Pumpkin season deserves a soft, sweet cookie that captures the cozy essence of fall in every bite. These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are tender, fluffy, and warmly spiced. The pumpkin brings natural moisture and depth, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy finish that balances out the sweetness beautifully.

Whether you’re baking for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving gathering, or just want a reason to indulge in your favorite fall flavors, these cookies are the perfect treat. They’re easy enough for weekday baking but elegant enough to impress on a holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

They have a soft, almost cake-like texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. The pumpkin flavor is subtle and comforting, enhanced by cinnamon and nutmeg, and the frosting is smooth and luscious. Plus, they stay soft for days, making them ideal for make-ahead baking or sharing with friends and neighbors.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use for Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe—not pumpkin pie filling. The canned puree gives you pure pumpkin flavor without added sugars or spices, allowing you to control the sweetness and spice balance in the cookies.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-489409H59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional, for thinning)

The ingredients in this cookie recipe are simple, but each one plays a key role in texture and taste. Let’s talk about why they matter:

All-purpose flour

Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon

Ground nutmeg
Salt
Unsalted butter

Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Pumpkin puree

Egg
Vanilla extract

For the frosting:

Cream cheese
Butter
Powdered sugar

Vanilla extract
Milk or cream (if needed for thinning)

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting (1)

How To Make the Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. In another bowl, cream the butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla.

Step 2: Combine and Chill

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up.

Step 3: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set. Let them cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy. Add a splash of milk or cream if you want a softer consistency.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Optionally, dust with cinnamon or decorate with festive sprinkles.

How to Store and Serve These Cookies

These pumpkin sugar cookies are best served at room temperature once frosted, letting the flavors meld into soft perfection. They feed about 24 people if you’re keeping it to one cookie each, making them a great option for parties or potlucks.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months, then frost fresh before serving.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?

Hot Apple Cider

The warm spices of apple cider are a lovely match for the pumpkin spice in the cookies.

Chai Tea Latte

The creamy, spicy blend of chai pairs beautifully with the tangy frosting and sweet cookie.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Create a dessert platter with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream next to your cookie.

Maple Glazed Pecans

For a little crunch, serve these cookies alongside a bowl of sweet and salty pecans.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Double down on fall flavors with the drink that started it all.

Hot Chocolate

A rich mug of cocoa is never a bad idea with sugar cookies.

Roasted Pears

Balance the sweetness with something a little fruity and warm.

Whipped Cream Dip

If you’re making a platter, offer a bowl of sweetened whipped cream as an optional dip.

If you’re into baking seasonal and unique cookies, you’ll love these other recipes from Luna Meals:

Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts are perfect when you’re short on time but still want a homemade treat.
Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies offer a no-bake, crunchy twist on traditional cookies.
Dr. Pepper Brownies for those who love rich, chocolatey flavor with a surprise ingredient.

Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies bring a nutty caramel flavor that’s hard to resist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use extra cinnamon? Add a sprinkle of sea salt on the frosting? I love hearing the creative twists you all come up with.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and treats on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next fall favorite.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are like cozy sweaters in cookie form: soft, warm, and made for autumn days. They combine easy ingredients with beautiful flavor and texture. Whether you eat them with cider by the fire or bring them to a holiday table, they’re sure to be a hit.