Introduction

Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze are the quintessential fall treat. These cookies are soft, chewy, and infused with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The cream cheese glaze adds a luscious, slightly tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the spice-laden cookie base.

These cookies evoke cozy autumn mornings, holiday gatherings, and the irresistible aroma of spiced baked goods. Their tender texture, moist pumpkin flavor, and sweet glaze make them ideal for seasonal dessert platters, gift-giving, or an everyday indulgence with a cup of tea or coffee. They are visually inviting, deliciously flavorful, and easy to make, making them a favorite for both bakers and cookie enthusiasts alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the comforting flavors of fall with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The pumpkin keeps the cookies moist, while the blend of spices gives them warmth and depth. Topping them with a cream cheese glaze elevates the flavor, adding a creamy, sweet, and tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the spiced cookie.

This recipe is also forgiving and easy to make, perfect for home bakers who want an impressive seasonal dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite captures the essence of fall in a soft, chewy cookie that is both satisfying and nostalgic.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

These cookies are a must-try because they offer the perfect harmony of spice, sweetness, and soft texture. Unlike dry or overly dense pumpkin cookies, this recipe results in tender, fluffy cookies that stay moist for days. The cream cheese glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and elegance, making them perfect for dessert tables, cookie swaps, or gifting.

If you love pumpkin-flavored treats or want a cozy seasonal dessert, these cookies are irresistible. They capture the essence of fall in a simple, yet indulgent, homemade cookie.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time (optional): 20–30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 30–45 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per Cookie: ~150
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American / Seasonal Bake

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
   • In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
   • Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
   • Mix in pumpkin puree until smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Form Cookie Balls
   • Scoop 1–2 tbsp of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
7. Bake the Cookies
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
8. Cool the Cookies
   • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Glaze
   • In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk gradually until a pourable glaze forms.
10. Glaze the Cookies
    • Drizzle or spread cream cheese glaze over cooled cookies. Allow glaze to set for at least 15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve at room temperature on a dessert platter or holiday cookie tray.
• Pair with coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider for a seasonal experience.
• Arrange cookies for gifting in a decorative box or tin.

Recipe Tips

• Chill dough for 20–30 minutes to reduce spreading.
• Do not overbake — cookies should remain soft in the center.
• Adjust spice levels according to preference; add more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
• Glaze consistency can be adjusted with more or less milk.

Variations

• Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace vanilla with ½ tsp maple extract for a fall twist.
• Pecan Topping: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top of glaze for added crunch.
• Mini Cookies: Make smaller bite-sized cookies for party platters.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fold in ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store glazed or unglazed cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Store glazed cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl and whisk for glaze

FAQ

Q1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, roast and puree fresh pumpkin first; measure ½ cup for the recipe.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without the glaze?
Absolutely, they are delicious on their own, though the glaze adds extra flavor and presentation.

Q3: How do I keep cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

Q4: Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, ½ cup semi-sweet or white chocolate chips can be folded into the dough.

Q5: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, make and refrigerate the glaze up to 2 days ahead; bring to room temperature and whisk before drizzling.

Conclusion

Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze are the ultimate fall-inspired treat. Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, they capture the warmth and comfort of the season. The cream cheese glaze adds a luscious, sweet-tangy finish, making them a standout cookie for holidays, gatherings, or cozy autumn afternoons. Easy to make yet impressive in flavor and presentation, these cookies are a must-try for pumpkin lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.