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.
Step 2: Make the cookie dough
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.
- 🥄 Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix – Homemade spice blend for all your pumpkin treats.
- 🌰 Pumpkin Seeds Recipe – Crunchy, roasted snack with endless seasoning options.
- 🥥 Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk – Creamy, lightly sweetened fall soup.
- 🥞 Pumpkin Pancakes – Fluffy and warmly spiced breakfast favorite.
- 🍝 Pumpkin Pasta Sauce – Savory-sweet sauce perfect for fall pasta dishes.
- 🧁 Pumpkin Muffins – Soft, moist muffins for a cozy snack.
- 🌶️ Pumpkin Chili – Hearty, savory chili with a pumpkin twist.
- 🥙 Pumpkin Hummus – Creamy dip with seasonal flavor.
- 🍞 Pumpkin Bread – Classic, moist pumpkin loaf.
🥧 Classic Pumpkin Pies
See All Classic Pumpkin Pies → – Timeless pies for Thanksgiving and beyond.
- 🥧 Traditional Pumpkin Pie – The holiday classic.
- 🥛 Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie – All the flavor, no dairy.
- 🍁 Maple Pumpkin Pie – Sweetened with pure maple syrup.
- 🥟 Mini Pumpkin Pies – Perfect for parties and portion control.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie – Delicious and celiac-friendly.
- 🍫 Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie – Rich chocolate meets creamy pumpkin.
- ❄️ No-Bake Pumpkin Pie – Easy, oven-free dessert.
🍨 Creative Pumpkin Pies
See All Creative Pumpkin Pies → – Unique flavor twists on the classic.
- 🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie – Creamy cheesecake meets pumpkin pie.
- 🔥 Brûléed Pumpkin Pie – Caramelized sugar topping for extra flair.
- 🍫 Chocolate Ganache Pumpkin Pie – Decadent and rich.
- 🥥 Coconut Pumpkin Pie – Tropical, creamy twist.
- 🍮 No-Bake Pumpkin Mousse Pie – Light, fluffy, and no oven needed.
- 🌰 Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Pie – Sweet and crunchy topping.
- 🍦 Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie – Cold, creamy holiday treat.
- 🥜 Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie – Nutty, sweet fusion.
🍮 Pumpkin Puddings & Custards
See All Pudding & Custard Recipes → – Creamy, smooth pumpkin desserts.
- 🍮 Pumpkin Pudding – Simple and silky.
- 🍞 Pumpkin Bread Pudding – Cozy, custardy comfort food.
- 🥤 Pumpkin Pie Smoothie – Drinkable pie in a glass.
- 🍨 Pumpkin Mousse – Light and airy.
- 🍮 Pumpkin Custard – Creamy baked goodness.
- 🥧 Pumpkin Pie Dip – Perfect for fruit or cookies.
- 🌱 Pumpkin Chia Pudding – Healthy and satisfying.
- 🔥 Pumpkin Crème Brûlée – Fancy caramelized dessert.
🍞 Pumpkin Breads, Cupcakes & Scones
See All Bread, Cupcake & Scone Recipes → – Bakery-worthy fall treats.
- 🍞 Pumpkin Bread – Moist and spiced.
- 🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – Sweet chocolate in every bite.
- 🧁 Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Classic fall cupcakes.
- 🥄 Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Warmly spiced and fluffy.
- 🍥 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread – Creamy ribbon through moist bread.
- 🍯 Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Crunchy topping perfection.
- 🍪 Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze – Bakery-style treat.
- 🍩 Glazed Pumpkin Donuts – Soft baked donuts with glaze.
🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecakes
See All Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipes → – Creamy cheesecake with pumpkin spice magic.
- 🍰 Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie – Hybrid of cheesecake and classic pie.
- ❄️ No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake – Creamy and oven-free.
- 🍮 Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake – Beautiful marbled presentation.
- 🧁 Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites – Bite-sized indulgence.
- 🍫 Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Creamy cheesecake in bar form.
- 🍪 Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – Cookie and cheesecake fusion.
- 🌰 Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake – Nutty crunch with creamy filling.
- 🍫 Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake – Deep chocolate meets pumpkin spice.
🍪 Pumpkin Cookies
See All Pumpkin Cookie Recipes → – Soft, chewy, and perfect for fall.
- 🍪 Classic Soft Pumpkin Cookies – Fluffy and spiced.
- 🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies – Classic combo of sweet and spice.
- 🌰 Chewy Pumpkin Molasses Cookies – Deeply flavored and chewy.
- 🍥 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies – Creamy filling between soft cookies.
- 🌾 Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – Hearty and wholesome.
- 🍯 Frosted Pumpkin Cookies – Sweet icing on top.
- 🌀 Pumpkin Snickerdoodles – Cinnamon-sugar perfection.
- 🍪 Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies – Cookies with cheesecake swirls.
- 🍬 Pumpkin Sugar Cookies – Soft and sweet cut-out style.
📏 Pumpkin Bars
See All Pumpkin Bar Recipes → – Shareable pumpkin squares for any gathering.
- 📏 Pumpkin Bars – Classic pumpkin dessert bars.
- 🥧 Pumpkin Pie Bars – All the pie flavor, easier to serve.
- 🍥 Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bars – Tangy cream cheese layer.
- 🍫 Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Cheesecake and pumpkin bar fusion.
🧁 Pumpkin Muffin
See All Pumpkin Muffin Recipes → – Soft, warm, and full of spice.
- 🧁 Pumpkin Muffins – Classic, moist muffins.
- 🍯 Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Sweet, crunchy topping.
- 🍫 Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins – Chocolate in every bite.
- 🍥 Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – Creamy surprise inside.
- 🥄 Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Boldly spiced and fluffy.
🍰 Pumpkin Cakes
See All Pumpkin Cake Recipes → – From simple loaves to layered showstoppers.
- 🍰 Pumpkin Cake – Simple and spiced.
- 🥄 Pumpkin Spice Cake – Extra spice for extra flavor.
- 🌀 Pumpkin Roll Cake – Rolled with cream cheese filling.
- 🎂 Pumpkin Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Impressive centerpiece dessert.
- 🍩 Pumpkin Bundt Cake – Pretty and perfect for glazing.
- ☕ Pumpkin Coffee Cake – Crumb topping for brunch vibes.
- 🍯 Pumpkin Crunch Cake – Sweet, buttery topping with crunch.