If you’re looking for a deliciously soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall, then this Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to become your new favorite. I absolutely love how these cookies balance the sweet warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the subtle pumpkin butter flavor, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that ties everything together. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for them all season long!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies come out tender and soft every single time, not hard or crunchy like some sugar cookies.
Rich Autumn Flavor: Pumpkin butter and warm spices make these cookies taste like a cozy fall afternoon.
Easy Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting is smooth, lightly tangy, and just sweet enough — it complements the cookie perfectly.
Fun and Festive: Adding fall sprinkles makes these cookies a hit at family gatherings or holiday parties.

The image shows seven round cookies with a light brown base topped with a thick, creamy layer of white frosting spread unevenly on each cookie. On top of the frosting, there are various small sprinkles in orange, white, and gold, some shaped like mini pumpkins and others like tiny rods or balls, all scattered across the surface. The cookies are placed on a black wire cooling rack, and there are two small decorative pumpkins with dark orange and brown hues positioned among the cookies. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, fall sugar cookies, pumpkin butter cookies, soft pumpkin cookies with frosting

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe come together beautifully to give you that melt-in-your-mouth softness with a hint of cozy pumpkin spice. Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing results, and using pumpkin butter (not canned pumpkin) adds that perfect depth of flavor.

Flat lay of creamy pumpkin butter swirled in a small glass jar, rich brown sugar crystals piled high, warm cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg pods, smooth cream cheese block, soft golden sticks of salted butter, a heap of fine powdered sugar dusted lightly nearby, and colorful fall-themed sprinkles scattered artfully, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, fall sugar cookies, pumpkin butter cookies, soft pumpkin cookies with frosting

Salted Butter: Using salted butter here balances the sweetness and adds richness — no need to add extra salt.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that blends well with pumpkin.
Pumpkin Butter: Unlike pumpkin puree, pumpkin butter is sweetened and spiced — this is your star flavor!
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the spices and brings warmth to the cookie dough and frosting.
Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds tenderness — room temperature eggs mix easier.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure without being too dense, keeping cookies soft.
Baking Soda: A bit of lift and soft texture come from this leavening agent.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic fall spices that make the cookie taste like autumn.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Cinnamon Sugar: Coats the cookie dough before baking to add a little crunch and extra flavor on the outside.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, helps give it that tangy richness and smooth texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
Fall Sprinkles: Optional, but adds a fun festive touch that kids and adults both love.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is — you can truly make it your own! Over the years, I’ve played around with different spices and frostings, and I encourage you to get creative, too. Here are some ideas that worked beautifully for me.

Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dough for a little extra warmth, especially around the holidays.
Frosting alternatives: If cream cheese isn’t your thing, a simple vanilla buttercream frosting or even a maple glaze works wonders here.
Dietary swaps: For a dairy-free version, swap butter for coconut oil and use a vegan cream cheese frosting — just a heads-up, texture might change slightly but still fabulous!
Seed or nut add-ins: Toss in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch; my family goes crazy for this twist.

How to Make Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Your Butters and Sugars to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly. Then, in a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Next, mix in your pumpkin butter until it’s fully combined, followed by the egg. This step is where your cookie dough starts to come to life, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients and Mix Just Until Combined

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, beating on low speed just until you see no streaks of flour. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so I always remind myself: stop as soon as it comes together. The dough might be slightly sticky, but that’s just right.

Step 3: Roll and Coat Your Dough Balls

Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls — I usually dip my hands in a little flour if it’s sticky — then roll each ball in cinnamon sugar to coat them completely. This adds a subtle crunch and a sweet, spicy kiss on the outside. Place each ball about 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet to give them room to spread just right.

Step 4: Bake and Watch for Perfect Soft Edges

Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, then carefully rotate the pan for even browning and bake for another 3-4 minutes. The key here is to remove them just as the edges start to set but before the centers fully harden — this keeps that signature soft texture. Let the cookies cool right on the baking sheet so they firm up without drying out.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting and Decorate

While the cookies cool, mix your cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until the frosting is light and spreadable. Once your cookies are cooled, frost them generously and add your favorite fall sprinkles. I find that makes them look extra festive for any gatherings or just a special weekend treat.

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Pro Tips for Making Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Softness is Key: Don’t overbake your cookies! Check them around the 11-minute mark so they stay tender and soft.
Room Temperature Ingredients: I always bring butter and eggs to room temp to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
Chill the Dough for Easier Rolling: If your kitchen is warm, pop the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling — makes it much easier to handle.
Frost When Fully Cooled: Frosting warm cookies melts the frosting, so patience pays off here!

How to Serve Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows a group of round cookies, each with one thick, creamy white frosting layer on top. The frosting is smooth and spread evenly, decorated with small orange, white, and gold sprinkles scattered on the surface. One cookie is lifted slightly, showing the soft brown cookie base beneath the frosting. The cookies rest on a black wire cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Around the cookies, there are a few small, shiny dark orange mini pumpkins adding a warm autumn feel. Bright sunlight shines on the scene, creating strong shadows and highlighting the textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, fall sugar cookies, pumpkin butter cookies, soft pumpkin cookies with frosting

Garnishes

I like decorating these cookies with fall-themed sprinkles — tiny pumpkins, leaves, or even gold shimmer — to make them perfect for festive occasions. But honestly, just a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting can taste just as amazing if you prefer something more understated.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, pumpkin latte, or even a glass of cold milk — they’re wonderful alongside cozy fall beverages. I’ve also served them at Thanksgiving dessert tables with apple cider or pour-over coffee, and they get gobbled up every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, I like to stack these cookies with parchment paper between each one inside a clear glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon. Or for a kid-friendly activity, have everyone frost and decorate their own cookies — it’s always a hit and makes the day feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. I make sure to layer them with parchment paper so the frosting doesn’t get squished. This keeps them soft and tasty without any fuss.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies both frosted and unfrosted. For best results, freeze unfrosted cookies in a sealed container, then thaw and frost right before serving. If you freeze frosted ones, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap to keep the frosting fresh, then thaw in the fridge.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked warmth, pop your leftover cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It softens them up nicely without melting the frosting—just be careful not to overheat or the cream cheese topping can get oily.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin butter in this Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe?

While canned pumpkin is a fantastic ingredient for many fall recipes, for this cookie, pumpkin butter is preferred because it’s sweeter and more concentrated with spices. Using canned pumpkin will add moisture but lack the same depth of flavor and sweetness, so if you use it, you may want to adjust by adding extra sugar and spices.
How do I keep my cookies soft instead of crunchy?

Watch your baking time carefully and pull the cookies out when the edges are just set. Also, don’t overmix the dough, and consider storing cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread, which helps maintain moisture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! I’ve had success substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies still turn out deliciously soft.
What’s the best way to decorate these pumpkin sugar cookies for kids?

Kiddos love using colorful fall sprinkles or edible glitter right after frosting the cookies. You can also let them drizzle melted white or dark chocolate on top for a fun design. Setting up a decorating station makes baking even more fun!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings together everything I love about fall — the cozy spices, the indulgent soft texture, and the creamy frosting that just makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, making dessert for a weeknight treat, or gifting to friends, these cookies always impress. I hope you enjoy making and munching on them as much as I do — they’re pure autumn magic in cookie form!