, so they remain soft and tender.
- Get creative with spices: Adjust the pumpkin spice mix and cinnamon to suit your taste.
Creative Variations to Try
- Add mix-ins: Fold in white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries for extra texture.
- Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend.
- Citrus twist: Add orange zest to the frosting for a bright, tangy note.
- Maple touch: Substitute vanilla extract in the frosting with maple extract for a unique flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 230 |
Total Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Sugar | 18g |
Protein | 2g |
FAQ: Pumpkin Bliss Cookies with Creamy Spice Frosting
1. Can I prepare these cookies in advance?
Yes! Bake the cookies a day ahead and frost them just before serving.
2. How do I store frosted cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! Freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost when ready to serve.
4. Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?
For a different flavor, you can use sweet potato or butternut squash puree.
5. What if I don’t have pumpkin spice mix?
Make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
6. Can I make smaller cookies?
Of course! Use a smaller scoop and adjust the baking time to 8–10 minutes.
Conclusion: Your New Fall Favorite Treat
These Pumpkin Bliss Cookies with Creamy Spice Frosting capture everything we love about fall—warm spices, soft textures, and a hint of decadence. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or a festive fall party, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the autumn baking beging.
PrintPumpkin Bliss Cookies with Creamy Spice Frosting: Your New Fall Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Celebrate fall with these Pumpkin Bliss Cookies with Creamy Spice Frosting! Soft, tender cookies packed with warm pumpkin spice and topped with a creamy, spiced frosting, these treats are a seasonal delight. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cozy cup of coffee, they’re a must-bake for autumn.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice mix
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz butter, softened
- 1⅔ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice mix, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your palm.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice blend. Mix until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Step 4: Frost and Garnish
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the frosting generously on top of each one.
- Lightly sprinkle extra pumpkin spice blend over the frosting for decoration.
Notes
- If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before baking.
- Use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
- Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American