Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 If you’re anything like me, you eagerly await the arrival of autumn and all the delicious treats it brings, and these cookies are at the top of my list. They’re not just tasty; they carry the warmth of cozy gatherings and the spirit of the season. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies bring joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These soft pumpkin cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for even the busiest days.
• Family-Friendly: With their delightful flavors and soft texture, everyone in the family will love them!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough overnight, allowing you to bake them fresh right when you need them.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon frosting creates a warm, comforting taste that screams autumn.
• Impressive Presentation: With swirls of frosting on top, these cookies look as good as they taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a simple list of wholesome ingredients that make these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting so special. You likely have many of these in your pantry already!

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Frosting

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar

Tools You’ll Need

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper (or baking mat)
• Cookie Scooper (optional)
• Piping Bag
• Wilton Piping Tip #2A

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with some fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet treat!
• Try Different Spices: Swap out pumpkin pie spice for nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
• Use Maple Syrup: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
• Top with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your frosted cookies for added crunch.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream Together Wet Ingredients

In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that soft texture we all love.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution throughout your dough.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this helps keep your cookies tender!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is an important step because it helps prevent spreading during baking.

Step 5: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat while waiting for your dough to chill.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down gently to flatten them into disks before placing them on your lined baking sheet. Since this dough doesn’t spread much while baking, shaping them now will ensure they become perfect cookies!

Step 7: Bake Until Perfectly Soft

Bake in the center rack for about 10-12 minutes. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet; this helps set their shape while keeping them soft.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, whip together all frosting ingredients using an electric mixer or stand mixer until fully combined. If you’re preparing ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A and pipe beautiful swirls onto each cooled cookie. A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top adds that final touch—enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Making these cookies is a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can help you achieve the perfect batch!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having your butter and pumpkin puree at room temperature helps them blend better, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they stay soft and thick.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing it down and making your cookies dense instead of light and fluffy.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice to your taste or even add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Customizing spices can enhance the flavor profile of your cookies!

• Check for doneness carefully: Since these cookies are soft, they’ll look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking for that perfect soft texture.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not only scrumptious but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top adds an extra touch of warmth and enhances their fall vibe.
• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top gives a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the cookie.
• Sugar crystals: For a little sparkle, consider using coarse sugar as a garnish; it adds both sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Hot Apple Cider: The sweet and spicy flavors of hot apple cider pair wonderfully with these cookies, creating an inviting autumn treat.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enjoy a warm pumpkin spice latte alongside for a cozy café-style experience at home.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in these cookies perfectly, turning them into an indulgent dessert.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies and adds freshness to your serving spread.

Now you’re all set to bake up a storm! Enjoy sharing these delightful soft pumpkin cookies with friends and family this fall! 🍂

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance and enjoy the cozy flavors all week long.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze the unbaked dough by shaping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, storing for up to 3 months.
• Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating

• To warm thawed cookies, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If you prefer a softer cookie, microwave each one for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about these delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

Can I make these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

How should I store my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for several days!

Can I use different spices instead of pumpkin pie spice?

Of course! If you prefer, you can use cinnamon and nutmeg or even add ginger for a spicier kick. Adjust according to your taste!

How long will my cookies last after icing?

Once frosted, you can enjoy your cookies for up to three days if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your autumn days! These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not only delightful to taste but also create lovely memories during baking. Enjoy making them and sharing with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like homemade treats to spread happiness! Happy baking!