Recipe: Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
 1/2 cup (4oz) canned unsweetened pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
 1 cup granulated sugar
 2/3 cup powdered sugar
 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
 2 large eggs
 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
 4 cups all purpose flour
 1/4 tsp baking soda
 1/2 tsp salt
 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the frosting
 8 ounces full fat cream cheese, room temperature
 5 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
 2 cups powdered sugar
 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Top with
 chopped pecans

1

Using the paddle attachment with a stand mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla and lemon juice until well combined and smooth.

2

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon.

3

Mix dry ingredients into the wet, until well combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to overnight.

4

Preheat oven to 350 and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.

5

Roll the dough into 2-inch balls and place onto the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a tall glass (or a small jar) to flatten the dough balls to 1/2 inch thickness. Bake for 11-14 minutes until cookies start to look a bit dry on the edges. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.

6

To prepare the frosting: cream together butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon. Taste to check sweetness. Store in airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.

7

Only frost cookies as needed. You can store any unfrosted cookies in an airtight container in layers, separating them with parchment paper. Top each frosted cookie with some chopped pecans.