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. These cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings, Halloween parties, or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home. Their soft texture combined with the creamy cinnamon frosting makes them a standout dessert that will delight everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly and quick to prepare.
• Perfectly Soft: The pumpkin puree ensures a moist and soft cookie that stays fresh for days.
• Festive Flavor: Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, they capture the essence of fall in every bite.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without eggs or dairy, these cookies are suitable for those following a vegan diet.
• Versatile Treats: Serve them as a cozy dessert, add them to your holiday cookie platter, or enjoy them with your morning coffee.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, gather your tools. Each tool helps create the perfect cookie texture and frosting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Large Bowl: Essential for creaming ingredients together efficiently, ensuring a light and fluffy mixture.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a stable surface for even baking of the cookies.
• Piping Bag: Allows for precise application of frosting on each cookie.

Ingredients

Get ready to gather these delightful ingredients for your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

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 Wet Ingredients

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

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Together

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 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is an important step that you cannot skip; it helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.

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 a large spoon. Press down to flatten into disks. Arrange them a couple of inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

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

Step 8: Make Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment to whip together all frosting ingredients 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 middle and moving outwards. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top for decoration.

Enjoy your delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, perfect for any fall occasion!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies.
• Tea: Choose spiced chai or herbal teas for a warm pairing.
• Hot Chocolate: A creamy hot chocolate adds indulgence to your treat.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Mix and Match: Combine your cookies with other fall treats like pecan pie or apple tarts for variety.
• Add Fresh Fruit: Include sliced apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the cookies.

Garnish with Fall Flavors

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: Add a handful of these tangy fruits for extra flavor and color.

Serve at Room Temperature

• Ideal Texture: Allow the cookies to sit out briefly after baking; this enhances their soft texture and flavor.

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How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Achieving the perfect soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to shape and preventing too much spreading while baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your spices and baking powder are fresh for maximum flavor and rise.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be set but still soft when you take them out of the oven.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: This prevents the icing from melting and ensures it stays beautifully on top.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger alongside cinnamon for more depth in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

When serving soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, consider side dishes that enhance their autumnal flavors. Here are some great options to accompany your delicious treats.

1. Apple Cider Donuts: These sweet, spiced donuts are a classic fall favorite that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
2. Cheese Platter: A mix of creamy brie and sharp cheddar balances sweetness with savory richness.
3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookies.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup offers a comforting contrast to the sweet cookies.
5. Caramel Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combo adds another delightful layer to your dessert table.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream serves as a refreshing counterpart to the warm cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can derail the process.

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and other ingredients are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a creamy texture for your dough.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for the right cookie texture. Don’t skip this step; it prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make your cookies tough. Mix until just combined for the best results.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Weigh your flour or use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much, which can lead to dry cookies.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on baking time; cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center when done.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Freeze un-frosted cookies for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. This keeps them soft.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover it, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Yes, you can substitute regular butter if you prefer. It will result in a slightly different flavor but still delicious.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies should have lightly golden edges and feel soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your soft pumpkin cookies by adding walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips according to your taste.

What is the best way to frost these cookies?

Using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton Piping Tip #2A will give you beautiful swirls of cinnamon frosting that look professional!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their versatility allows you to customize them with your favorite add-ins or frostings. Don’t hesitate—try this delightful recipe today!