Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve come to the right place. These cookies are not only soft and fluffy but also bring a warm, cozy feeling that makes them perfect for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Plus, the cinnamon frosting adds an irresistible sweetness that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe is simple to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all levels. You’ll be whipping up these cookies in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves soft pumpkin cookies! They are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them great for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can chill the dough and bake these cookies whenever you’re ready. They stay fresh and delicious for days!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a mouthwatering treat that embodies the flavors of fall.
• Fun Decorating Opportunity: Get creative with the cinnamon frosting! Pipe it on in swirls or let the kids help with the decorating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delightful soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting. Most of them are pantry staples, so you may already have them on hand!

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

Equipment Needed

• 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 quite flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet treat.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to create your unique flavor profile.
• Nutty Texture: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Frosting Flavors: Try swapping out the cinnamon in your frosting for maple syrup or even a dash of cocoa powder.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream Together Wet Ingredients

In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely softness.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Whisking these ingredients well ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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 our cookies tender and soft!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is key here as it helps firm up the dough, allowing your cookies to hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). A hot oven will give your cookies a lovely rise and bake evenly.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

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

Step 7: Bake Until Perfectly Soft

Bake on the center rack for about 10-12 minutes. Once done, allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet; this helps maintain their softness.

Step 8: Prepare Your Frosting

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

Step 9: Decorate Your Cookies

Transfer your icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe beautiful swirls on top of each cooled cookie starting from the center and working outward. Finish by sprinkling some pumpkin pie spice on top—what a treat!

Enjoy every bite of these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! They truly capture fall’s spirit!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Creating the perfect soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting is a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your cookies turn out beautifully every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with softened vegan butter and room temperature pumpkin puree helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air better, resulting in fluffier cookies.

• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and firms up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This ensures you don’t end up with too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice or even add a hint of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies at 10 minutes. They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sprinkled Pumpkin Pie Spice: A light dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting adds a lovely visual touch and reinforces those warm autumn flavors.

• Chopped Pecans: For added texture and a nutty crunch, sprinkle some finely chopped pecans over the frosting. They pair wonderfully with pumpkin!

Side Dishes

• Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider complements the spices in your cookies perfectly. It’s a cozy drink that evokes all those fall vibes!

• Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea work harmoniously with pumpkin cookies, creating a lovely pairing that’s great for afternoon tea or gatherings.

• Vanilla Almond Milk: This dairy-free option adds creaminess without overpowering the pumpkin flavor, making it an excellent beverage choice alongside your sweet treats.

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes provides a savory contrast to your cookies, making for a hearty and satisfying fall meal.

Enjoy sharing (or keeping) these delightful treats as you embrace the flavors of autumn!

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 300 °F (150 °C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious cookies!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth. It may require extra moisture adjustments in the recipe.

How do I ensure my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting turn out soft?

The key is not to over-mix the dough and chilling it before baking. This helps maintain their soft texture!

Can I substitute the vegan butter in this recipe?

Yes! You can use coconut oil or any other plant-based butter alternative that you prefer.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you’re looking for an alternative, arrowroot powder or tapioca flour work well as substitutes for cornstarch in this recipe.

How should I decorate my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Feel free to get creative! You can add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra touch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! They capture all the cozy flavors of fall and are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or savoring leftovers throughout the week, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!