Name: Soft and Cakey Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Butter (Sweet Cream Salted), softened; 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 of The Best Cream Cheese Frosting (typically made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 62 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall with every bite, then you absolutely need to try this Soft and Cakey Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cookies are the perfect harmony of tender, pillowy texture infused with warm pumpkin spices, topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or a simple treat to brighten your day, they promise a beautiful blend of moist cakey goodness and that iconic pumpkin flavor you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two soft pumpkin cookies stacked on a white plate with brown edges, placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one thick layer of orange pumpkin cookie dough, topped with a creamy off-white frosting swirled smoothly in a round shape. The top cookie has a bite taken out, revealing its moist orange inside texture. Light brown cinnamon powder is softly sprinkled over the frosting. In the background, some cinnamon sticks and a glass of milk are slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, as the list consists of staple pantry items that come together to create magic. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the richness of the butter and the warmth of the cinnamon to the natural moisture and color the pumpkin brings, ensuring these cookies stay soft and cakey with every bite.

1/2 cup Butter (Sweet Cream Salted): Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
1 cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough evenly, helping the cookies brown beautifully.
1 cup Canned Pumpkin: The star ingredient that gives moisture, flavor, and that lovely autumn hue.
2 Large Eggs: Help bind ingredients together and add structure without drying out.
4 teaspoons Baking Powder: The leavening agent that makes these cookies rise and become cakey.
1 teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
2 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon: Brings that signature warm and fragrant flavor.
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, sweet spiciness that complements pumpkin.
1/4 teaspoon Ginger: Gives just the right amount of zing and depth.
2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that holds everything together.
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
1 batch of The Best Cream Cheese Frosting: Creamy, tangy, and sweet, perfect for topping each cookie.

How to Make Soft and Cakey Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. While the oven warms, let your butter soften at room temperature so it creams easily, and measure out all your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a soft texture in your cookies, as it incorporates air that helps the batter rise.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Eggs

Beat in the canned pumpkin until fully combined, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This mixture will start to look creamy and thick, the base for your soft and cakey cookie dough.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and flour. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key to that perfect pumpkin spice flavor throughout.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the dough light and fluffy. If you’re using nuts, fold them in at this point for added texture.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are firm and the tops spring back lightly when pressed.

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Frosting warm cookies can cause the topping to melt and slide off, so patience here makes all the difference.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy!

Spread a generous layer of The Best Cream Cheese Frosting on each cooled cookie. This frosting enhances every bite with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, perfectly balancing the warm spices and softness of the pumpkin cookie.

How to Serve Soft and Cakey Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle the frosted cookies lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg. Toasted chopped nuts or a drizzle of melted caramel sauce also add a lovely finishing touch if you want to impress your guests or make the experience even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin spice cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Offering a warm mug alongside creates a perfect autumnal moment that’s hard to resist.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cookies on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins as decor for a seasonal vibe. They also work beautifully stacked in gift boxes or arranged on a tiered dessert tray, making them ideal for parties or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them in a single layer with parchment sheets in between helps maintain their soft and cakey texture without any sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and frost them fresh after thawing to preserve that signature cream cheese frosting taste.

Reheating

Warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness. For best results, frost after reheating for a fresh-baked feel that makes your Soft and Cakey Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe just as delightful as the day you made them.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth before measuring. Keep in mind fresh puree might add extra moisture, so you may want to slightly reduce other liquids.

What if I don’t have cream cheese frosting ready?

You can use store-bought cream cheese frosting as a convenient substitute, or try a simple dusting of powdered sugar to keep it easy and still delicious.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup for cup. The texture will still be soft and cakey, especially if you choose a blend designed for baking.

How long do the cookies stay moist?

If stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies maintain their soft moisture for about 3 days. Beyond that, the texture might start to firm up but can be revived by warming slightly.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?

Yes! Chocolate chips or dried cranberries can be delightful additions, adding bursts of sweetness and texture that pair beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Soft and Cakey Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe — a recipe that wraps the cozy flavors of fall into one perfect bite. Whether you’re baking for loved ones, a festive gathering, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are an irresistible celebration of pumpkin spice bliss. Give this recipe a whirl and watch how quickly these tender, flavorful cookies become your new favorite fall indulgence.