Description
Luscious frosted pumpkin delight cookies blend autumn spices with creamy cream cheese frosting. Warm flavors and delicate textures make these treats perfect for seasonal gatherings when you want something special to share.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box spice cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g)
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
- Dough Creation: Blend spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until a smooth, uniform dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Shaping and Baking: Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing mounds about two inches apart. Gently flatten if desired, then bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft, creating perfectly textured cookies.
- Cooling Process: Transfer baked cookies from sheets to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely to room temperature, which ensures optimal frosting application.
- Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter together until creamy, then gradually blend in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the frosting reaches a silky, spreadable consistency.
- Finishing Touches: Once cookies are completely cooled, generously spread the prepared frosting over each cookie’s surface. Enhance the seasonal appeal by dusting with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for an elegant, autumnal presentation.
Notes
- Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for consistent cookie texture and flavor, especially with the spice cake mix and pumpkin puree.
- Temperature Control: Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional appearance.
- Spacing Technique: Maintain two-inch gaps between cookie dough mounds to allow proper spreading and prevent merging during baking.
- Frosting Finesse: Whip cream cheese and butter until ultra-smooth to create a silky, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly on cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg