Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve found it! These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for chilly days and warm gatherings. The moment you take a bite, you’ll be enveloped in a heavenly blend of pumpkin and spice. This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family get-togethers. I can’t wait for you to try them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, even novice bakers can master these cookies.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the sweet pumpkin flavor and creamy frosting.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be chilled ahead of time, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a delightful taste that screams fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients for these cookies—just some wholesome staples that are likely already in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Equipment

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 these variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the autumn taste.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the cinnamon frosting for a dairy-free cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the 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 essential as it incorporates air into the batter, ensuring your cookies turn out soft and tender.

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 helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your dough.

Step 3: Mix Wet and 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 keeps your cookies soft and chewy.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is crucial because it helps prevent spreading during baking.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). A properly preheated oven ensures even baking so your cookies come out perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down to flatten them into disks since they won’t spread much while baking. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting. Patience here will result in gooey goodness!

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, whip together all frosting ingredients using an electric mixer until fully combined. If you’re planning ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to frost.

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting on top of each cooled cookie in a swirl from the middle outward. Sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice on top for extra flair!

Enjoy every bite of these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! They’re sure to become a favorite in your home just like they are in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Baking these delightful cookies is easier than you think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and other ingredients to come to room temperature helps create a smooth batter, which leads to fluffier, softer cookies.

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps solidify the fats in the dough, resulting in thicker cookies that hold their shape while baking.

• Don’t over-mix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and tender ones.

• Check for doneness: Since these cookies are soft, they may look slightly underbaked when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Personalizing flavors can make your cookies stand out!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies not only taste amazing but also make an inviting treat for any gathering. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting adds a beautiful finish and enhances the warm flavors.
• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and complement the softness of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: This classic fall beverage pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors and keeps things cozy. Serve it warm for a comforting drink alongside your cookies.
• Caramel dip: For those who love a sweet touch, providing a small bowl of vegan caramel dip gives guests an option to enhance their cookie experience.
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies. Consider using seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, or pomegranate seeds for a colorful addition.
• Vegan hot chocolate: Rich and creamy vegan hot chocolate makes for a perfect pairing! The chocolatey goodness complements the spices perfectly while keeping everyone cozy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with these delicious soft pumpkin cookies topped with luscious cinnamon frosting! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have delicious treats ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them, where they will last up to a week.
• Keep the cinnamon frosting stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
• Label and date the bag; they will keep well for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze baked cookies. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and they’ll last up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• If you want a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or bake at 300 °F (149 °C) for 5-7 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

How do I make soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

To create these delightful cookies, start by creaming together vegan butter and sugars with pumpkin puree. Combine your dry ingredients separately before mixing everything together. Chill the dough, scoop it out onto a baking sheet, and bake until golden. For the frosting, simply whip up some vegan butter with powdered sugar and spices!

Can I substitute ingredients in soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

Absolutely! If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, you can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just ensure any substitutes maintain similar textures for best results.

How long do soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 days. In the fridge, they can last up to a week!

Are these soft pumpkin cookies gluten-free?

While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting it with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also bring that warm autumn feeling right into your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with family or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!