Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

If you’re craving a cozy, soft, and delightfully spiced treat, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are exactly what you need. Each bite melts with tender pumpkin goodness, perfectly balanced by a sweet cinnamon frosting that adds just the right touch of warmth. Whether you’re baking for a chilly autumn afternoon or a festive gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for simple yet irresistible seasonal cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Softness: Thanks to pumpkin puree and brown sugar, these cookies stay tender and moist long after baking.
• Perfect Autumn Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove complements pumpkin beautifully for that classic fall taste.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses common pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Cinnamon Frosting Delight: The smooth, creamy frosting adds sweet warmth that pairs perfectly with the spiced cookie base.
• Great for Sharing: These cookies look and taste as good as any bakery, making them great for gift-giving or parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that combine for the perfect texture, color, and flavor. Each item plays a crucial role in producing soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting you’ll keep reaching for.

• Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree for moisture and that vibrant pumpkin flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping cookies tender.
• Brown Sugar: Adds richness and enhances moisture for softness.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove): Classic warming spices that bring the autumn vibe to life.
• Baking Soda: Helps with gentle leavening and even texture.
• Butter: Adds creaminess and richness for soft crumb.
• Egg: Binds everything while contributing to softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Creates that smooth, sweet finish needed for the cinnamon frosting.
• Cinnamon (for frosting): The star spice in the frosting delivering warm, sweet spice notes.
• Milk or Cream (for frosting): Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.

Variations for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs—with a few tweaks, you can personalize your batch while keeping all the cozy vibes intact!

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy the same softness without gluten.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut oil or vegan butter, and a flax egg (ground flaxseed + water) instead of the egg.
• Spice It Up: Add extra ginger or a pinch of cayenne for a little unexpected kick.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Maple Cinnamon Frosting: Substitute part of the powdered sugar with maple syrup for a richer frosting.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Measure out pumpkin puree, spices, sugars, and other ingredients to have everything ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined. This ensures your spices and leavening are distributed for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—an important step to achieving those soft, airy cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle for soft results.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers remain soft.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip together powdered sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, and milk (or cream) until creamy and smooth. Adjust milk quantity to get your desired frosting texture.

Step 8: Frost and Enjoy

Once cookies are completely cool, generously spread frosting on each cookie. Enjoy immediately or store for later indulgence.

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and better texture in your dough and frosting.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven while centers are still slightly soft for maximum moistness.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, refrigerate dough before baking to prevent spreading and improve flavor melding.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker spreadable frosting.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting, or add some finely chopped toasted pecans for a crunchy, festive touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or freshly brewed coffee to enhance their warming spices and create a perfect autumn snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter with some small pumpkins and autumn leaves for a stunning fall dessert display at your gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For best softness, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting freeze beautifully. Freeze un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; frost after thawing.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm cookies slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before frosting or enjoying. This revives softness and enhances flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-cooked and drained of excess water to avoid sogginess in the cookies.

Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

With a gluten-free flour blend substitution, this recipe can easily be adapted to a gluten-free diet without sacrificing texture or flavor.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar gradually and balance with a dash of cream cheese or increase the cinnamon for more spice without extra sweetness.

Can I store these cookies without frosting?

Yes, storing cookies unfrosted helps maintain their texture longer. Add frosting just before serving for best results.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

At minimum, use cinnamon as it’s the key spice; you can leave out nutmeg and clove or replace with allspice for a similar flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting—warm spices, tender texture, and that sweet cinnamon swirl on top come together to create a fall favorite that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to enjoy making and sharing a bite of autumn’s finest flavors. Give it a try, and watch these cookies become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

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