Get ready to experience the ultimate fall comfort food that will transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn paradise! These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting are not just a dessert – they're a warm, spicy hug for your senses. Imagine biting into a cloud-like cookie bursting with pumpkin flavor, topped with a luxurious maple cream cheese frosting that will make you forget about every other dessert you've ever tasted. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is your ticket to becoming the ultimate autumn baking hero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the maple cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Add maple syrup and powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the maple cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
- Optionally, dust with additional cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor and presentation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- Don't overmix the batter – this can lead to tough, dense cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookie sizes to ensure even baking.
- Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
- For extra moisture, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream to the cookie batter.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- For a professional look, use a piping bag to apply the maple cream cheese frosting.
- Store cookies in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and prevent spoilage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
