Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

If you crave pillowy, autumn-spiced treats, prepare to fall in love with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. Each bite delivers cozy pumpkin flavor, warming spices, and a swoop of rich, aromatic frosting—a combination that practically whispers, “fall is here!” Even better, these cookies happen to be vegan without sacrificing any delightful softness or flavor. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, these cookies are destined to become a seasonal favorite you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are simple but perfectly chosen—every single item plays a role in creating tender cookies and a swoon-worthy swirl of frosting. Trust me, making the most of pantry staples and a few seasonal standouts is exactly why this treat is so rewarding!

• • Vegan butter (softened): Provides richness and ensures the cookies and frosting are perfectly tender and easy to mix.
  • Pumpkin puree: Infuses every bite with moisture and natural pumpkin flavor—choose pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
  • Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses-y warmth and helps the cookies maintain their soft texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Gives just the right amount of additional sweetness and a lighter texture.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the pumpkin and spice notes for a bakery-style finish.
  • All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, providing structure while staying soft.
  • Baking powder: Ensures the cookies puff up in the oven for that irresistibly cakey texture.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: Brings warmth, depth, and that unmistakable autumn aroma.
  • Cornstarch: A not-so-secret ingredient for extra softness (don’t skip it!)
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the pumpkin spice flavors.

 

• Vegan butter (for frosting, softened): The base of a creamy, fluffy cinnamon frosting that won’t overpower the cookies.
• Vanilla paste or extract (for frosting): Builds on those bakery-style flavors—paste brings lovely flecks, but extract works beautifully too.
• Cinnamon: The star in the frosting, offering sweet warmth with every bite.
• Pumpkin pie spice or extra cinnamon (for frosting): Doubles down on autumn coziness—choose based on your spice preferences.
• Brown sugar (for frosting): A little extra depth and old-fashioned sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Whips up into a frosting that’s light, smooth, and pipe-able.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Start by adding softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, both sugars, and vanilla to a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat everything together until the mixture is super light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating that signature tender crumb—so don’t rush it! Creaming well means lots of tiny air pockets that make every cookie bite melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This not only distributes the leavening and spices evenly, but prevents clumps of flour in the dough. Trust me, a thorough whisk here makes for perfectly spiced cookies later!

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Don’t overwork it—stop as soon as there are no visible flour streaks. Over-mixing can make cookies dense instead of soft and fluffy, so resist the urge to keep stirring!

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your cookie dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is fantastic if you can wait. This step helps the flavors blend and firms up the dough, so the cookies keep their beautiful shape while baking. It’s a little act of patience that yields magical results in your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Using a medium cookie scoop or large spoon, portion out 2-inch balls of dough and flatten each one into a tidy disk—remember, they won’t spread much in the oven! Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a couple of inches between each. Bake in the center of the oven for 10-12 minutes, then allow them to cool completely on the sheet. This keeps them supremely soft.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Frosting

While your cookies cool, whip up the cinnamon frosting. Use a mixer to combine softened vegan butter, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until light and airy. If you like to plan ahead, you can make this in advance and store it in the fridge—just bring it to room temperature before piping.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spoon the cinnamon frosting into a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #2A tip (or simply snip the end off a zip-top bag). On each cooled cookie, pipe a swirl of frosting starting in the center and spiraling outward. Add a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice, and admire your gorgeous Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting before digging in!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Garnishes

While these cookies are already showstoppers, a final sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon over the swirl gives each one an artisanal look. For extra flair, try a dusting of cocoa powder, a hint of orange zest, or even a single vegan chocolate chip nestled in the frosting. These little touches make every batch look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting pair so well with classic fall beverages—think hot apple cider, chai lattes, or even a rich cup of coffee. If you’re serving for a holiday, set out a fruit platter or roasted nuts to balance the cookies’ sweetness and create the ultimate autumn spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies on a tiered tray, arrange them in neat rows on a slate board, or individually wrap them in parchment and twine for grab-and-go gifts. At gatherings, place them atop a cake stand and scatter a few decorative autumn leaves around—guaranteed to impress. Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting also make adorable take-home favors for friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for three to four days—they’ll remain soft and delightful. If you want to extend their freshness, pop them in the fridge for up to a week, just allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving so the frosting softens up.

Freezing

For long-term storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies or even the unbaked dough for up to two months. Once the cookies are completely cool, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and frost! The frosting itself can also be frozen separately and whipped again before using if needed.

Reheating

If you prefer cookies slightly warm, pop a cookie (without frosting) in the microwave for 8-10 seconds or just until gently warmed. Add fresh frosting after heating for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. Avoid reheating frosted cookies directly, as the frosting may melt.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter and eggs for a non-vegan version?

Absolutely. Swap in dairy butter for vegan butter in both cookies and frosting. Eggs aren’t necessary, as the pumpkin puree does an amazing job of binding and moistening the dough. The recipe is naturally egg-free!

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough is crucial for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and gives them their characteristic soft, cakey texture—don’t skip this step.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

For the most reliable results, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife (don’t scoop directly from the bag). This technique keeps your cookies from turning out dry or dense.

Can I make the cinnamon frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting up to a day or two in advance. Store it tightly covered in the fridge. Just let it warm up to room temperature and re-whip for a minute or two until it’s fluffy again before piping.

Are these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting good for gifting?

They’re fantastic for gifting! Because they stay soft and look gorgeous even after a few days, you can wrap them up in parchment or decorative boxes. Just keep them cool so the frosting keeps its shape.

Final Thoughts

If pumpkin season makes your heart skip a beat, do yourself a favor and bake a batch of Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting soon! The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, and that first bite will win over kids and grownups alike. Don’t be surprised if they become your new autumn (and year-round) staple—enjoy every soft, cinnamon-kissed bite!

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