Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking to cozy up your kitchen with a sweet treat that sings of fall and brings a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delight, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are your new best friend. Bursting with warm spices and the rich, moist texture of pumpkin, this cookie recipe delivers a perfect balance of softness and flavor, topped with a luscious cinnamon frosting that’s just the right amount of sweet and spiced. Let me take you through every step of making these irresistible cookies that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating those perfectly soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting that everyone will rave about. Each item here plays an important role—vegan butter adds creaminess, pumpkin puree keeps the cookies moist and flavorful, and the pumpkin pie spice brings in that essential autumn aroma and taste.

• Vegan butter, softened: Provides the creamy base that gives the cookies a tender crumb and richness without dairy.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that vibrant orange color perfect for fall baking.
• Brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances the pumpkin’s earthiness.
• Granulated sugar: Helps the cookies hold structure and creates a slight crispness on the edges.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and rounds out the cookie’s sweetness beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it body and the right texture.
• Baking powder: Leavens the cookies, helping them stay soft and light rather than dense.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The star seasoning that infuses those warm, festive notes we love in pumpkin treats.
• Cornstarch: Works as a tenderizing agent to keep your cookies soft and delicate.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of all the other flavors.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients

Begin by combining the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl or your stand mixer. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and beautifully smooth. This step ensures your cookies will have that tender crumb and subtle sweetness balanced perfectly against the pumpkin flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

While you ideally whip those wet ingredients, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients independently makes it easier to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, which means every bite is consistent in flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gently

Add the dry ingredients slowly into the wet mixture, keeping your mixer on low speed or stirring gently by hand. The goal here is to combine everything thoroughly but without overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough. Once the dough just comes together, stop mixing.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

This is a crucial step—cover your dough and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or even overnight if you plan ahead. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies keep their perfect soft texture while baking.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Using a cookie scooper or a spoon, portion out 2-inch balls of dough and press them gently into disks because the dough won’t spread much on its own while baking. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a couple of inches between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they are set but still soft in the centers.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting

While your cookies cool, whip together the cinnamon frosting ingredients: vegan butter, vanilla paste or extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. The frosting adds a sweet, spicy finish that perfectly complements the rich pumpkin cookie base.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once the cookies have completely cooled, fill a piping bag fitted with a Wilton Tip #2A with your cinnamon frosting. Pipe decorative swirls across each cookie, then sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice over the top for a final seasonal touch. Your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Garnishes

To elevate your warm, inviting pumpkin cookies, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of nutmeg or finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the frosting. These little additions add crunch and a fragrant aroma that enhances every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with a mug of hot chai tea, coffee, or a spiced latte for an unbeatable cozy experience. Their soft texture and sweet-spiced richness pair perfectly with warm beverages and can brighten up any afternoon break.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board adorned with autumn leaves, or stack them in a clear glass jar wrapped with a cinnamon stick and twine ribbon for a gift-worthy look. They also make charming toppers for an autumn-themed dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking and maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frost them after thawing for the freshest taste. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When ready to indulge, warm the cookies gently in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness before frosting or serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for these cookies and provides consistent moisture and flavor, just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to keep the texture soft and chewy.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be set at the edges but still soft in the middle when you take them out of the oven. They firm up further as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep that tender bite.

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Definitely! Regular butter will work just as well if you don’t need the recipe to be vegan. It will add a slightly richer flavor but the overall texture and taste will remain wonderful.

What’s the best way to pipe the cinnamon frosting?

Using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton Tip #2A creates a beautiful swirl effect that looks as good as it tastes. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the tip cut off works in a pinch!

Final Thoughts

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are truly a little piece of fall paradise baked into every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, their soft texture and spicy sweetness bring comfort and joy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make these cookies a beloved staple in your seasonal baking repertoire!

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