Get ready to indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Soft Pumpkin Cookies topped with luscious Cream Cheese Frosting! Bursting with warm spices and the delightful flavor of pumpkin, these cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a cozy hug in every bite. Perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe will have your kitchen filled with irresistible aromas that will leave everyone asking for more. Are you ready to bake the best pumpkin cookies of your life? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of coconut sugar, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of gluten-free flour blend, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie using a knife or a spatula.
- Serve the soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, consider using homemade pumpkin puree. Just roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: To keep your cookies soft and tender, mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Frost at the Right Time: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week, but we doubt they’ll last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
