Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Why Make This Recipe

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of fall with a light, airy texture. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a simple family dessert, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They are not only easy to make but also a hit with both kids and adults. The cookies have a mild pumpkin flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cinnamon frosting, making them a standout dessert. Plus, they’re vegan-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy them without the use of animal products.

These cookies are soft and chewy, with a subtle spice that makes them comforting and enjoyable all year round. The addition of frosting elevates them even further, turning a simple cookie into a dreamy dessert. Who can resist soft cookies topped with a fluffy, spiced frosting?

Let’s not forget that pumpkin is packed with nutrients, including fiber and vitamins, which can make these cookies feel a bit more wholesome. Indulging in a treat can feel good, especially when you know there are some health benefits involved!

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Making these savory Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is an enjoyable process, and the results are delicious. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to prepare your Soft Pumpkin 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
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or often more cinnamon)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. You want this mixture to become light and fluffy. This process adds air to the dough, which helps create soft cookies.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Doing this ensures that the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed.

3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Use a mixer on low speed just until it comes together. Be careful not to overmix; doing so can lead to tough cookies.

4. Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes or up to overnight. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances the flavor.

5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

6. Shape the Cookies: Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart since they will spread a little while baking. Flatten them slightly for even baking.

7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and the center looks slightly underbaked. This will ensure they stay soft after cooling.

8. Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting them. If you frost them too soon, the frosting may melt and become runny.

9. Make the Frosting: In a new bowl, whip together the frosting ingredients: vegan butter, vanilla paste, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until it becomes fluffy and smooth.

10. Frost the Cookies: Using a piping bag or a simple knife, spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting for decoration and added flavor.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies

These soft pumpkin cookies can be served in a variety of ways to fit your occasion. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter and serve them as a dessert option. They look inviting, and the warm spices give off a lovely fragrance.

2. Fall Gatherings: These cookies are perfect for fall-themed parties or Thanksgiving gatherings. They add a seasonal twist and can be a sweet ending to your holiday meals.

3. Coffee Pairing: Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. The warmth of the spices in the cookies complements the richness of a cup of coffee perfectly.

4. Gift Giving: Wrap some cookies in cellophane and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Share the love of baking with friends, neighbors, or family.

How to Store Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Storing your Soft Pumpkin Cookies is straightforward. Follow these tips to keep them fresh:

1. At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them to avoid moisture buildup.

2. Refrigeration: If you want them to last a little longer, you can refrigerate them. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 10 days. The cookies may become a bit firmer but will still taste great.

3. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. You can also freeze the dough before baking if you wish. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

Tips to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

1. Choose the Right Pumpkin: Use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains sugar and spices that will affect the cookies.

2. Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is key for the best texture. If you can, chill it overnight for the best results.

3. Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to determine if your oven is correctly calibrated for accurate baking.

4. Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice in the dough and frosting to your liking. If you love cinnamon, adding a bit more won’t hurt!

5. Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of plant-based milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, simply add more powdered sugar gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Variation

While the classic recipe is delectable, you can try variations to keep things interesting! Here are some ideas:

1. Add Nuts: Add walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for a crunchy texture. Just chop them coarsely and fold them in before chilling the dough.

2. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Fold in some vegan chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolatey twist. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin flavor.

3. Different Frostings: Instead of cinnamon frosting, try a maple cream or even a cream cheese frosting for a tangy addition to your cookies.

4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Yes, you can use regular butter if you are not concerned about making the cookies vegan. The texture and taste will remain similar.

2. Can I make these cookies without cornstarch?

While cornstarch helps create a softer cookie, you could replace it with an equal amount of additional flour. The cookies may be slightly less tender but still delicious.

3. Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is highly recommended as it improves the cookies’ texture and flavor, preventing them from spreading too much during baking.

4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are set, and the tops look slightly matte. The centers may appear underbaked, but they will continue to cook while cooling.

5. Can I replace pumpkin puree with something else?

Pumpkin puree can be replaced with other pureed fruits like applesauce, but this will change the flavor and texture of the final cookie. If you want to stick with the pumpkin flavor, it’s best to use actual pumpkin puree.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a wonderful option for dessert lovers. With their unique flavor profile and satisfying texture, they are sure to please anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. When you’re ready to bake, follow these easy steps, and you’ll be amazed by the tasty cookies you create. Whether you keep them for yourself or share with others, these cookies will become a favorite in no time! Enjoy the delightful taste of pumpkin and spices in every soft, frosted bite.

Print