As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s a little magic you can create in your kitchen that captures the essence of autumn: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Cinnamon Frosting. I discovered this delightful recipe while rummaging through my pantry, unearthing the last can of pumpkin puree and a treasure trove of warm spices. These cookies are not just any fall treat; they are incredibly soft and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect match for those chilly afternoons when all you crave is something cozy and sweet.
Imagine the moment you take your first bite—the tender texture complements the luscious cinnamon frosting, creating a harmony that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, vegan-friendly, and sure to bring smiles to anyone you share them with. So roll up your sleeves and join me in making these delightful cookies that promise to elevate your seasonal baking game!
Why Choose Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?
Deliciously Easy: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a breeze to whip up, needing just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Autumn’s Favorite: Bursting with cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, these cookies evoke the spirit of fall in every bite.
Vegan and Wholesome: Crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients, they cater to vegan diets and guilt-free indulgence.
Perfectly Soft Texture: Enjoy a cake-like softness that melts in your mouth, beautifully complemented by creamy cinnamon frosting.
Versatile Treat: Customize them with toppings like chocolate chips or nuts for a personal twist.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for any gathering, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family, making them your go-to fall recipe!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake!
For the Cookies
• Pumpkin Puree – Provides essential moisture and sweetness; substitute applesauce for a similar texture.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure and chewiness; can replace with a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a light, fluffy cookie; no substitutions recommended.
• Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warm spice notes; for a unique flavor twist, consider using pumpkin pie spice.
• Coconut Sugar – Sweetens the cookies with a hint of caramel; brown sugar can also be used as an alternative.
• Non-Dairy Milk – Adds moisture and helps bind ingredients; use any plant-based milk like almond or soy for best results.
• Vegan Butter (or Coconut Oil) – Contributes richness and a tender crumb; applesauce can be substituted for a lower-fat option.
For the Cinnamon Frosting
• Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a smooth texture for the frosting; swap with a sugar-free alternative if necessary.
• Coconut Milk – Adds creaminess to the frosting; feel free to use any other non-dairy milk you have on hand.
• Ground Cinnamon – Enhances the frosting with warm spice; a must-have for that classic cinnamon punch!
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly, providing a lovely, soft texture.
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Mix the pumpkin puree, non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and coconut sugar in a large bowl until smooth. You’re aiming for a creamy blend that invites the warm flavors to shine through.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in another bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices, setting the stage for delicious cookies!
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be sticky yet hold together beautifully—no dry bits left behind!
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly for proper baking. Allow about 2 inches between each dough ball; they will spread as they bake.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. The cookies will be soft in the center, so don’t overbake for that perfect texture. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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Prepare the cinnamon frosting by combining powdered sugar, a splash of coconut milk, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Stir until creamy, creating a delightful topping that will elevate your cookies.
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Frost each cooled cookie with the creamy mixture, spreading it generously for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve and watch them disappear!
Optional: Sprinkle some crushed nuts on top for added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a perfect choice for meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the ingredients, form the dough into balls, and refrigerate them in an airtight container. This not only saves you time later but also helps the flavors meld beautifully. Additionally, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them unfrosted for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate them for a week. When you’re ready to serve, just frost them with the creamy cinnamon frosting, and you’ll have a delightful fall treat that’s just as fresh as when they were made!
How to Store and Freeze Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Unfrosted Soft Pumpkin Cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If they’re frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature before reheating.
What to Serve with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?
These delightful cookies are the perfect centerpiece for a cozy autumn gathering, inviting warmth and sweetness to your table.
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Cider: Enjoy warm apple or spiced cider, enhancing the fall flavors of the cookies while offering a comforting drink.
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Coffee: A hot cup of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies, making a delightful afternoon treat that keeps you cozy.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings a refreshing contrast to the soft, spiced cookies, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
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Spiced Chai Tea: Pair these cookies with a fragrant cup of spiced chai for a harmonious blend of rich flavors that feels like a warm hug.
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Pecan Pie: A slice of rich, sugary pecan pie offers a delightful combination of textures that complements the softness of the cookies.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Dive into the full autumn experience by sipping on a pumpkin spice latte—an iconic pairing that matches the cookie’s essence beautifully.
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Cream Cheese Frosting Dip: Serve a small bowl of cream cheese frosting for dipping the cookies, adding extra sweetness and a luxurious touch.
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Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans: For a delightful crunch, these tasty treats introduce a chocolatey bitterness that contrasts splendidly with the cookie’s flavors. Enjoy the richness!
Expert Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
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Cool Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool completely before applying frosting; otherwise, the frosting may melt and slide off.
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Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon to truly enhance the taste of your Soft Pumpkin Cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
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Space Your Dough: Make sure to space the scoop of dough about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet—these cookies will spread as they bake.
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Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies in the last few minutes of baking; they should remain soft in the center for that desirable cake-like texture.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies Variations
Customize your baking experience with delightful twists that add even more warmth and flavor!
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Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a decadent, sweet surprise in every bite.
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Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the soft, tender cookies. This variation adds an element of texture, elevating the cookie experience.
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Spiced Up Frosting: Swap ground cinnamon in the frosting for other warm spices like nutmeg or ginger. This creates a unique flavor twist that brings a new depth to the classic frosting.
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Gluten-Free Goodness: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends, ensuring everyone can enjoy the cozy flavors.
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Pumpkin Pie Spice: Substitute ground cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice in both the cookies and frosting to enhance that autumnal vibe. It’s a delightful way to amplify those traditional fall flavors.
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Maple Sweetness: Use maple syrup in place of coconut sugar for a natural sweetness with a rich flavor layer that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
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Coconut Flakes: Fold in unsweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical spin that adds a chewy texture and an extra hint of flavor.
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Fruit Infusion: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins to the dough for a hint of sweetness and chewy bites that pair wonderfully with the soft, spiced cookie base.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Cinnamon Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pumpkin puree for my cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, look for a brand that uses 100% pure pumpkin without any added sugars or spices. You can also use homemade puree if you’re up for roasting and blending fresh pumpkins. Just make sure it’s smooth and not watery, as excess moisture can alter the cookie’s texture.
How should I store my Soft Pumpkin Cookies once baked?
For the best results, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you prefer a colder option or want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure to put a layer of parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Soft Pumpkin Cookies, and if so, how?
Of course! To freeze un-frosted Soft Pumpkin Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and top with frosting!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too dry or crumbly?
If your dough appears too dry, you can add a bit more non-dairy milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a sticky consistency. This is crucial to hitting that perfect balance for your Soft Pumpkin Cookies. Just remember—don’t overmix when adding!
Are these cookies safe for my pet or anyone with allergies?
While delicious for us, please be cautious—these cookies are best enjoyed by humans! Pumpkin is great for some pets, but the sugar and spices in the frosting can be harmful. If someone has specific allergies, ensure to check all ingredient labels and consider substituting as necessary.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Cinnamon Frosting Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the pumpkin puree, non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and coconut sugar in a large bowl until smooth.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in another bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden.
- Prepare the cinnamon frosting by combining powdered sugar, coconut milk, and ground cinnamon in a mixing bowl.
- Frost each cooled cookie with the creamy frosting.