Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies are delightfully soft and bursting with flavor. The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon makes them a standout choice for autumn celebrations, and their creamy frosting adds an irresistible touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Soft Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and moist, making them a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies without hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Whether for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or everyday snacks, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan butter and no eggs, this recipe caters to various dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper (or baking mat)
• Cookie Scooper (optional)
• Piping Bag
• Wilton Piping Tip #2A

Why These Tools Matter

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: These tools make creaming the butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking for perfectly cooked cookies every time.
• Piping Bag: Using a piping bag with a tip allows for beautiful decoration of your cinnamon frosting.

Ingredients

Get ready to gather these delicious ingredients for your soft pumpkin 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
• 1 cup vegan butter, softened (for frosting)
• 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (for frosting)
• 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Mixture

In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C).

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out approximately two-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Flatten each ball into disks as they won’t spread much while baking. Arrange them a couple of inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake on the center rack for about 10–12 minutes. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet after removing from the oven.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Frosting

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

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting on top of cooled cookies in a swirl pattern starting from the middle. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top for extra flavor before serving! Enjoy!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are a delightful treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some creative ways to serve these delicious cookies.

Casual Tea Time

• Pair with a warm cup of herbal tea to create a comforting afternoon snack.
• Use seasonal flavors like chai or spiced apple to enhance the autumn vibe.

Festive Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a decorative platter along with other fall treats like apple cider donuts and spiced muffins.
• Add some fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or pears, for a colorful touch.

Cozy Movie Night Snack

• Serve alongside popcorn drizzled with maple syrup for a sweet and salty combination.
• Create a cozy setup with blankets and hot cocoa to enjoy while indulging in these cookies.

Giftable Treats

• Package cookies in festive boxes or bags to give as gifts during the holiday season.
• Include a handwritten note with serving suggestions to share the joy of baking.

Children’s Party Favor

• Place cookies in small bags tied with colorful ribbons for fun party favors.
• Encourage kids to decorate their cookies at home for added excitement.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

To ensure your soft pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps achieve the right texture and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring your butter and pumpkin puree to room temperature for easier mixing and better incorporation.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
• Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour to avoid adding too much, which can affect texture.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be set but still soft in the center when done.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice according to your taste, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies pair well with several delightful side dishes that enhance their flavors. Consider these options when planning your next gathering or cozy night in.

1. Spiced Chai Latte: A warm blend of black tea, spices, and milk that’s perfect alongside sweet desserts.
2. Maple Glazed Apples: Sautéed apple slices coated in maple syrup bring out natural sweetness that complements pumpkin flavors.
3. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: A savory soup that balances the sweetness of the cookies, making for a comforting meal option.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these make a great addition when served alongside sweet treats.
5. Cranberry Walnut Salad: A refreshing salad featuring tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts adds contrast to the sugary cookies.
6. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts enhances their natural sweetness, creating an appealing side dish for any occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. To avoid this, mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate at 350 °F (177 °C).
• Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cookies. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Cookies need time to set before frosting. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before applying the frosting.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your soft pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (177 °C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes soft pumpkin cookies so special?

Soft pumpkin cookies are moist, flavorful, and capture the essence of fall with their warm spices. The creamy cinnamon frosting adds an irresistible touch.

Can I use different spices in my soft pumpkin cookies?

Yes! Feel free to substitute pumpkin pie spice with cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preference.

How do I store leftover soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I customize the frosting on my soft pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! You can add cocoa powder for chocolate frosting or incorporate maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.

How do I ensure my soft pumpkin cookies come out fluffy?

Make sure not to overmix your dough and chill it properly before baking. This helps maintain a light texture.

Conclusion

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are a delightful treat that embodies the flavors of autumn. With their fluffy texture and sweet, spiced frosting, they are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch!