If you’re searching for a cozy, scrumptious treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, I can’t recommend this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe enough. These cookies combine the rich, mellow sweetness of pumpkin with a perfectly spiced cinnamon frosting that melts in your mouth. Tender, moist, and packed with fall flavors, they’re ideal for any occasion when you want to impress your friends or just treat yourself to something truly special. Once you try this recipe, these delightful pumpkin cookies will become your go-to comfort dessert all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the ideal balance of softness, flavor, and that irresistible cinnamon-kissed topping. Each element plays an essential role, from the velvety pumpkin puree that adds moisture and subtle spice, to the vegan butter that ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened: This creates a soft, rich base for the cookies and frosting alike.
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree: Adds natural moisture and classic pumpkin flavor for autumn vibes.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel sweetness to the dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar for a perfect sweetness level.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just right without being cakey.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic spice notes.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Adds softness and that gentle chewiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a creamy, luscious frosting texture.
- 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract): Delivers intense vanilla flavor in the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Gives the frosting a fragrant, cinnamon warmth.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon): Adds cozy fall spice to the frosting.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for frosting): Provides sweetness and depth for the frosting layer.
- 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar: Ensures the frosting is smooth and perfectly sweetened.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin baking. Preheating ensures that your cookies cook evenly and develop beautiful golden edges while staying soft inside.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, contributing to the ultimate soft and tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly. Vanilla is that subtle magic ingredient that rounds out the flavors beautifully, making every bite more flavorful and inviting.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This blend of spices and leavening agents ensures your cookies have that signature soft texture with a bounce of autumnal flavor.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually incorporate your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Mixing gently avoids overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step keeps the cookies uniform in size and helps them bake consistently, giving you even softness in every piece.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are set but still soft in the middle. Knowing when to pull them out is the secret—overbaking means losing that perfect softness, so keep an eye on them!
Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting
While the cookies cool, start your frosting by creaming together vegan butter, vanilla paste, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar. This combination creates a spiced-sweet, creamy frosting that pairs flawlessly with pumpkin.
Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Take time here to achieve a luscious, silky frosting texture that will elevate your cookies from delicious to downright dreamy.
Step 10: Frost the Cookies
Once your cookies have completely cooled, generously frost each one with the cinnamon frosting. This final touch balances spice and sweetness, turning these cookies into a festive delight that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of charm, sprinkle the frosted cookies with a dash of ground cinnamon or a few toasted pumpkin seeds. These little accents add a delightful crunch and visual appeal that make your treats look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of chai tea, a latte, or even a creamy vegan hot chocolate. The spices in both the drinks and the cookies complement each other beautifully, creating an indulgent cozy moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few cookies and tying them with rustic twine for gifts, or display them on a pretty cake stand for your next gathering. You can also use the cinnamon frosting as a dip for apple slices for a fun twist on fall snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will preserve their moist texture and fresh flavor, making them an easy grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies unfrosted by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze the frosting separately if possible. When ready, thaw cookies and frost for a fresh-from-the-oven feel anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy a warm cookie, microwave one for about 10 seconds or heat in a low oven briefly. This quick step revives their softness and makes the cinnamon frosting even more luscious — pure autumn comfort in each bite.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Absolutely! Regular butter works just as well, but using vegan butter keeps this recipe entirely plant-based without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is pumpkin puree the same as canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree is what this recipe calls for and is most convenient, but you can also use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer fresh and slightly less moist dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency and adjust if needed.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies are best enjoyed within three to four days when stored properly. After that, they may start to dry out, but reheating them can restore some softness.
Can I skip the frosting?
You can, but the cinnamon frosting really makes this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe shine. It adds a delightful spice sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderful Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe in your baking arsenal, I hope you dive in and experience the joy of making these tender, flavorful cookies yourself. They’re the perfect cozy treat for chilly days, gatherings, or simply whenever you need a little bite of happiness. Trust me, once these cookies grace your kitchen, you’ll find yourself coming back to them again and again.
Print
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful fall treat featuring tender pumpkin-flavored cookies topped with a creamy, spiced cinnamon frosting. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet seasonal snack, these vegan cookies are soft, flavorful, and packed with warm autumn spices.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 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
Frosting Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which helps incorporate air and improve texture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the cookie dough with its sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and developing gluten.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies appear cooked through but still soft in the center.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookies cool on a wire rack, prepare the frosting by creaming together the vegan butter, vanilla paste, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar to the frosting mixture until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Frost Cookies: Spread or pipe the cinnamon frosting generously on top of the cooled cookies, making sure to cover the surface evenly for optimal flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling to control the level of sweetness and spices.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies soft and tender.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated if the frosting is too soft.
- For a glossier frosting, you can whip it longer until light and airy.
- Feel free to substitute pumpkin pie spice with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to customize the spice profile.
