Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 If you’re anything like me, you eagerly await the arrival of autumn and all the delicious treats it brings, and these cookies are at the top of my list. They’re soft, fluffy, and topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight treat or a family gathering, this recipe will bring joy to everyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: These soft pumpkin cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices makes these cookies a cozy treat for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Chill your dough overnight! You can prepare it now and bake fresh cookies when you’re ready.
• Customizable Frosting: The cinnamon frosting can be made ahead of time too—just whip it up when you’re ready to frost!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Gather them up, and let’s get baking!

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

Tools You’ll Need

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some vegan chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Include Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Switch Up the Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
• Change the Frosting Flavor: Try using a maple frosting instead of cinnamon if you want something different!

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 vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into your dough, resulting in delightfully soft cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and flavors throughout your cookies.

Step 3: Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this could lead to tougher cookies. We want them soft!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and gives your dough better structure when baking.

Step 5: Preheat & Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). While it’s heating up, scoop out about two-inch balls of dough using a cookie scooper or a spoon. Press down each ball gently to flatten them into disks. This is important because they won’t spread much while baking.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Arrange your cookie disks on a parchment-lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Frosting

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 you’re making this ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to frost.

Step 8: Frost & Enjoy!

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting on top of each cooled cookie in a lovely swirl from the middle outwards. For an extra touch, sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top!

Enjoy every bite of these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Baking is all about enjoying the process and creating delightful treats, so here are some tips to ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in that soft, chewy texture we love.

• Use a cookie scooper: This handy tool ensures uniform cookie sizes, which means even baking. Plus, it makes portioning out the dough a breeze!

• Don’t skip the spices: Pumpkin pie spice adds depth of flavor to your cookies. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference for a more or less spiced treat.

• Let them cool completely: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet ensures they firm up a bit before handling. This prevents them from breaking when you frost them.

• Experiment with frosting techniques: Using a piping bag with a Wilton tip allows for creative designs. Don’t hesitate to try different patterns or swirls to make your cookies visually appealing!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful, making them perfect for sharing or serving at gatherings. Here’s how you can present them in style!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting adds an extra touch of flavor and enhances the autumn vibe.
• Chopped nuts: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting for a crunchy contrast that complements the softness of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider pair wonderfully with pumpkin flavors, creating a cozy autumn experience.
• Vegan vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream alongside these cookies creates a delightful combination that balances richness and sweetness.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples and pears provides a light contrast to the indulgent cookies.
• Chai tea: Offering chai tea adds warmth and spice to your dessert spread, enhancing the overall autumnal theme while complementing the flavors in your cookies.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your delicious soft pumpkin cookies topped with creamy cinnamon frosting! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, store them, and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.
• To maintain the frosting’s texture, it’s best to frost the cookies just before serving.

Freezing

• Place unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• When you’re ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• To reheat baked cookies, preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes.
• Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying again!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cookies.

Can I use pumpkin spice instead of pumpkin pie spice in Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Absolutely! Pumpkin spice works perfectly as a substitute and will still give your cookies that lovely fall flavor.

How should I store my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them as described above.

What can I use instead of vegan butter in this recipe?

You can substitute coconut oil or any plant-based margarine if you prefer. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!

How do I achieve the best texture in my Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Chilling the dough is key! It helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in soft and fluffy treats.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting as much as I do! They capture the essence of autumn in every bite, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or just treating yourself. Don’t hesitate to share your creations or variations; I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Happy baking!