Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re ready to dive into a cozy, comforting treat that feels like autumn in every bite, you’re going to love these Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They combine warm, fragrant spices with a luscious pumpkin twist, and the creamy frosting on top adds just the right balance of sweetness and tang. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a feel-good moment wrapped in a perfect, soft bite, ideal for sharing or savoring on your own with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward baking these irresistible Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Every item plays a pivotal role, from the fragrant spices that create the cookie’s signature warmth to the smooth texture the pumpkin and cream cheese bring.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides structure and a tender crumb for the cookies.
- Baking soda (½ tsp) and baking powder (½ tsp): These leavening agents help the cookies rise up perfectly.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds moisture and deep caramel notes to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Brings the right level of sweetness and crunch.
- Cinnamon (1 Tbsp): The star spice that fills these cookies with warmth.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp) and cloves (¼ tsp): Add complexity and traditional fall flavor nuances.
- Pumpkin pie spice (½ tsp): A classic blend that ties all the spices together with cozy richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp + ½ tsp for frosting): Boosts flavor and sweetness in both dough and frosting.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup softened): Creates a soft, rich base for the cookies.
- Pumpkin purée (1 cup): Brings moisture, vibrant color, and the seasonal favorite taste.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature): The secret to creamy, tangy frosting that balances the spices.
- Butter (2 Tbsp for frosting): Adds silkiness and smooth texture in the frosting.
- Milk (1 Tbsp): Helps achieve a spreadable consistency for the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
How to Make Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your oven is hot and ready, so the cookies bake evenly and develop that golden color while staying soft inside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Using a mixer, beat together the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars for about three minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This aeration is crucial to give your cookies that tender yet chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Vanilla
Mix in the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract until fully combined. The pumpkin not only infuses great moisture but also lends a bright hue and seasonal flavor that makes these Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting truly special.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the warm spices together. Slowly fold this mixture into your wet ingredients until a dough forms. Be gentle to keep the cookies tender, letting those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into balls roughly 2 tablespoons each, then gently flatten them into discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Whip together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining vanilla extract, blending until the frosting reaches a soft spreadable texture that melts perfectly on each cookie.
Step 7: Frost and Store
Once the cookies are cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top. For a little extra charm, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon over the frosting. Store these delightful treats in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and luscious.
How to Serve Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans adds texture and an extra flavor punch. A tiny drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds can also enhance the look and taste without overpowering the cookie’s warmth.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of chai tea or spiced latte, accentuating their seasonal spices. Alternatively, a bowl of vanilla ice cream or hot cocoa makes for a perfect indulgent combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting on a rustic wooden board with fresh autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks scattered around for a festive, cozy vibe. Wrap a few cookies in parchment tied with twine to give as heartfelt homemade gifts—a sweet surprise anyone would adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting means they should stay fresh for up to 4-5 days, maintaining their delightful flavor and soft texture.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freeze the un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Once ready to serve, simply thaw and frost. The cookies themselves freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring the cookies back to life, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid heating the frosting too much to keep it smooth and cooling afterward helps it regain its perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin purée for these cookies?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is a convenient way to get that classic pumpkin flavor without any extra prep.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If cream cheese isn’t an option, mascarpone can be a great alternative for a similarly creamy texture but a slightly sweeter taste.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, you can enjoy these cookies without gluten. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency as it might need a little extra moisture.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the dough slightly to avoid the cookies becoming overly salty.
How long does it take to make these cookies from start to finish?
From prepping ingredients to frosting the cooled cookies, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to an hour – a quick investment for a batch of flavorful, festive cookies!
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to create these wonderfully soft and spiced treats, it’s time to enjoy every bite of your Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They’re everything you want in a cozy dessert—just the right balance of sweet and spiced, tender yet rich. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family, season after season. Happy baking!
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Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced treats to celebrate the autumn season. The cookies combine warm pumpkin spices with a moist pumpkin purée base, topped with a smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Sugar and Butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 2 Tbsp butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the optimal temperature when you begin baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flatten each ball slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops appear just firm.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookies bake, combine the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing continuously until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost and Store: Once the cookies have cooled completely on a wire rack, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Lightly sprinkle with ground cinnamon for extra flavor and decoration. Store the frosted cookies in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter used for frosting are at room temperature to achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be soft and slightly chewy in the center.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if needed.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice cookies, cream cheese frosting, pumpkin cookies, fall desserts, autumn treats, holiday cookies
