There is nothing quite as comforting as the warm, tender bite of pumpkin paired with the sweet, spicy hug of cinnamon in this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe. These cookies combine the best of autumn’s flavors into every soft, chewy morsel topped with a luscious cinnamon frosting that melts delightfully on your tongue. Whether you’re baking for a cozy gathering or simply craving a fall-inspired treat, this recipe promises a deliciously joyful experience that you’ll want to share (or savor all by yourself!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward pumpkin cookie bliss. Each plays a vital role: pumpkin puree adds moisture and rich flavor, the spices bring warmth and depth, and the vegan butter ensures the perfect softness in both the cookie and frosting. Let’s take a closer look:
- Vegan butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides creamy texture and richness for the cookie dough.
- Pumpkin puree (1/4 cup): The star ingredient delivering moistness and that irresistible pumpkin flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds caramel notes and helps keep the cookies moist.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and supports a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant touch.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The foundation that holds the cookies together with just the right amount of structure.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives lift for a perfectly soft, fluffy cookie.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): A warm blend of spice that defines the seasonal flavor.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Keeps cookies tender and light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Vegan butter for frosting (1 cup, softened): Creates a creamy, dreamy base for the frosting.
- Vanilla paste or extract (3 teaspoons): Adds rich, aromatic vanilla to the frosting.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Delivers warm spice punch in the frosting.
- Pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, 1 teaspoon): Rounds out the frosting’s seasonal flavor profile.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup for frosting): Adds depth and slight molasses flavor to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar (3 1/4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when your delicious dough is ready to bake, setting the stage for perfectly soft cookies.
Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. This combination creates an irresistible base, balancing the richness of the butter with the moist pumpkin and sweet sugars for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with that classic sweet aroma that makes pumpkin treats even more comforting and flavorful.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Whisking these together ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, so every bite offers consistent warmth and fluffiness.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. This gentle incorporation keeps the cookies tender and perfectly soft rather than dense or tough.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Using a spoon, drop dollops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Giving them enough space means they bake evenly and develop that inviting, lightly golden edge.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until they’re set but still delightfully soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid drying out — these cookies shine brightest when they’re just baked through and tender.
Step 8: Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting
While your cookies cool, make the frosting by creaming together the softened vegan butter, vanilla paste, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar. This mixture sets the foundation for a frosting bursting with cozy fall flavor.
Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually
Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, blending until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. This step ensures a luscious, creamy texture that complements the soft cookies perfectly.
Step 10: Frost and Enjoy
Once your cookies have cooled completely, generously spread the cinnamon frosting on top. This final touch turns these pumpkin cookies into an irresistibly festive treat you’ll want to make over and over.
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting for an extra pop of spice and color. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch and nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the soft cookies and cinnamon frosting.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm chai latte or a creamy pumpkin spice latte to elevate your cozy indulgence. A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream makes an extraordinary companion, turning these cookies into a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe on a wooden platter surrounded by autumn leaves and whole cinnamon sticks. You could also sandwich two frosted cookies together for a playful cookie sandwich that’s perfect for sharing at holiday parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to preserve their softness. If you want to extend their life, store them in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for about a week.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies without frosting by placing them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. Frost the cookies only after thawing for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness, but be careful not to overheat. Warming them slightly enhances the cinnamon frosting’s flavor too, making each bite heavenly.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Absolutely! Regular butter will work just as well if you’re not following a vegan diet. It will add the same rich texture and flavor to both the cookies and frosting.
Is pumpkin puree necessary for this recipe?
Yes, pumpkin puree is key to achieving the moist, tender texture and that irresistible pumpkin flavor that defines these cookies. Canned or homemade pumpkin puree both work perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for similar texture results.
How spicy are the pumpkin pie spices in these cookies?
The pumpkin pie spice offers a warm, gentle spice flavor—not overwhelming but enough to bring the cozy essence of fall to life. You can always adjust the amount if you prefer milder or stronger spice notes.
Can I store the frosted cookies in the fridge?
Yes, frosted cookies can be refrigerated to keep the frosting fresh and firm. Just allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and softness.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a soul-satisfying dessert that captures the essence of autumn with every tender bite, this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe is a must-try. The tender crumb, the vibrant spices, and that luscious cinnamon frosting all come together to create something magical. So grab your mixing bowls and pumpkin puree, and get ready to fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness!
Print
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful seasonal treat, combining moist pumpkin-infused cookies with a sweet, spiced vegan cinnamon frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert, these cookies balance warm spices and creamy frosting for pure joyful indulgence.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly, blending it into the wet mixture to enhance the aroma and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until the batter is just combined without overmixing.
- Portion Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookies cool, make the frosting by creaming together softened vegan butter, vanilla paste, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the frosting mixture, beating until it becomes creamy and smooth with no lumps.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously frost them with the cinnamon-spiced vegan frosting and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use pumpkin pie spice to achieve authentic fall flavors, or substitute with equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Vanilla paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor than extract but either works well.
