Discover the irresistible charm of Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, a delightful treat that combines tender, spiced pumpkin-infused dough with a creamy, luscious frosting. These cookies are all about that perfect balance between soft texture, festive fall flavors, and sweet frosting that simply melts in your mouth, making them an absolute favorite for cozy gatherings and seasonal celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Tenderness: These cookies are soft and chewy, making every bite feel like a warm, comforting hug.
Seasonal Spice Blend: The pumpkin flavor pairs beautifully with subtle hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for classic fall warmth.
Creamy Frosting Finish: A smooth, sweet frosting tops each cookie, adding a rich contrast to the spiced base.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add nuts, chocolate chips, or a sugar sprinkle, these cookies adapt effortlessly.
Perfect for Sharing: Their festive flavor and soft texture make these cookies a crowd-pleaser at any party or holiday event.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies requires simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to bring out the perfect flavor, texture, and color. Each item has a key role—from the pumpkin puree that adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the warm spices that bring seasonal charm.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and tender.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable autumn vibe.
Sugar: Balances the spices with sweetness and helps with browning.
Butter: Gives richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to cookie softness.
Baking powder: Provides a gentle rise without fluffiness, keeping cookies dense yet soft.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These spices create the warm pumpkin spice essence.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor complexity and sweetness.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates a silky, smooth frosting that complements the cookie perfectly.
Cream cheese or butter (for frosting): Adds creaminess and tang with a luscious finish.

Variations for Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

One of the best parts about Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies is how adaptable they are. Feel free to tailor this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. It’s easy to experiment with flavors, textures, and decorations to make your batch uniquely your own.

Gluten-free twist: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that keeps the soft texture intact.
Nutty additions: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a pleasant crunch and deeper flavor.
Chocolate lovers’ dream: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies.
Spice it up: Increase the cloves or cinnamon for a bolder spice punch, perfect for spice aficionados.
Vegan-friendly: Substitute butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives to enjoy a vegan version without missing out.

Why Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Delight

How to Make Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming softened butter and sugar together until fluffy and light. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and spices, then gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients, forming a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and shaping the cookies perfectly.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden. Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating together softened cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost the Cookies

Use a knife or piping bag to generously frost each cooled cookie. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or decorative sugar on top for an extra festive touch.

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Chill the dough: Refrigerating firm dough helps prevent spreading and keeps cookies soft yet structured.
Measure flour carefully: Use a spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
Don’t overbake: Remove cookies just as the edges start to brown to maintain softness.
Adjust frosting consistency: Add milk or more powdered sugar to get your perfect spreadable texture.
Use fresh spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance flavor far better than pre-ground versions.

How to Serve Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts, edible autumn-themed sprinkles, or a dusting of cinnamon powder enhances the visual appeal and adds a complementary crunch or extra warmth.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or a glass of cold milk for a perfect contrast between spicy sweetness and creamy refreshment.

Creative Ways to Present

Create a festive platter by arranging cookies on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks, miniature pumpkins, or colorful fall leaves. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness. For longer storage, move them to the fridge.

Freezing

Wrap unfrosted cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw fully before frosting for best results.

Reheating

Warm cookies slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to refresh their softness before serving. Avoid overheating, which can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree, or should I make it fresh?

Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe and ensures consistent moisture and flavor, but fresh pumpkin puree can be used if you prefer homemade.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use vegan butter or dairy-free cream cheese alternatives with powdered sugar for a delicious dairy-free frosting option.

How long do Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to bake more cookies. Just be sure to monitor baking time as oven performance may vary with larger batches.

Final Thoughts

Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to bring warmth, joy, and a touch of fall magic to your kitchen. With their tender crumb, cozy spices, and creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a beloved treat to share with loved ones. Don’t wait—try baking a batch today and experience the delicious comfort of these seasonal favorites!

Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Author: Mary
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)

Print Recipe

Description

Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are tender, soft, and chewy cookies infused with pumpkin and warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They are topped with a creamy, luscious frosting made from cream cheese or butter and powdered sugar. These festive cookies offer the perfect balance of soft texture and sweet, spiced flavor, ideal for cozy fall gatherings and seasonal celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
¼ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup pumpkin puree

Frosting Ingredients

4 ounces cream cheese or unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Additions and Garnishes

Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Cinnamon powder or decorative sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until well incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm the dough for easier handling and better cookie shape during baking.
Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop or spoon dough balls onto the sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges start to turn golden. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. Adjust consistency with a little milk or more powdered sugar if needed.
Frost the Cookies: Using a knife or piping bag, generously spread or pipe the frosting onto each cooled cookie. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon powder, decorative sugar, or chopped nuts for an extra festive touch.

Notes

Chill the dough to prevent spreading and keep cookies soft but structured.
Measure flour properly using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
Remove cookies from oven as soon as edges begin to brown to maintain tenderness.
Adjust frosting thickness by adding milk or powdered sugar for desired spreadability.
Use freshly ground spices for best flavor impact.
For gluten-free cookies, use a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
For a vegan version, substitute butter and egg with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for frosting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pumpkin cookies, soft sugar cookies, frosted pumpkin cookies, fall cookies, spiced cookies, seasonal cookies