Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of autumn, look no further. These cookies are not only wonderfully soft and flavorful, but they’re also a hit at family gatherings or cozy nights in. The combination of pumpkin and warm spices makes them irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something sweet.
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the soft texture and spiced flavor. Kids and adults alike will be asking for more!
• Make-ahead convenience: The dough can be chilled overnight, saving you time on baking day.
• Versatile frosting: The cinnamon frosting is simple to whip up and adds a delightful touch to each cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have in your pantry! Each one plays a role in creating those deliciously soft pumpkin cookies.

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

Tools Needed:

• 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 flexible, allowing you to get creative while still enjoying that signature soft texture.

• Add chocolate chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite!
• Incorporate nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
• Use different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the classic pumpkin spice.
• Try different frostings: Swap the cinnamon frosting for a maple glaze for a delightful change.

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 as it incorporates air into the batter, leading to soft and tender cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Remember not to over-mix; we want those cookies to stay tender!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling the dough is essential as it helps prevent spreading during baking.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) while you prepare your cookie shapes. A properly heated oven helps achieve that perfect bake!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

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

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting. This cooling time helps set their texture perfectly.

Step 8: Make the 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 preparing this in advance, just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

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 starting from the middle and moving outwards. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top for an extra touch!

Now gather your loved ones around and enjoy these scrumptious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Baking these cookies is a joy, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps to solidify the fats, resulting in a softer texture and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Measure accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. This prevents your cookies from becoming dense and ensures a light, fluffy texture.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your vegan butter and pumpkin puree to sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps create an even batter, making it easier to achieve that delightful soft texture.

• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and tender ones.

• Bake in batches: If you’re using multiple trays, bake them one at a time in the center of your oven. This ensures even baking and helps avoid any undercooked spots.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These pumpkin cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some lovely ways to present them that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Sprinkled cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice: A light dusting on top of the frosting adds an inviting aroma and enhances that cozy fall vibe.

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie texture.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: Serve these cookies alongside warm apple cider for a comforting autumn treat that complements their flavors perfectly.

• Vegan vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream provides a delicious contrast and makes for an indulgent dessert experience.

• Fresh fruit salad: Brighten up your dessert table with a refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes. The freshness will balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

• Spiced chai latte: Pair your soft pumpkin cookies with a warm spiced chai latte. The aromatic spices in the drink harmonize beautifully with the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon.

Enjoy making these delightful treats! With each bite, you’ll savor the essence of fall while sharing smiles with those around you. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for meal prep. You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making them a delightful treat to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before sealing them to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• Freeze the un-frosted cookies by laying them flat on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat them for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

Can I make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting without vegan butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute vegan butter with coconut oil or any other non-dairy butter alternative. Just ensure it’s softened before mixing.

How should I store Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them.

Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin pie spice?

Yes! You can experiment with different spices like nutmeg, allspice, or even just cinnamon. Each will give your cookies a unique flavor twist.

How do I know when my Soft Pumpkin Cookies are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and they will look set but still soft in the center. Remember not to overbake!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Certainly! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup as an alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about baking these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! There’s something so comforting about their fluffy texture and warm spices that truly embodies the spirit of fall. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, I know they’ll bring joy to your kitchen. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!