The Coziest Frosted Pumpkin Delight Cookies Recipe for Fall Fun

Frosted pumpkin delight cookies bring autumn’s warmest memories right into your kitchen with soft, spiced magic.

Fall baking reaches new heights when seasonal ingredients dance together in unexpected ways.

Imagine a treat that captures crisp morning whispers and golden afternoon light in every delicate bite.

Warm spices mingle with sweet, velvety pumpkin, creating a sensory experience that feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket.

Creamy frosting adds a luxurious touch that makes these cookies more than just a simple dessert.

Each batch promises a delightful journey through nostalgic flavors that comfort and surprise you simultaneously.

You can want to savor these delectable morsels slowly, letting each nuanced taste tell its own delicious story.

FAQs About Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

• Can I use a different cake mix instead of spice cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute with yellow or white cake mix, but you’ll lose some of the classic pumpkin spice flavor.

• How long will these cookies stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration.

• Can I freeze these Frosted Pumpkin Delight Cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Add frosting after thawing for best texture and taste.

• Is there a way to make these cookies healthier?

You can use low-fat cream cheese, reduce sugar slightly, or substitute some butter with applesauce to cut calories.

Frosted Pumpkin Cookies Full of Fall Flavor

• These cookies combine convenience with seasonal flavors, using a spice cake mix to simplify baking while delivering rich pumpkin warmth.
• Soft, pillowy cookies with a slightly crisp edge perfectly complement the smooth, creamy cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful mouthfeel that melts in your mouth.
• The optional cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice sprinkle allows easy personalization, making these cookies perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or cozy weekend treats that showcase your baking creativity.
• With just 10-12 minutes of baking time and minimal ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up these delectable cookies, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dessert that screams autumn comfort.

Ingredients for Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

• Spice Cake Mix: The foundation for the cookie's warm, spicy flavor profile.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and rich autumn flavor to the cookies.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients and providing structure.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base that creates a smooth, rich frosting texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the frosting's flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Optional toppings for extra seasonal warmth and aroma.

Easy Steps to Bake Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab two baking sheets and cover them with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and quick cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Cookie Dough

• Spice cake mix
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs

Stir everything together until you create a smooth, velvety dough that looks and feels perfect.

Step 3: Shape Tasty Cookies

Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread. Gently press down on the tops if you want flatter cookies.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookie edges look set but the centers remain soft and tender. You’ll know they’re ready when they look slightly golden and smell amazing.

Step 5: Cool Cookie Batch

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Beat until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of creamy frosting on top of each cookie. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the frosting.

Expert Tips for Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for cake mix, pumpkin, and eggs to ensure consistent cookie texture and prevent dry or overly wet dough.
• Soften Ingredients Smartly: Let cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before making frosting to achieve smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool entirely on wire rack before frosting to prevent melting and maintain perfect frosting appearance.
• Frost with Finesse: Use an offset spatula or back of a spoon for even, professional-looking frosting application that covers cookies edge to edge.
• Spice Enhancement: Experiment with extra ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice in both cookie dough and frosting for deeper, more complex seasonal flavor profile.

How to Keep Frosted Pumpkin Cookies Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them covered to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
• Reheat: Warm chilled cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Let frosted cookies sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.

Best Pairings for Pumpkin Frosted Cookies

• Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a warm, aromatic chai tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom to complement the pumpkin cookie's rich, spicy flavor profile.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cookies for a delightful contrast between warm, soft cookies and cool, smooth dessert.
• Enjoy with Caramel Apple Cider: Sip on a warm mug of caramel-infused apple cider to enhance the autumnal notes of the pumpkin spice cookies and create a cozy, comforting experience.
• Complement with Maple Pecan Coffee: Brew a fresh cup of coffee with subtle maple and pecan undertones to perfectly balance the sweet cream cheese frosting and spiced cookie base.

Ways to Change Up Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

• Autumn Harvest Cookies: Replace spice cake mix with carrot cake mix and add shredded carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cookies: Incorporate chopped pecans into the dough and drizzle maple syrup over the cream cheese frosting for a rich, nutty flavor.
• Cream Cheese Glaze Cookies: Transform the traditional frosting into a thinner glaze by adding more milk, creating a drizzle effect across the cooled cookies.
• Spiced Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies: Create sandwich cookies by adding an extra layer of cream cheese frosting between two baked cookies, dusting with cinnamon for added warmth.

Frosted Pumpkin Delight Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive pumpkin delight cookies swirl autumn’s warmth into each delectable bite. Creamy frosting and spiced dough merge for an irresistible seasonal treat you’ll crave from first crumb to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box spice cake mix (15.25 ounces / 432 grams)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Binding and Flavor Agents:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350 degrees F and cover two baking trays with parchment paper for effortless cookie release and cleanup.
2. Combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and eggs in a spacious mixing bowl, stirring until a uniform, velvety dough emerges.
3. Gently deposit dollops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately two inches of separation between each mound. Press down lightly to create a slightly flattened profile if desired.
4. Slide the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, ensuring the cookie edges feel firm while the centers remain tender and yielding.
5. After removing from the oven, allow the cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheets, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
6. While cookies cool, craft the creamy frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until silky and well-integrated.
7. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a delicate pinch of salt into the mixture, beating continuously until the frosting achieves a luxurious, smooth consistency.
8. Once cookies have reached room temperature, generously spread the prepared frosting across each surface.
9. For an elegant finishing touch, dust the frosted cookies with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, enhancing their autumnal charm.

Notes

• These soft, cake-like cookies blend the warmth of spice cake mix with rich pumpkin puree for an irresistible autumn treat.
• Cooling cookies on the baking sheet allows them to set without becoming too crisp, maintaining a tender, moist texture.
• Cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious, tangy richness that perfectly complements the subtle spice of the pumpkin cookies.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother mixing and a more consistent cookie dough with better overall flavor integration.
• Storing cookies in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 3-4 days, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts or gifting.
• Experiment with optional toppings like chopped nuts or a light dusting of spices to personalize your pumpkin cookie experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg