As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with a crisp chill, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven, bursting with the scents of autumn. The sizzle of pumpkin-scented batter in the oven has become my little ritual of the season. It’s not just about baking; it’s about creating soft pumpkin cookies with creamy cinnamon frosting that evoke the very essence of fall. These tender cookies are perfection on their own, but with the rich, velvety frosting slathered on top, they become an irresistible treat that friends and family can’t resist. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering, seeking a comforting sweet for chilly evenings, or just craving a taste of the season, these cookies are an absolute delight. Let’s bring a little warmth to your home with this easy, family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a seasonal staple!
Why love Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?
Delightful warmth: These cookies capture the essence of fall in every bite, making them the perfect addition to your seasonal celebrations.
Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time.
Versatile and customizable: Add chocolate chips or nuts for a unique twist, adapting the recipe to your taste.
Family-friendly treat: Loved by kids and adults alike, these cookies are sure to please your whole crew.
Perfect for sharing: Ideal for gatherings or gift-giving, they’re a delightful way to spread autumn cheer.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients
• Prepare yourself for fall with these delightful cookies that are sure to become a family favorite.
For the Cookies
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup) – Adds richness and moisture; substitute with margarine if necessary, but butter provides the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) – Sweetens the cookies; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed) – Enhances moisture and adds deeper flavor; light or dark brown sugar works here.
- Egg (1) – Binds ingredients effectively; for a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Contributes to the overall flavor; pure vanilla is best, or swap for almond extract for a twist.
- Pumpkin Puree (1 cup) – Provides moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor; ensure you use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Responsible for structure; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for gluten-free cookies.
- Baking Soda (1 tsp) – Acts as a leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
- Baking Powder (1/2 tsp) – Works alongside baking soda for optimal rise; check expiration for effectiveness.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) – Enhances flavors; don’t skip this key ingredient.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Adds that wonderful warmth; adjust to taste or add more for extra spice.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 tsp) – Complements cinnamon beautifully; can be omitted or swapped with allspice or pumpkin spice.
For the Cinnamon Frosting
- Cream Cheese (4 oz) – Provides a tangy flavor base; a vegan cream cheese alternative can be used for a dairy-free option.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup) – Adds creaminess; margarine can be substituted as needed.
- Powdered Sugar (1 1/2 cups) – Sweetens and thickens frosting; reduce quantity for a less sweet treat.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Adds depth to the flavor; feel free to adjust for personal taste.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp) – Enhances sweetness and overall flavor, creating a delightful finish.
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are just a few ingredients away from gracing your table!
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
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Prep & Mix Wet Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing until everything is smooth and well incorporated.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Form & Bake Cookies: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, and allow the cookies to cool on wire racks afterwards.
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Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, along with the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, mixing until your frosting reaches a beautiful, fluffy consistency.
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Frost & Enjoy: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the creamy cinnamon frosting generously over the tops of each cookie. Enjoy with family and friends!
Optional: Sprinkle extra cinnamon on the frosting for a lovely finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking soda and powder for puffiness. Old leavening agents can lead to flat cookies.
Perfectly Soft Texture: Avoid overbaking! The cookies should be soft with lightly golden edges for that ideal melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Frosting Tip: Cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent the cinnamon frosting from melting.
Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg levels to suit your taste. Experimenting can elevate your pumpkin cookies greatly!
Storage Wisdom: Store soft pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze unfrosted cookies for a quick treat later on.
How to Store and Freeze Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer chilled cookies, store them in an airtight container for up to a week, which can also enhance their flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.
What to Serve with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?
Imagine the warmth of a cozy autumn afternoon, where delightful flavors mingle and comfort is just a bite away. These cookies pair beautifully with a range of dishes that enhance your fall experience.
- Rich Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite a cozy treat.
- Warm Spiced Cider: The warm, spiced notes of cider highlight the flavors in the cookies, wrapping you in autumn’s embrace.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream creates a delicious contrast with the soft cookies, elevating your dessert game.
- Rustic Apple Crisp: The tartness of apple crisp complements the pumpkin’s sweetness, creating a delightful texture and flavor harmony.
For a gathering dessert display, these cookies can shine alongside other fall favorites. Imagine sharing a platter filled with nutty pecan pie or rich chocolate brownies, inviting your loved ones to mix and match flavors.
- Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Pairing the cookies with a luxuriously frothy hot chocolate enhances the overall sweetness and warms your heart.
- Toasted Pecans: These add a crunchy texture that beautifully contrasts the soft cookies, enriching the fall flavor palette.
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are perfect for sharing, so prepare a refreshing drink or dessert to complete your autumn culinary journey!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, refrigerating both in airtight containers. To maintain their soft texture, chill the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop the chilled dough onto your baking sheets and bake as directed; they’ll taste just as fresh! The frosting can also be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Before frosting the cookies, simply let the frosting sit at room temperature to soften, then spread it generously. This way, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to serve with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Variations
Explore delightful twists to make these cookies uniquely yours and experience the joy of customization!
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Chocolate Chip Addition: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet contrast to the pumpkin flavor. Who doesn’t love a surprise chocolate chunk in each bite?
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Apple Sauce Swap: Substitute half of the pumpkin puree with unsweetened applesauce for a different fruity profile. This keeps the cookies moist while adding a subtle apple taste.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added texture and flavor. The nuts introduce a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the cookie’s softness.
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Spicy Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves to the dry ingredients for an extra warm and spicy kick. This variation will envelop your kitchen in even more comforting autumn aromas.
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Maple Frosting: Swap the powdered sugar with pure maple syrup in the frosting for a uniquely sweet, maple-flavored finish. It’s a heavenly twist that dances on the palate!
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Vegan Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter and mix a flax egg for the perfect vegan option. This way, everyone can enjoy these cookies without missing out!
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Cranberry Surprise: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries into the dough for a tart burst of flavor. This creates a beautiful visual appeal and a delightful sweet-tart balance.
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Cinnamon Roll Option: Roll the dough in cinnamon sugar before baking for a crunchy, sugary crust. This gives each cookie a magical twist reminiscent of a cinnamon roll!
Let your creativity soar and make these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting even more special!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Cinnamon Frosting Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely use pure pumpkin puree, as it provides the rich flavor your cookies need. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it’s sweetened and spiced, which can throw off your cookie balance.
How long can I store these cookies?
You can store your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re like me and want to keep them longer, they’ll also maintain their taste and texture for about a week in the fridge!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months! Just stack them carefully with parchment paper in between each layer to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for about 10 to 15 seconds for that fresh-baked flavor.
What should I do if my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies don’t rise, it could be due to using old leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder. Make sure they’re fresh! Additionally, the dough shouldn’t be too warm when placed in the oven – chill it for about 30 minutes if needed.
Are these cookies suitable for those with allergies?
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies can be adapted to fit various dietary needs! To make them dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use margarine in the cookie dough instead of butter. Just check the ingredient labels for any specific allergens.
Can I customize the spices in the recipe?
Very! You can adjust the amounts of cinnamon and nutmeg per your taste preference. If you love more spice, incrementally add more cinnamon or incorporate allspice or pumpkin spice for a different yet delightful flavor profile.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting for Cozy Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden; allow to cool on wire racks.
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, spread the cinnamon frosting over each cookie. Enjoy!