Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of nostalgia and festive cheer. Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cookie that melts in your mouth, releasing aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg. Thanksgiving turkey roll ups The rich cream cheese frosting adds a luscious twist, turning every bite into a celebration.
These cookies remind me of my childhood kitchen, where the scent of pumpkin wafted through the air as my family gathered around to bake. They’re not just treats; they’re memories waiting to be made, especially during the holiday season when everyone’s heart is set on sharing love through food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute baking
- Their unique flavor profile combines classic pumpkin spice with a creamy frosting that’s hard to resist
- Visually, they are festive and inviting, adorned with sprinkles or drizzles that catch the eye
- Versatile enough for any occasion, these cookies can easily transition from Thanksgiving tables to cozy winter gatherings
I remember the first time I served these at Thanksgiving; my aunt raved about them for weeks! For more inspiration, check out this Banana Foster Chex Mix recipe.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: make ahead cranberry sauce. easy make ahead cranberry sauce.
-
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour works best here; sift it for a lighter texture.
-
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade puree; ensure it’s pure pumpkin without additives.
-
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness; brown sugar adds moisture and depth.
-
Cream Cheese: Choose full-fat cream cheese for a rich frosting that spreads easily.
-
Eggs: Use large eggs; they add moisture and bind the ingredients beautifully.
-
Baking Powder & Soda: These leavening agents help your cookies rise perfectly. For more inspiration, check out this Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.
-
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): A mix of these warm spices brings out pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
-
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances all flavors; avoid imitation for best results.
-
Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
-
Powdered Sugar: Essential for that creamy frosting; it sweetens and thickens simultaneously.
- Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are not just delicious; they’re the perfect blend of holiday spirit and comfort
- Their rich pumpkin flavor paired with creamy frosting creates a delightful treat that’ll have your guests begging for more
- Plus, they make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn wonderland!
- Keep your dough chilled before baking; it helps the cookies maintain their shape
- Make sure to use room temperature cream cheese for smoother frosting
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it’s key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, blend pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually combine the dry and wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting with a mixture of cream cheese and powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking right from the start.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices until well combined. This will bring out those aromatic flavors.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should look creamy and inviting.
Blend It All Together: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix gently until combined; overmixing might lead to tough cookies.
Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets. Leave space between each cookie to allow spreading.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. The aroma will fill your kitchen—trust me; it’s heavenly!
Cool Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool completely before spreading on the cream cheese frosting. Patience is key here—don’t rush this step!
**Make Cream Cheese Frosting**: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until fluffy. Spread generously on cooled cookies for that dreamy finish.
Now you have an irresistible batch of Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting ready to impress friends and family! Enjoy every buttery bite! cream cheese dessert bites.
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve cookie perfection, mix your dry ingredients first, then gradually incorporate the wet ones. Bake them until they’re just golden around the edges, ensuring a soft center.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pumpkin for sweet potato or add some chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Experimenting can lead to delightful surprises!
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
Nothing beats the joy of sharing these cookies during Thanksgiving! I remember my first batch; they disappeared faster than I could decorate them, much to my family’s delight.

FAQ
Can I freeze Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without losing flavor.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use mascarpone or Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly, they remain fresh for about one week at room temperature.
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Thanksgiving Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These soft, spiced cookies melt in your mouth, infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for sharing and creating cherished memories during family gatherings.





Leave a Comment