Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 If you’re looking for the ultimate autumn treat, look no further. These cookies are soft, fluffy, and topped with a delightful cinnamon frosting that will warm your heart and home. They are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon.

What makes this recipe so special is not just the cozy flavors, but also how easy it is to whip up a batch. You can prepare them in advance and share them with friends or keep them all to yourself. Trust me, once you try these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, they will become a staple in your fall baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are simple, making it a great option even for beginner bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these cookies! They’re perfect for any gathering where smiles are guaranteed.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can chill the dough overnight or whip up the frosting ahead of time.
• Delicious Flavor: With warm spices and creamy frosting, each bite is like a hug from your favorite sweater.
• Versatile: These cookies can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. They fit perfectly into any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delicious cookies! You might already have most of them at home. 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 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

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! Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with these fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some vegan chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise!
• Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add crunch.
• Spiced Up: Increase the pumpkin pie spice if you’re craving more warmth and flavor.
• Frosting Fun: Try adding cocoa powder to the frosting for a chocolate version!

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream Together 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 important because it incorporates air into your mixture, leading to fluffy cookies.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This helps ensure that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined—don’t over-mix! Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is crucial as it helps firm up the dough so your cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down gently to flatten into disks since they won’t spread much during baking. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet a couple of inches apart.

Step 6: Cool Down Cookies

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

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Frosting

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

Step 8: Frost Your Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting on top of each cooled cookie in a lovely swirl starting from the middle and moving outward. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top for that final touch!

Now sit back and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and sugars combine more easily, resulting in a smoother dough that bakes evenly.
• Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, helping them maintain their soft texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid packing it down. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies!
• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. They should be set but still soft in the center when done.
• Experiment with spices: Adjusting the amount of pumpkin pie spice or adding a pinch of nutmeg can give your cookies a unique flavor twist. Trust your taste buds!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy family nights. Here are some creative serving ideas to make your treat even more delightful!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top adds a warm touch and enhances the flavors.
• Mini chocolate chips: Adding a few mini chocolate chips on top before frosting can provide a lovely contrast and extra sweetness.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans over the frosting for added crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: A steaming cup of apple cider pairs beautifully with these cookies, enhancing their fall flavors and creating a comforting experience.
• Vanilla almond milk: This creamy beverage offers a subtle sweetness that complements the spices in the cookies without overpowering them.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranates brings freshness to your dessert spread.
• Pumpkin spice latte: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cookies alongside a homemade pumpkin spice latte for a delightful sweet pairing.

Enjoy these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting as part of your autumn celebrations or simply as an afternoon snack! Happy baking! 🍪✨

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the dough in advance and store it, ensuring you have fresh cookies on hand whenever you crave a delightful treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover frosting, keep it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze baked cookies. Place layers of cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• If using a microwave, heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.

FAQs

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

How can I make my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting even softer?

To ensure your cookies are extra soft, avoid over-mixing your dough and chill it before baking. This allows gluten to relax, leading to fluffier results.

Can I use different spices in my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice to customize the flavor profile of your cookies. Just remember to balance them well with the pumpkin pie spice.

What kind of flour works best for Soft Pumpkin Cookies?

All-purpose flour is perfect for these cookies, but if you’re looking for gluten-free options, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum.

Can I skip the chilling step when making Soft Pumpkin Cookies?

While it’s tempting to skip this step, chilling the dough is crucial as it helps prevent spreading during baking and ensures a thicker cookie texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you fall in love with these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting as much as I have! They are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying during cozy nights at home. The delightful flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon will surely warm your heart—so grab your ingredients and dive into this wonderful baking adventure. Happy baking!