Print

Cozy Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

brown butter pumpkin spice cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

These cozy brown butter pumpkin spice cookies with cream cheese frosting offer a warm, nutty, and toasty flavor perfect for fall. The tangy cream cheese frosting complements the soft, spicy cookies for a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240g) pumpkin pie filling (or pumpkin puree with 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice)
  • 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/4 tsp ginger)
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until it foams, turns golden-brown with small brown specks, and smells nutty. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined and slightly creamy (about 3 minutes).
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth, then mix in the pumpkin pie filling.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  6. Optionally chill the dough for 30 minutes to help cookies keep their shape and enhance flavor.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  8. Scoop dough balls about 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers look set but soft.
  10. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and cool completely before frosting.
  11. Make the cream cheese frosting by beating together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
  12. Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cookies and optionally sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top.

Notes

Use a light-colored pan to monitor butter browning and stir constantly to avoid burning. Chilling dough is recommended for better shape and flavor. Watch baking time closely to keep centers soft. Frost cookies only after they are completely cooled. For dairy-free, substitute butter and cream cheese with coconut-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, pumpkin spice, cookies, cream cheese frosting, fall dessert, autumn cookies, cozy treats

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/cozy-brown-butter-pumpkin-spice-cookies-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting/