Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup unflavored vegetable shortening
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 Tbsp butter, softened
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 – 1 1/2 Tbsp milk

Directions

1. Make the cookies: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for 20 seconds, then put the bowl aside.
2. In a stand mixer bowl with the paddle in place, beat the butter, shortening, and sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing after each addition. Beat in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Turn the mixer to low, add the dry mixture gradually, and mix just until the dough comes together.
3. Portion the dough into 3 Tbsp balls, or fill a 1/4 cup measure 3/4 full for each one. Set them on baking sheets lined with Silpat or parchment paper, leaving enough room because only about 8 will fit on each sheet. With flat fingers, press each mound into an even round a little thinner than 1/2-inch.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 11 – 12 minutes. Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then move them to a wire rack and let them cool all the way. When they are cool, spread them with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Store the finished cookies in an airtight container.
5. Make the frosting: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle, beat the cream cheese and butter until the mixture is fluffy and lightened. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, then mix to combine. Beat in just enough milk for the consistency you want, and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and lightly fluffy.