Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, then this recipe is just what you need. These cookies are soft, fluffy, and topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting that will have everyone coming back for more. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, making them a delightful addition to any occasion.

What makes these cookies so special is not just their lovely pumpkin flavor but also how easy they are to whip up. You can even make the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever the craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these items in your pantry already!
• Family-friendly: Kids love these cookies, and they’re perfect for sharing.
• Make-ahead option: Chill the dough overnight for an even more convenient baking experience.
• Deliciously festive: The flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon are what fall is all about!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting come together using simple, wholesome ingredients that create magic in every bite. Here’s what you’ll 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’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! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
• Use different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Top with nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added crunch.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Mixture

In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter and creates those lovely soft cookies we all adore!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout your dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine 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; we want that tender texture in our cookies!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is crucial as it firms up the dough and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). A properly heated oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or a large spoon. Press down gently to flatten them into disks before placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This helps achieve that perfect cookie shape since they won’t spread much while baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for about 10-12 minutes. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet afterward; this allows them to set up nicely.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment to whip together all frosting ingredients until fully combined. If making ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to frost.

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe beautiful swirls of cinnamon frosting on top of each cooled cookie, starting from the middle and moving outward. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top for extra flair!

And there you have it—deliciously soft pumpkin cookies with creamy cinnamon frosting that are sure to bring smiles around your table! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

To ensure your soft pumpkin cookies are a hit, consider these helpful tips that will make your baking experience even better!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

• Don’t Over-Mix: Mixing the wet and dry ingredients just until combined keeps your cookies soft and tender. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies that lose their delightful texture.

• Use a Cookie Scooper: A cookie scooper provides uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking. This way, every cookie comes out perfectly shaped and looks appealing on your plate.

• Bake in Batches: If you have multiple trays of cookies, bake them one at a time in the center of the oven. This promotes even heat distribution, leading to consistently baked cookies.

• Store Properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies not only taste amazing but also present beautifully! Here are some fun ways to serve them up for friends and family.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice: A light dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosted cookies adds a lovely aroma and enhances their fall-inspired theme.
• Chopped Nuts: Crushed walnuts or pecans provide a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Warm Apple Cider: This classic fall drink pairs perfectly with the flavors of pumpkin and spice in your cookies. Serve it warm for an extra cozy experience.

• Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai complement the cinnamon frosting beautifully. It’s a comforting beverage that complements these sweet treats wonderfully.

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These add a savory touch to your dessert table, balancing out the sweetness of the cookies. Their caramelized edges offer a delicious contrast.

• Green Salad with Maple Vinaigrette: A fresh salad brings some brightness to your spread. The maple vinaigrette echoes the sweetness found in your cookies, making for a harmonious meal.

I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to create delightful moments with your soft pumpkin cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance, bake them fresh whenever you need a treat, or store the finished cookies to enjoy throughout the week. Follow these simple guidelines to keep your cookies delicious and fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer shelf life, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Keep the frosting separate if possible to maintain the cookie’s texture.

Freezing

• To freeze baked cookies, allow them to cool completely first.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• For freezing cookie dough, scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet and flash freeze before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To thaw frozen cookies, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• For warm cookies, reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• If using the oven, preheat it to 350 °F (177 °C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter in soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

Yes! You can substitute regular butter for vegan butter if you prefer. Just ensure it’s softened so that it creams well with the other ingredients.

How should I store soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

Store your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

What can I do if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can create your own blend by mixing equal parts ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This will give your cookies that wonderful fall flavor!

How do I achieve fluffy soft pumpkin cookies?

The key to achieving fluffy soft pumpkin cookies lies in not over-mixing the dough and ensuring that you chill it before baking. This helps maintain their texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! They’re not just delightful treats; they embody the warmth and comfort of autumn. Whether you’re savoring them yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of these seasonal delights!