Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s something magical about baking with pumpkin. I remember the first time I made these Soft Pumpkin Cookies; the rich aroma of spices wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to warm family gatherings. My kids eagerly gathered around, anticipating the sweet treats. With every bite, the cookies were met with smiles and satisfied “mmm’s.” They’ve since become a staple in our fall traditions, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying by the fire on cozy evenings.

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are everything you want in a fall dessert: soft, chewy, and loaded with pumpkin flavor. The cinnamon frosting takes them to the next level of deliciousness, making them a favorite for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat at home. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They’re soft, cake-like, and packed with pumpkin flavor.
• The cinnamon frosting adds a delightful sweetness.
• Simple to make and perfect for sharing or enjoying alone.
• They’re perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Ingredients

• 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

Equipment Needed

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

Directions

1. 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.
2. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined—don’t over-mix!
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes or even overnight. Chilling is a key step you won’t want to skip.
5. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
6. Scoop 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or a large spoon. Press down to flatten the dough balls into disks since they won’t spread much while baking. Place them a couple of inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
8. 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 making ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
9. Spoon the frosting into a piping bag fitted with the Wilton Piping Tip #2A and pipe on top of the cooled cookies in a swirl, starting from the middle and moving outward. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice on top, and enjoy!

Tips to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
• Chill the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Don’t skip the frosting; it adds the perfect sweetness to these cookies.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. They’re fantastic on their own, but you can pair them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges!

How to Store Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them for a longer time, consider freezing the cookies, unfrosted, in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Variation

Try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for an extra twist. You can also swap out the cinnamon frosting for a cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile!

FAQs About Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

1. Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
   Yes, you can use regular butter if you don’t need the recipe to be vegan.

2. What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
   You can substitute applesauce or mashed bananas, but it will change the flavor and texture.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can chill it overnight before baking.

4. Can I use a different frosting?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with other frostings, like cream cheese or maple-flavored frosting!

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are sure to become a beloved recipe in your home, just like they have in mine! Enjoy the baking and the wonderful flavors of fall!

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