Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 These delightful treats are perfect for cozy gatherings, festive celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm drink. With their soft texture and sweet, spiced flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your autumn baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting taste that embodies the spirit of fall.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay moist and tender, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just as an everyday snack. They also make great gifts when packaged nicely!
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, these cookies cater to a variety of dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and help achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes creaming ingredients easy and ensures a well-blended batter.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy base for even baking of your cookies.
• Piping Bag: Helps create beautiful swirls of frosting on each cookie for that professional touch.

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Ingredients

Get ready to bake these delightful soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 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

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 butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is crucial for achieving the right texture.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down gently to flatten into disks. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about two inches apart.

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for 10–12 minutes. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment to blend all frosting ingredients until fully combined. If making in advance, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

Step 9: Frost Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe frosting onto cooled cookies in a swirl starting from the middle outwards. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top for added flavor and presentation!

Enjoy your delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies topped with cinnamon frosting are perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Whether you’re hosting a fall party or enjoying a quiet evening, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair your cookies with a creamy pumpkin spice latte for a comforting treat that celebrates fall flavors.
• Chai Tea: The spiced notes of chai tea complement the cinnamon frosting beautifully, making it a warm and cozy choice.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Serve these pumpkin cookies alongside other seasonal treats like apple cider cookies and gingerbread for a festive dessert platter.
• Fruit and Nut Board: Add fresh fruits like sliced apples and pears, along with mixed nuts, to balance the sweetness of the cookies.

During Celebrations

• Fall Harvest Parties: Present these cookies as part of your dessert table at harvest-themed gatherings. Their vibrant orange color will catch everyone’s eye!
• Halloween Treats: Decorate cookies with festive sprinkles or candy corn to make them perfect for Halloween celebrations.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

To ensure your soft pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these essential tips.

• bold Chilling the Dough: Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
• bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
• bold Don’t Over-Mix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense cookies instead of light, fluffy ones.
• bold Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be soft but set; don’t wait until they brown too much.
• bold Proper Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh longer.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These side dishes complement the sweet and spiced flavors of soft pumpkin cookies beautifully. Consider pairing them for a well-rounded fall treat experience.

1. bold Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: A warm, velvety soup that balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
2. bold Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These savory sprouts add a great texture contrast with their crispy exterior and tender interior.
3. bold Sweet Potato Mash: A lightly sweetened mash enhances the pumpkin flavor while providing a comforting side option.
4. bold Apple Crisp: This classic dessert adds another layer of fall flavors, making it an excellent accompaniment to your cookies.
5. bold Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with tart apples and walnuts offers a nice crunch against the softness of the cookies.
6. bold Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon or maple provide a crunchy snack that pairs well with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting can be a delightful experience. However, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your cookies.

• Boldly Skip Chilling the Dough: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes or longer to maintain shape.

• Boldly Overmixing Ingredients: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients to keep them soft.

• Boldly Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) for best results.

• Boldly Forgetting to Cool Before Frosting: Applying frosting on warm cookies will cause it to melt and slide off. Allow your cookies to cool completely before adding the cinnamon frosting.

• Boldly Using Incorrect Measuring Techniques: Improper measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Freeze unrefrigerated cookies for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people ask about making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

How do I make soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

To make these delicious cookies, follow the recipe instructions carefully, ensuring you chill the dough and allow the cookies to cool before frosting them.

Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin pie spice?

Yes! You can substitute with cinnamon or nutmeg according to your preference. Adjust based on your taste!

How should I store my soft pumpkin cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

What can I use instead of vegan butter?

You can use coconut oil or any plant-based margarine as an alternative if you’re looking for dairy-free options.

Final Thoughts

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for autumn gatherings and cozy evenings at home. Their fluffy texture pairs wonderfully with creamy frosting, making them irresistible! Feel free to customize your toppings or add nuts for extra crunch. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warmth and flavor of fall!