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 any cookies; they are soft, fluffy bites of pumpkin goodness topped with creamy cinnamon frosting that will make your heart sing.

These cookies are perfect for a cozy family gathering or a simple treat after a long day. They also make a wonderful addition to any holiday spread or just because you want something sweet! Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll want to bake them time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip up these delightful cookies.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, making them a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make Ahead: The dough can be chilled overnight, so you can prepare it in advance and bake when you’re ready.
• Deliciously Soft Texture: These cookies turn out perfectly soft and tender—just the way cookie lovers like them!
• Customizable Frosting: The cinnamon frosting is easy to make and can be adjusted to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! You might have most 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

Equipment Needed

• 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 best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise in every bite.
• Switch Up the Spices: Try using nutmeg or ginger instead of pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
• Top with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and flavor!

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

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

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients helps ensure that everything is evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough.

Step 3: Mix It Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture bowl while mixing on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to over-mix at this stage as it can lead to tougher cookies. We want them soft!

Step 4: Chill Your Dough

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight if you prefer. Chilling helps firm up the dough which makes it easier to scoop and shape later on.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Getting your oven hot ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

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

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for about 10-12 minutes until they are set but still soft. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before adding frosting.

Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting

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

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Spoon your icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe nice swirls of cinnamon frosting on top of each cooled cookie starting from the middle and moving outward. A sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top adds that finishing touch!

Now you have beautiful soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting ready to enjoy! Share them with friends or keep them all for yourself—no judgment here!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you create the best soft pumpkin cookies ever!

• Use chilled dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving soft cookies. It helps the butter solidify, which prevents spreading during baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their fluffy texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies due to gluten development in the flour.

• Check for doneness: Since these cookies are soft, they might not look fully baked when you take them out of the oven. They should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center—this is normal and will result in a deliciously chewy cookie!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices like pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to suit your taste preferences. A little extra spice can enhance that cozy autumn flavor we all love!

• Let them cool completely before frosting: This step ensures that your frosting doesn’t melt into a puddle on top of warm cookies. Patience pays off when it comes to presentation!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here’s how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top of your frosted cookies adds an extra touch of flavor and makes them look fancy.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and contrast to the softness of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the flavors of pumpkin beautifully, making it a cozy drink option alongside your cookies.
• Maple Almond Milk: This creamy beverage pairs nicely with the sweetness of your cookies and enhances that fall vibe.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears balances out the richness of the cookies, providing a light contrast.
• Vegan Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve these cookies alongside vegan ice cream. The cold creaminess is perfect against the warm spices of the cookie!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress friends and family with your scrumptious soft pumpkin cookies adorned with luscious cinnamon frosting. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough ahead of time, bake them when you’re ready, and store or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

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

Can I use gluten-free flour for the Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients.

How do I make the cinnamon frosting less sweet?

To lessen the sweetness of your cinnamon frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly and add more vegan butter or a splash of non-dairy milk until you achieve your desired consistency and sweetness.

What can I use instead of 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. A pinch of allspice will also add depth!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in whipping up these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! They’re not just treats; they’re a cozy hug in cookie form. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during your quiet moments at home. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—happy baking!