Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 These delightful treats perfectly capture the essence of autumn, making them ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cider. The unique combination of flavors from the pumpkin and warm spices, topped with creamy cinnamon frosting, makes these cookies a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The soft pumpkin cookies combined with cinnamon frosting create a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made with plant-based ingredients, these cookies are suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a fall gathering or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies fit right in.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The secret to their deliciousness lies in the soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating these amazing soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand Mixer or Large Bowl
• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper (or Baking Mat)
• Cookie Scooper (optional)
• Piping Bag
• Wilton Piping Tip #2A

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Large Bowl: Essential for creaming the butter and mixing dough thoroughly.
• Baking Sheet: A must-have for even baking; ensures your cookies cook uniformly.
• Piping Bag: Perfect for decorating your cookies with beautiful swirls of frosting.

Ingredients

Get ready to bake! Here’s what you need for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting:

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 Cinnamon 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

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

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.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined—be careful not to over-mix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down to flatten into disks. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake on the center rack for 10–12 minutes. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment to combine all frosting ingredients until fully mixed. If preparing ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

Step 9: Frost Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe swirls of cinnamon frosting onto cooled cookies starting from the center outward. Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top for an extra touch!

Enjoy these delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting as you embrace all that autumn has to offer!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or as a delightful dessert to share. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Tea: Enjoy them with herbal tea, such as chai or pumpkin spice, to complement the flavors.
• Hot Chocolate: For an extra indulgent experience, serve alongside a rich hot chocolate.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Cheesecakes: Include mini cheesecakes for a variety of textures and flavors on your platter.
• Brownie Bites: Add fudgy brownie bites to balance the softness of the cookies.
• Fruit Tartlets: Fresh fruit tartlets can add a refreshing element to your dessert spread.

With Seasonal Ice Cream

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla bean ice cream pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors for a classic combo.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Enhance the cinnamon notes in your cookies by serving them with cinnamon-flavored ice cream.

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How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

To achieve the best results with your soft pumpkin cookies, keep these tips in mind:

• Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate your dough before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking powder and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during baking. They should be soft but set; avoid overbaking for the best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Cider: A warm glass of apple cider adds a sweet and spicy complement to the pumpkin cookies.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness harmonizes well with pumpkin flavors, creating a savory-sweet balance.
3. Maple Glazed Carrots: The sweetness from maple syrup elevates the dish and mirrors the cookie’s flavor profile.
4. Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad with cranberries provides a crisp contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
5. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Filled with grains and nuts, this dish offers hearty flavors that pair well with dessert.
6. Quinoa Pilaf: A lightly seasoned quinoa pilaf can serve as a nutritious counterpoint to sweet treats like these cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Using the wrong flour: Substituting all-purpose flour with a heavier flour will alter the texture. Stick with all-purpose flour for the best results.
• Ignoring baking times: Baking for too long can dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are just set.
• Skipping the frosting: The cinnamon frosting is what makes these cookies shine! Don’t forget to whip up a batch of frosting for that perfect finishing touch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For frosted cookies, freeze without touching each other until solid, then place in an airtight container with parchment paper.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covered, to keep moisture in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting vegan?

You can use vegan butter and pumpkin puree without any animal products. This recipe already uses vegan ingredients!

Can I substitute pumpkin pie spice?

Yes! You can use individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand.

How long do these soft pumpkin cookies stay fresh?

They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding nuts or dark chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

You can pipe the frosting using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton tip. Add some sprinkles or extra spice on top for a decorative touch!

Final Thoughts

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making them your own special treat. Try this comforting recipe this fall; you’ll be delighted by how quickly they disappear!