Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a soft, sweet treat, you are going to adore this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe. These cookies capture the essence of pumpkin spice in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, topped with a luscious cinnamon-infused frosting that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, afternoon tea, or just because, this recipe offers a simple way to bring those seasonal flavors right into your kitchen with ease and impressive results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s the pumpkin puree that provides moisture and flavor, the warm spices that give the cookies their characteristic fall vibe, or the butter and sugars that create that irresistible soft texture. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for achieving the creamy base that makes these cookies tender and rich.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the cookies slight crispness on the edges.
• Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar offers moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the flavor.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, providing moistness and that unmistakable pumpkin goodness.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure without sacrifice to softness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies, giving them structure.
• Baking powder: Provides gentle lift for a fluffy, soft texture.
• Baking soda: Helps with browning and further tenderizes the crumb.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the dough with warm, spiced aroma and taste.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.

• For the Cinnamon Frosting:
• Unsalted butter: Softened for a creamy, smooth frosting base.
• Powdered sugar: Provides that perfect sweetness and texture for frosting.
• Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency—add sparingly for the perfect spreadable texture.
• Vanilla extract: Gives warmth and depth to the frosting flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: The signature spice that makes this frosting unforgettable.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This simple step helps achieve that perfect texture and easy cleanup later on.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is the secret to soft cookies since it incorporates air into the batter, giving it lift and tenderness.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin puree, one large egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The pumpkin keeps the dough moist, while the egg adds structure, and vanilla boosts the overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, so every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so gentle mixing is key to maintaining that soft texture.

Step 6: Portion and Bake the Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for slight spreading. Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft to the touch.

Step 7: Cool on a Wire Rack

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is important so your cinnamon frosting doesn’t melt when it’s spread on later.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Frosting

Use a medium bowl to beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar in increments, beating well after each addition to keep your frosting smooth and lump-free.

Step 9: Flavor and Adjust Frosting Consistency

Stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, then add milk a little at a time until you reach a creamy and spreadable consistency. This frosting combines sweetness with the warmth of cinnamon, making it the perfect topping.

Step 10: Frost the Cookies

Once cookies have cooled thoroughly, spread a generous dollop of cinnamon frosting on each. This frosting isn’t just decorative—it adds the finishing touch of spice and creaminess that transforms these soft pumpkin cookies into an unforgettable dessert.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For a bit of extra flair, consider sprinkling finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of extra ground cinnamon on top of the frosting. These simple garnishes add texture and a burst of nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the soft, spiced cookie base.

Side Dishes

Serve your pumpkin cookies alongside a cup of hot chai tea, rich coffee, or even apple cider for a cozy pairing that enhances the cinnamon and pumpkin notes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also turn these cookies into a delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden platter lined with autumn leaves or festive napkins to highlight the seasonal vibes. You can also sandwich the frosting between two cookies for a pumpkin cinnamon cookie sandwich that’s both adorable and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should maintain their softness for up to three days. If you want the frosting to stay perfectly creamy, avoid refrigerating unless your home is very warm.

Freezing

You can freeze the un-frosted cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and then frost them fresh to maintain that perfect texture and flavor of the cinnamon frosting.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy a warm, freshly baked feeling cookie, gently warm unfrosted cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Then, add the frosting after they’ve cooled slightly to avoid melting it completely. This trick revives that freshly baked softness and amplifies the cozy spices.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully and provides consistent moisture and flavor. Just be sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional spices and sweeteners.

What if I don’t have nutmeg on hand?

If nutmeg is missing from your spice collection, you can simply skip it or substitute with a pinch of ground cloves or ginger. Both offer warm spice notes that complement cinnamon beautifully.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture, as this maintains the softness pumpkin cookies are known for.

How thick should I spread the cinnamon frosting?

The frosting should be spread generously enough to add creamy sweetness without overwhelming the cookie—about a teaspoon or so per cookie works great. You want it thick enough to taste but thin enough to avoid overpowering the soft pumpkin base.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in both the cookies and frosting. Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat in the frosting to maintain creaminess. The flavors will still shine, and the texture will remain tender.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe that goes beyond just a sweet treat—it’s a celebration of fall in every bite, a comforting and joyful experience to share with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for special occasions or an everyday indulgence, I promise these cookies will become one of your favorites to bring warmth and smiles to your table. Don’t wait to try this recipe; once you taste that perfect softness fused with spiced cinnamon frosting, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

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