Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

If you love cozy fall flavors and soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats, you are going to adore this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe. These cookies bring together the warm essence of pumpkin spices with a luscious cinnamon-infused frosting that perfectly complements their tender texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving a sweet pick-me-up, this recipe delivers comforting autumn vibes in every bite, making it an instant favorite in any cookie jar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to create the magic behind these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe. Each item plays a starring role, from the fragrant spices that give them their signature taste to the pumpkin that lends moisture and richness, ensuring the perfect soft texture.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together while keeping the cookie soft and tender.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents provide just the right lift for a perfectly airy cookie.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Essential spices that pack the warm, cozy fall flavor punch.
• Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Brings creaminess and keeps the cookies soft without overpowering sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Canned pumpkin puree: The heart of the recipe, providing moisture, beautiful color, and earthy sweetness.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s structure and softness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a subtle aromatic touch.
• Powdered sugar: The key to a smooth, sweet frosting that melts on your tongue.
• Milk: Adds creaminess, helping to make the frosting spreadable and fluffy.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mix is where your warm spice flavors start to shine, setting the foundation for perfectly spiced pumpkin cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air, ensuring your cookies have that soft, tender crumb we’re aiming for in this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Beat in the pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The pumpkin provides moisture and that signature autumn flavor, while the egg adds structure for a cookie that’s soft yet holds its shape beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so a gentle touch here keeps them soft and tender.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden and set. The smell at this point will absolutely enchant you with warm cinnamon and pumpkin aromas!

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cookies are cooling, prepare your cinnamon frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy, then gradually adding powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Stir in the cinnamon to infuse the frosting with its signature flavor. Once cooled, spread or pipe the frosting generously on each cookie, and let it set before indulging.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe, consider sprinkling a pinch of ground cinnamon or a light dusting of finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the frosting. These little touches add texture and a lovely visual hint of the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat. Fresh autumn fruit like sliced apples or pears also complements the pumpkin and cinnamon notes perfectly, offering a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of cinnamon frosting for dipping. You could also pipe the frosting in rosettes for a decorative flair, or sandwich two cookies together with frosting in the middle to create irresistible pumpkin cookie sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out. If your kitchen is warm, consider refrigerating them to help the frosting set.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze after frosting, place the cookies on a tray to freeze until firm, then transfer carefully to a container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating

To enjoy your thawed cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in a low oven for a few minutes. This will make the cookies extra soft and the frosting slightly melty — a heavenly combination!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender, then puree it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess water so your dough isn’t too runny. This swap keeps the pumpkin flavor fresh and vibrant.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make a gluten-free version, though texture might vary slightly.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and your preferred plant-based milk. The frosting may have a slightly different texture but will still be delightfully creamy and delicious.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Be sure to chill your dough for 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm, and use parchment paper to keep cookies from spreading too thin. Also, spacing them adequately on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Toss in a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. These additions complement the pumpkin spices beautifully.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about biting into a soft, spiced pumpkin cookie topped with creamy cinnamon frosting, and this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe delivers that cozy magic every time. Whether it’s a chilly autumn afternoon or a festive holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warmth. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — your taste buds and loved ones will thank you!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful seasonal treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with moist pumpkin-infused cookies. Topped with a creamy, spiced cinnamon frosting, they make a perfect dessert or snack for autumn gatherings or anytime you crave a soft, flavorful cookie.

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Ingredients

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For the Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the dough.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, giving the cookies a soft texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
6. Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.
7. Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and set in the center.
8. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling prevents the frosting from melting.
9. Prepare Frosting: While the cookies cool, beat the softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy using an electric mixer.
10. Add Frosting Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract while beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
11. Flavor Frosting: Stir in the ground cinnamon to incorporate a spiced flavor consistent with the cookies.
12. Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cinnamon frosting over the tops evenly.
13. Set Frosting: Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving, allowing it to firm up slightly for optimal texture.

Notes

• Ensure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
• You can store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American