Name: Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; A pinch of salt; 1 Tbsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground cloves; ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup pumpkin purée; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature; 2 Tbsp butter; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 Tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you love cozy flavors and rich, festive treats, then you’re absolutely going to adore these Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful recipe brings together the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice in soft, tender cookies that perfectly complement a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s an irresistible combination, especially as the days grow cooler and you want something comforting yet wonderfully flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, these cookies promise a delicious experience with every bite.

Marry Me Chicken Soup – A Hug in a Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is that you only need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role. From creating the perfect tender dough to the rich, creamy finishing touch of the frosting, here’s what makes the magic happen:

All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents make sure the cookies rise just right.
Salt: Enhances all the warm spices and balances sweetness.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar: The brown sugar gives a deep caramel flavor and moisture, while granulated sugar adds sweetness without heaviness.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice: The unmistakable spice blend that defines the flavor profile beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Lifts and rounds out the spices with a touch of warmth.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to every bite.
Pumpkin purée: Gives moisture, softness, and that perfect fall flavor.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting, adding tangy creaminess.
Powdered sugar and milk: Make the frosting sweet and smooth with ideal spreadability.

How to Make Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Cream together softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars for about three minutes. This step is important because it aerates the mixture, helping to create light, tender cookies bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Mix in Pumpkin Purée and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugars are fluffy, stir in the pumpkin purée and vanilla extract. This combination adds moisture and deepens the cozy, autumnal flavor that’s the hallmark of Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the blend of warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet pumpkin mixture until a soft dough forms. Be gentle to avoid overmixing—it ensures the cookies stay tender, not tough.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball to form a cookie shape. Bake them for 15 minutes until they’re lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool completely before moving on—this keeps your frosting from melting.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, make your luscious cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese with butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and easily spreadable. This frosting is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet and beautifully complements the spice cookies.

Step 6: Frost and Store

Once your cookies are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each one. For a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top. Store your frosted cookies in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and the frosting firm—this little step truly helps maintain their irresistible texture and flavor.

How to Serve Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkling a little cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg over the frosting adds visual appeal and a subtle taste boost. For a festive touch, consider a few finely chopped pecans or candied ginger crumbs on top—they pair beautifully with the spice mix.

Side Dishes

These Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are fantastic on their own but pair wonderfully with a warm beverage. Think spiced chai tea, hot apple cider, or a creamy latte—each sip highlights the pumpkin and spice flavors and creates a cozy, relaxing treat time.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden tray layered with autumn leaves. Tie them in small stacks with twine and add a cinnamon stick for a charming homemade gift. You can also sandwich two cookies with frosting in between for an extra indulgent bite perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the iced cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting firm and the cookies fresh for up to 5 days without losing their wonderful texture or flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the frosting separately in a sealed container. When ready, thaw the cookies and frosting in the fridge before frosting and serving to maintain that fresh-baked quality.

Reheating

Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to appreciate the frosting’s texture, but if you prefer them warm, gently microwave an unfrosted cookie for 10-15 seconds before adding frosting. This way, the cookie softens without melting the frosting messily.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for these cookies?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly in this recipe and keeps the flavor consistent and moist texture intact. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced already.

Is it okay to substitute the spices?

Yes, you can customize the spice blend to suit your taste. More cinnamon or less cloves can make the cookies milder or spicier according to preference, although the classic pumpkin pie spice mix really shines here.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup should work nicely, but be mindful that texture may vary slightly depending on the blend you use.

How long do the frosted cookies last?

When stored properly in the fridge, these cookies stay fresh for up to five days. The cream cheese frosting prevents drying and keeps the flavor bright, but beyond that, the texture can start to change.

Can I skip the frosting?

If you want a simpler cookie, these spice cookies are still delicious without the cream cheese frosting. You might consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze, but the frosting truly takes them to the next level.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. They bring all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of fall together with a creamy, dreamy frosting that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic in your collection. So grab your apron, get mixing, and treat yourself to a batch—you won’t regret it!