Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for an irresistibly tender, spiced treat to welcome autumn or simply WOW your tastebuds, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the answer you need. Imagine pillowy-soft cookies made with real pumpkin and cozy spices, topped with the silkiest cinnamon-swirled frosting—each bite is pure comfort! The autumnal flavor, gorgeous color, and melt-in-the-mouth texture make these cookies a perennial favorite at gatherings, or just as an anytime “sweet fix” with a hot cup of tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is chosen for maximum flavor and the dreamiest consistency. With simple staples and a few easy tips, you’ll be baking up a batch that’s sure to impress friends, family, or even just yourself!

• Vegan Butter (softened): Provides creamy richness, softness, and the perfect base for both cookies and frosting.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, vibrant color, and that irresistible autumn flavor—be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• Brown Sugar: Gives warmth and a delicious caramel undertone that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the deep notes of brown sugar with extra sweetness and contributes to the tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip this aromatic staple!
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookies for that just-right bite.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise for a soft and fluffy interior.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A spice blend that infuses your cookies and frosting with comforting notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Cornstarch: Ensures the cookies stay extra soft and cakey—it’s a magic touch!
• Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens all the flavors in the dough.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for creating that dreamy, pipeable cinnamon frosting.
• Vanilla Paste (or extract): Gives the cinnamon frosting an extra punch of sweet aroma and flavor.
• Cinnamon: Lends warm, spicy notes to the frosting for a classic touch.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Makes mixing the dough and whipping the frosting quick and easy.
• Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and promotes even baking.
• Cookie Scooper: Helps portion out cookies for consistent size and texture—optional, but handy!
• Piping Bag & Wilton Piping Tip #2A: For swirling on that elegant, bakery-style cinnamon frosting.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a stand mixer or a large bowl, cream together your softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, both sugars, and vanilla until light and fluffy. This key step ensures your cookies are ultra-soft and have that signature cakey texture—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This even distribution of leaveners and spices guarantees every cookie has just the right lift and flavor, without any pockets of flour left behind.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low just until a dough forms. Avoid over-mixing, as this keeps your cookies plush and pillow-soft.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and pop the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you’re planning ahead. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 5: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a cookie scooper or spoon, then gently flatten them into disks. These cookies don’t spread much, so shape them before baking for that classic look. Space them apart on the baking sheet for even baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake on the center rack for 10-12 minutes. The goal is a set edge with a soft middle! Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet so they finish “setting up” and are ready for frosting.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, whip vegan butter, vanilla paste, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar together until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like a cozy café. Cover and refrigerate if making ahead.

Step 9: Frost and Finish

Spoon your cinnamon frosting into a piping bag fitted with the Wilton #2A tip. Pipe a gorgeous swirl onto each cooled cookie—start in the center and move outward for a professional look. Finish with a dusting of pumpkin pie spice for extra flair, and get ready to enjoy cookie bliss!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Garnishes

Add an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or a tiny pinch of flaky salt on top of the cinnamon frosting for a picture-perfect finish. Edible glitter or tiny candy pearls also make fun additions, especially for festive occasions!

Side Dishes

Pair Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting with a mug of chai latte, spiced tea, or dark roast coffee. For a decadent twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and watch everyone swoon over the unique flavor combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board or frost only half of each cookie for a trendy, modern look. For parties, try stacking them on a tiered tray or packaging them in cellophane bags as charming homemade gifts—these cookies make stunning edible presents.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your finished Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting in a single layer in an airtight container. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers to keep the frosting flawless. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week if refrigerated.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! For best results, freeze unfrosted cookies in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature, then whip up and pipe fresh cinnamon frosting just before serving. You can also freeze frosted cookies, but freeze them solid first, then carefully stack with parchment between each cookie.

Reheating

To refresh chilled or frozen Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, let them return to room temperature before serving. If you want them extra soft, microwave individual cookies (without frosting) for 5-10 seconds before topping with fresh frosting—it revives that just-baked magic!

FAQs

Can I use regular butter and eggs if I’m not vegan?

Absolutely! If you’re not following a vegan diet, substitute vegan butter with dairy butter in equal amounts. There’s no need for eggs in this recipe as the pumpkin puree acts as the binder and keeps the cookies soft!

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No—they’re different! Canned pumpkin puree contains only cooked pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling includes added sugar and spices. Always use pure pumpkin puree for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting so you can control the sweetness and spice levels.

How do I get the smoothest, fluffiest cinnamon frosting?

For extra fluffy frosting, make sure your vegan butter is fully softened before beating. Start on low speed to combine ingredients, then whip at high speed for several minutes. Sift your powdered sugar before adding to the bowl to avoid lumps!

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Definitely! Make bite-sized cookies for parties by using a teaspoon for scooping, or go jumbo with larger scoops—just adjust the baking time as needed, watching for set edges and soft centers.

Do I have to pipe the frosting, or can I spread it on?

Piping creates lovely bakery-style swirls, but you can absolutely spread the cinnamon frosting with a butter knife or small offset spatula if you prefer. The cookies will look just as inviting and taste fantastic either way!

Final Thoughts

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting truly bring a little bit of magic to your kitchen—all warmth, spice, and a sweet swirl on top. Whether baking for a celebration or just a cozy night in, this recipe is a delightful way to welcome fall flavors any time of year. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share a few (if you can part with them)!

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