Frosted Pumpkin Cookies 🎃🍪🍥 Soft, Spiced, and Topped With Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

These frosted pumpkin cookies are tender, cake-like, and loaded with warm spice — then topped with tangy cream cheese frosting for the ultimate fall treat. They’re the kind of cookie that melts in your mouth and disappears fast at any gathering.

Ingredients (Makes about 24 cookies)

For the cookies

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of cloves (optional)

For the frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, pumpkin purée, and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Scoop and bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until set and lightly golden on the bottoms. Let cookies cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the frosting

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy and spreadable.

Step 5: Frost and serve

Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Flavor Variations

  • Add orange zest to the frosting for a bright citrus note
  • Sprinkle frosted cookies with cinnamon sugar for extra warmth
  • Use maple extract in the frosting for a maple-pumpkin combo
  • Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

Pro Tips

  • Make sure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting
  • For a thicker frosting, chill it for 20 minutes before spreading
  • Use a piping bag for a neater presentation if serving for guests
  • Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Final Thoughts

Frosted Pumpkin Cookies are soft, sweet, and irresistibly spiced, with a creamy topping that takes them over the top. They’re perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday trays, or as a crowd-pleasing bake for any fall occasion.

Bake them. Frost them. Savor pumpkin perfection. 🎃🍪🍥

🎃 All-Purpose Pumpkin Recipes 🎃

Fall in love with pumpkin all over again! From cozy pies and muffins to cheesecakes, cookies, and savory twists, this collection covers every craving. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want a taste of autumn, you’ll find the perfect recipe here.

Explore All Pumpkin Recipes → – Savory and sweet ways to enjoy pumpkin in every meal.

🥧 Classic Pumpkin Pies

See All Classic Pumpkin Pies → – Timeless pies for Thanksgiving and beyond.

🍨 Creative Pumpkin Pies

See All Creative Pumpkin Pies → – Unique flavor twists on the classic.

🍮 Pumpkin Puddings & Custards

See All Pudding & Custard Recipes → – Creamy, smooth pumpkin desserts.

🍞 Pumpkin Breads, Cupcakes & Scones

See All Bread, Cupcake & Scone Recipes → – Bakery-worthy fall treats.

🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecakes

See All Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipes → – Creamy cheesecake with pumpkin spice magic.

🍪 Pumpkin Cookies

See All Pumpkin Cookie Recipes → – Soft, chewy, and perfect for fall.

📏 Pumpkin Bars

See All Pumpkin Bar Recipes → – Shareable pumpkin squares for any gathering.

🧁 Pumpkin Muffin

See All Pumpkin Muffin Recipes → – Soft, warm, and full of spice.

🍰 Pumpkin Cakes

See All Pumpkin Cake Recipes → – From simple loaves to layered showstoppers.

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