Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to celebrate the cozy season, then look no further than these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🎃🍂 These cookies are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also bring a warm, comforting flavor that feels like a hug in dessert form. I love whipping up a batch on busy weeknights or sharing them at family gatherings—there’s just something about their soft texture and sweet, spicy aroma that makes everyone smile.

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply want to indulge yourself after a long day. Trust me; once you bite into one of these heavenly treats topped with creamy cinnamon frosting, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward, making it simple even for novice bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will adore these yummy cookies!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can chill overnight, so you can bake when it suits you best.
• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is packed with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, everyone can enjoy them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the best part: the ingredients for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are simple and wholesome. You probably have many of them in your pantry already! Let’s gather what we need:

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 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 May Need

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

Variations

One of the wonderful things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to adjust it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in dairy-free chocolate chips for a delicious chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Goodness: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Spiced Up: Boost the spice by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cookie dough.
• Frosting Fun: Experiment with different flavors in the frosting, such as maple or almond extract.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream Together 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 essential because it incorporates air into your mixture, giving those cookies a lovely soft texture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout your cookie dough.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want your dough tender and fluffy!

Step 4: Chill Your Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight if you prefer. Chilling is crucial as it helps prevent spreading during baking and enhances flavor.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). This way, your oven will be at just the right temperature when those delicious cookie balls go in!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop out about 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or spoon. Press down gently to flatten them into disks since they won’t spread much during baking. Place them a couple of inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake Them Up!

Bake on the center rack for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Once done, let them cool completely on the baking sheet—this helps set their texture perfectly.

Step 8: Whip Up That Frosting

In a medium bowl, whip together all frosting ingredients using an electric mixer until fully combined. If making ahead of time, simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to frost!

Step 9: Decorate Your Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe beautiful swirls of frosting on top of each cooled cookie starting from the middle and moving outward. Sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice if desired—and there you have it!

Enjoy every bite of these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting; they’re sure to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Making these soft pumpkin cookies is a delightful experience, and a few helpful tips can take your baking to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your vegan butter and pumpkin puree are at room temperature helps them blend together smoothly, creating a fluffy cookie texture.

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This not only firms up the dough, making it easier to handle, but also enhances the flavors and texture of the cookies.

• Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to mix up the spices according to your taste. A touch of nutmeg or ginger can add extra warmth and depth to your pumpkin cookies.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw them before serving!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful ways to present them.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds a charming touch and extra sweetness on top of your frosted cookies.
• Chopped nuts: For added crunch, consider topping each cookie with finely chopped pecans or walnuts; they complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This classic fall beverage pairs perfectly with pumpkin cookies. The warm spices in the cider enhance the flavors and create a cozy atmosphere.
• Vegan vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat that balances warm and cold.
• Spiced chai tea: A cup of spiced chai tea offers a comforting companion. Its aromatic spices harmonize wonderfully with the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon.
• Fresh fruit platter: Add brightness with slices of seasonal fruits like pears or apples. Their crispness provides a refreshing contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.

Enjoy every bite of these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, because they truly embody the spirit of fall! 🍁🍪

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for meal prep or when you want to have a sweet treat on hand. They store well, making them a great choice for those cozy fall days when you crave something delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend their freshness for another week.
• Make sure to separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until firm.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be stored for up to 3 months.
• To bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time without thawing.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, microwave one cookie for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

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

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum.

How do I know when my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the center will look slightly set. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven due to residual heat.

Can I use another frosting recipe instead of cinnamon frosting?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other frostings like cream cheese or maple glaze if you’re looking for variety.

How long do Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting last in the fridge?

They can last up to one week in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

What makes these Soft Pumpkin Cookies so special?

The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a wonderfully soft texture and delicious flavor that perfectly captures the essence of fall!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting as I do! They’re not only a delightful treat but also bring warmth and comfort during the chilly autumn months. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures. Happy baking!