Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting treat that wraps you up in all the warm flavors of fall, you’ve got to try these Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. These delightful cookies perfectly balance the festive spices with a tender pumpkin base, then get an irresistibly creamy, tangy frosting that takes them to the next level. Every bite feels like a cozy hug, making these the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion or just a little everyday indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the battle, and for these cookies, each element plays a starring role. From the spices that add depth and warmth to the pumpkin purée that keeps things wonderfully moist, every single item combines to create magic in your kitchen.

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides the sturdy base and structure for your cookies to hold their shape beautifully.
• Baking soda (½ tsp) and baking powder (½ tsp): These leavening agents help the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy texture.
• Salt (a pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor that deepens the cookie’s profile.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): For that perfect balance of sweetness and a slight crisp on the edges.
• Cinnamon (1 Tbsp): The warm spice star that carries these cookies into fall territory.
• Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp) and ground cloves (¼ tsp): Intensify the spicy fragrance and complexity of the cookies.
• Pumpkin pie spice (½ tsp): A blend that ties all the warm spices together for a homely flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma that rounds out the flavor.
• Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Gives moisture and richness, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
• Pumpkin purée (1 cup): The heart of this recipe, providing moisture, flavor, and that lovely autumn hue.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, room temp): Essential for the luscious cream cheese frosting that adds tang and creaminess.
• Butter (2 Tbsp) for frosting: Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting texture.
• Milk (1 Tbsp): Helps loosen the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
• Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a silky finish.

How to Make Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly warm for baking. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients to streamline the process.

Step 2: Cream Butters and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter with the brown and granulated sugars for about three minutes until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture, creating a tender cookie crumb and balancing the sweetness beautifully.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract until everything is combined and smooth. The pumpkin introduces moisture and a subtle earthiness, which keeps your cookies soft and flavorful.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into balls about two tablespoons each, then gently flatten them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for around 15 minutes or until the edges start to golden slightly. The cookies will be soft but set—perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool completely (so the frosting doesn’t melt), whip together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until you achieve a luscious, spreadable frosting that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.

Step 7: Frost and Store

Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on each cooled cookie. For an extra touch, sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon on top to enhance those warm spice notes. Store these treats in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and the cookies soft.

How to Serve Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, finely chopped toasted pecans, or a few colorful autumn-themed sprinkles can make these cookies look as inviting as they taste. These garnishes not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful texture contrast and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy latte to complement their spicy sweetness. For a more indulgent combo, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies into a pretty tower tied with a rustic ribbon for a cozy gift idea or dessert centerpiece. You can also sandwich frosting between two cookies to make glorious cream cheese cookie sandwiches that friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After frosting, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. This will preserve the cream cheese frosting’s freshness and prevent the cookies from drying out. They’ll stay tasty for up to five days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully, both plain and frosted. To freeze frosted cookies, place them on a baking sheet until the frosting sets, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag with parchment layers to avoid sticking. They can last up to three months, giving you a handy stash of fall flavors anytime.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer a warm cookie, heat it gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the frosting intact and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin purée instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly in this recipe and provides consistent moisture and flavor, making it an easy and reliable choice.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the cookie’s texture. The flavor will still shine through beautifully.

Can I use store-bought cream cheese frosting instead?

Sure, if you’re short on time. However, homemade frosting tastes fresher and lets you adjust sweetness and spice levels for a custom finish that’s truly special.

How long do these cookies last at room temperature?

Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator. At room temperature, the frosting can soften too much and risk spoilage within a day.

Can I skip the frosting for a simpler version?

Definitely! The cookies themselves are flavorful and moist, so even without frosting, you’ll enjoy a delicious spiced treat. Just dust with powdered sugar for a quick finish.

Final Thoughts

These Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are an absolute joy to bake and savor, especially when you want a dessert that feels both comforting and a little festive. Once you experience that tender pumpkin-spice cookie paired with the creamy, tangy frosting, you’ll understand why this recipe has a permanent spot in my kitchen. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and whip up a batch today to share a little warmth with those you love.

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