Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 If you’re anything like me, you eagerly await the arrival of autumn and all the delicious treats it brings, and these cookies are at the top of my list. Perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies stand out due to their rich pumpkin flavor and creamy frosting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Soft: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will adore.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for fall festivities, family gatherings, or as a delicious treat any day.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easily accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
• Vegan-Friendly: Enjoy these treats without any animal products, making them suitable for various diets.
• Customizable Frosting: The cinnamon frosting can be adjusted to your liking—add more spice or even a hint of vanilla!

Tools and Preparation

To make this delightful recipe smoothly, having the right tools is essential. With just a few kitchen staples, you’ll be well on your way to baking these tasty cookies.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Ensures that your batter is mixed evenly and achieves that light and fluffy consistency.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Piping Bag: Allows you to create beautiful swirls of frosting on each cookie for an appealing presentation.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup vegan butter, softened (for frosting)
• 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (for frosting)
• 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Mixture

In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare 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 Ingredients

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 place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling the dough is an important step that you cannot skip.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) while the dough chills.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Scoop out about two inches of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down to flatten into disks. Arrange them a couple of inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet as they won’t spread much during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for about 10–12 minutes. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet after removing from oven.

Step 8: Make Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, whip together all frosting ingredients using an electric mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment until fully combined. If preparing in advance, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 9: Frost Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting on top of cooled cookies in a swirl pattern starting from the center outwards. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top before serving—enjoy!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies can be enjoyed in many delightful ways.

With a Cup of Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee to enhance the cozy flavors.
• Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside rich hot chocolate for an indulgent treat.

On a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Cookies: Include a variety of cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin to offer guests different options.
• Brownies: Add fudgy brownies to your platter for a decadent touch with contrasting flavors.

As Party Favors

• Gift Boxes: Package individual cookies in cute boxes tied with twine for guests to take home.
• Mini Treat Bags: Fill small bags with cookies and share them as sweet tokens at gatherings.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

For the best results when making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Chilling Dough: Always chill the dough before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps your cookies soft.
• Bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Expired ingredients can affect the texture and rise of your cookies.
• Bold Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping it directly. This prevents packing too much flour, which can lead to dense cookies.
• Bold Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients to wet. Overmixing can result in tougher cookies.
• Bold Cool Before Frosting: Let the cookies cool completely before adding frosting. This ensures that the icing stays intact and doesn’t melt off.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These delicious soft pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor and create a delightful spread.

1. Chai Latte: A spiced chai latte adds warmth and complements the cookie’s flavors perfectly.
2. Caramel Apples: Sweet caramel apples provide a crunchy contrast that enhances the overall experience.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup makes for a comforting side that ties into fall themes.
4. Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses and crackers for a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out richer flavors from desserts.
6. Spiced Nuts: Crunchy spiced nuts bring an additional layer of flavor and texture alongside your sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting can be easy, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best texture.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can make your cookies tough. Mix until just combined for soft and tender cookies.
• Using Warm Ingredients: Using softened ingredients straight from the kitchen counter can affect how they blend. Ensure your butter is at room temperature, but not warm.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) before baking.
• Not Measuring Properly: Incorrect measurements can lead to dry or overly moist cookies. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store soft pumpkin cookies in an airtight container.
• item They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• item Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze.
• item Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• item They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• item Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• item Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• item Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting vegan?

You can easily make these cookies vegan by using plant-based butter and ensuring all other ingredients are dairy-free.

Can I customize Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to create your unique twist on this classic treat.

How long do Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

What type of flour should I use for Soft Pumpkin Cookies?

All-purpose flour works best, but you could also experiment with gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option.

Can I use pumpkin spice instead of individual spices?

Yes! Using pumpkin spice is convenient and adds great flavor to your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

Conclusion

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their tender texture and rich flavor make them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings, making each batch uniquely yours!

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