Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 These delightful treats are perfect for any autumn gathering, family dessert night, or cozy evening at home. Their soft texture and rich pumpkin flavor make them a standout choice during the season. Plus, the cinnamon frosting adds a sweet touch that pairs beautifully with the spices in the cookie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and spices creates a warm, inviting taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies can be whipped up quickly.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying as an after-school snack, or savoring with your morning coffee or tea.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, these cookies cater to various dietary preferences while still being delicious.
• Beautiful Presentation: The creamy cinnamon frosting adds an aesthetic appeal that makes them perfect for special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these scrumptious cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugars together, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking Sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies, helping them cook uniformly.
• Piping Bag: Perfect for applying the cinnamon frosting neatly on top of the cookies.

Ingredients

To create these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, you will need the following ingredients:

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 Butter and Sugars

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

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined—be careful not to over-mix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is key to achieving soft cookies.

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 large spoon. Flatten each ball into disks before placing them a couple of inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for 10–12 minutes. Once baked, let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

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

Step 9: Frost Cookies

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

Enjoy your delightful batch of soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a simple snack, these cookies can be served to elevate any occasion.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat. The flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon complement the rich taste of coffee beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter along with other fall-themed treats like apple cider donuts and spiced muffins. This presentation will impress your guests during autumn gatherings.

With Dairy-Free Milk

• For a refreshing twist, serve these cookies with your favorite dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk. It enhances the flavor while keeping the snack light and enjoyable.

At Parties

• Offer these cookies at parties or potlucks as an easy-to-eat dessert option. Their soft texture and sweet frosting make them crowd-pleasers.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. They make perfect homemade gifts during the holiday season.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Achieving the perfect soft pumpkin cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out delightful every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and ensures softer cookies.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain the right texture and sweetness.
• Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients to wet ones; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly, so ensure your pumpkin pie spice is not expired for the best taste.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting off.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or sprinkles on top of the frosting for added texture and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

While soft pumpkin cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create an even more delightful experience. Here are some great options.

1. Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices provide a crisp contrast that complements the soft texture of the cookies.
2. Cream Cheese Dip: A smooth cream cheese dip pairs well, adding richness that balances out the sweetness of the cookie.
3. Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea enhance the autumn feel of pumpkin cookies, making this duo perfect for cozy afternoons.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an indulgent treat that’s sure to please any sweet tooth.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit alongside your pumpkin cookies for a nutritious balance between sweet and healthy.
6. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies with a steaming mug of cinnamon hot chocolate for an extra cozy experience.
7. Roasted Nuts: A bowl of roasted nuts adds crunch and protein, making it an excellent complement to your sweet treats.
8. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brightens up the plate while providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Not chilling the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for the right texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
• Overmixing the ingredients: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Combine just until the ingredients are incorporated for a softer bite.
• Using warm butter: Make sure your vegan butter is softened but not melted. Warm butter can change the structure of your cookies.
• Skipping the frosting: The cinnamon frosting adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it; it’s what makes these cookies special!
• Incorrect oven temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 °F (177 °C) before baking. An uncalibrated oven can affect baking times and cookie texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Layer parchment paper between each layer of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Freeze cookies without frosting for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
• To freeze with frosting, place parchment paper between layers and wrap tightly.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (177 °C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in 10-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

You can substitute regular butter if desired, but be aware this will change the recipe’s vegan status.

How do I make my soft pumpkin cookies fluffier?

Ensure you measure your flour correctly and don’t overmix the batter; this keeps them light and fluffy.

What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

You can use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger as an alternative if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand.

How long will the cinnamon frosting last?

The cinnamon frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your soft pumpkin cookies with walnuts, pecans, or vegan chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their delightful flavor and comforting texture make them a versatile treat. Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding nuts or different spices; they’re sure to please everyone!