Name: Soft Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour; ¾ teaspoon Xanthan Gum (omit if your flour blend contains it); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; ½ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt; 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice; ½ cup Unsalted Butter (1 stick), softened; ⅔ cup Light Brown Sugar, lightly packed; ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 cup Pumpkin Puree; 4 oz. Cream Cheese, room temperature; ¼ cup Unsalted Butter (½ stick), softened; 2 ¼ cups Powdered Sugar; ½ teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; ½ teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a cozy treat packed with autumnal flavors but need to keep things gluten free, this Soft Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute game changer. These cookies offer that perfect tender and moist texture you want from pumpkin desserts, complemented by a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family snack, or just because pumpkin season calls for it, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a warm, comforting dessert that everyone will adore.

Six small orange pumpkin cookie bites sit on a white round marble platter, each topped with a thick layer of creamy white frosting. The cookies have a rough, crumbly texture and irregular shapes, while the frosting is smooth and spread generously on top, almost like soft dollops. The platter sits against a bright, softly lit white marbled background, giving the scene a clean and fresh look. In the background, a clear bowl with more white frosting is slightly blurred, and a copper spoon rests on the marble surface near the platter. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Soft Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a vital role, from adding flavor depth to ensuring the perfect texture and vibrant color. Using quality basics makes a fantastic difference, so let’s break down what you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies.

Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
Xanthan Gum: Helps bind the gluten-free flour for that classic cookie chew without crumbling.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that ensure the cookies rise up beautifully and remain fluffy.
Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the pumpkin’s natural flavor.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The spice blend that brings those warm autumn notes to every bite.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for a soft texture.
Light Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds chewiness and caramel undertones, while granulated sugar lightens the texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Deepens aroma and flavor complexity.
Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, providing moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
Cream Cheese: For the silky, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the cookies.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the frosting’s texture.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a subtle tang to balance the frosting’s sweetness.

How to Make Soft Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two large cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t have it), salt, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. This blend of dry ingredients ensures that every cookie is flavorful and rises just right.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and pale. This step is vital because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender, light texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the egg until well combined, then add the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, mixing thoroughly. The pumpkin puree makes these cookies delightfully moist and adds that signature autumn flavor you crave.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until everything is fully incorporated. Your dough should be soft but hold together well — perfect for scooping.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), drop balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until the edges are set, but the centers still look soft. This gentle bake ensures your cookies stay wonderfully soft inside. Let them cool for 10 minutes on the pans before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is crucial before frosting to avoid melting.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Beat the cream cheese and softened butter in your stand mixer until fluffy and smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice, beginning to mix on low and then boosting to medium speed for about a minute. This frosting should be creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced — the ideal finish to these pumpkin treats.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each one with an offset spatula. For a beautiful touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top. These simple touches elevate the look and enhance the flavors.

How to Serve Soft Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Soft Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Dressing up these cookies is easy and fun. A light dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg, or extra pumpkin pie spice on top adds warmth and visual appeal. For an extra crunch, finely chopped pecans or candied pumpkin seeds sprinkled on the frosting bring a delightful texture contrast worth trying.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a warm beverage makes for a cozy experience. Think cinnamon-spiced chai, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic touch. If you want to serve them as part of a larger dessert spread, fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies turns this into a truly decadent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these pumpkin cookies on a rustic wooden board surrounded by seasonal decorations like mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, or colorful autumn leaves for an inviting display. You can also try sandwiching frosting between two cookies to create soft gluten free pumpkin cookie sandwiches, making them portable and perfectly snackable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness and prevent the cream cheese frosting from spoiling. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, which is perfect for enjoying a little sweetness all week long.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies either plain or frosted, but freezing before frosting is easier. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, thaw at room temperature and add frosting fresh for best results. Frozen cookies last up to 3 months without losing their soft texture.

Reheating

To enjoy these Soft Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe warm, gently microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds or pop one un-frosted cookie in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Avoid reheating frosted cookies in the oven to prevent frosting meltdown.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is often more convenient. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have xanthan gum in my gluten free flour blend?

Some gluten free flour blends already include xanthan gum, so check your packaging first. If your blend doesn’t contain it, xanthan gum helps give these cookies better structure and texture, so it’s recommended to add it if possible.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a dairy-free cream cheese to keep the frosting creamy and delicious without dairy.

How do I store the frosted cookies if I plan to eat them the next day?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh, and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just double the ingredients exactly and bake in batches. The dough and frosting scale up nicely without any changes in texture or taste.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those cozy, soul-satisfying treats that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It blends the best of pumpkin flavors with a tender bite and a frosting that’s just the right touch of tangy sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your pumpkin cravings, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite. Grab your mixing bowl, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into this autumn-inspired delight—you won’t regret a single bite.