Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

There is something incredibly comforting and utterly irresistible about Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting that makes them a perfect treat for any cozy occasion. These cookies are delightfully tender and moist, bursting with warm autumn spices and rich pumpkin flavor that pairs beautifully with a luscious cinnamon frosting. Whether you’re craving a sweet pick-me-up or looking to impress guests with a seasonal favorite, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting will quickly become your go-to dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to making these cookies so special. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color that will make these cookies stand out in your baking repertoire.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and balance needed for soft, tender cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice flavor essential to pumpkin delights.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives an extra hint of autumn warmth without overpowering the pumpkin.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to rich flavor and tender crumb in your cookies.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and gives a slight lift to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that keeps these cookies moist and adds that unmistakable pumpkin goodness.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. This blend of dry ingredients forms the spicy, tender base of your cookie dough.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, setting up a soft, tender texture for your pumpkin cookies.

Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients

Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add the egg, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin puree. Mix well until all these lovely ingredients form a smooth, cohesive batter bursting with fall flavors.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet pumpkin batter, stirring gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here, so your cookies stay soft and tender rather than dense and tough.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave roughly 2 inches between each cookie to allow spreading. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges just start turning a light golden color. Allow the cookies to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting

For the frosting, beat together powdered sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and milk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk a little at a time to achieve the perfect frosting consistency—thick enough to hold its form but soft enough to spread easily.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spread a generous layer of cinnamon frosting over each cooled cookie. This frosting adds a sweet, spicy finish that complements the pumpkin’s earthiness perfectly. Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or even chopped nuts for an extra touch.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Garnishes

To elevate your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, consider lightly dusting them with extra cinnamon or a pinch of ground nutmeg. Chopped pecans or toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch and beautifully complement the soft texture of the cookies. For a playful twist, a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add elegance and sweetness.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of chai tea or a frothy latte, intensifying the warm spices. If you’re serving them at a gathering, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side creates a decadent dessert experience that everyone will love. Hot apple cider is another incredible companion for a true fall-inspired treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Brighten up your dessert table by stacking these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting on a rustic wooden platter or tiered cake stand. You can also wrap them individually in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts. For parties, consider serving them alongside small bowls of extra frosting and sprinkles so guests can customize their own cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the frosting fresh and prevent it from becoming too soft, place a sheet of parchment paper between stacked cookies if layering is necessary.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place unfrosted cookies on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw completely at room temperature before frosting to preserve their soft texture.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked feel and makes the cinnamon frosting delightfully melty.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure to cook it down and remove excess moisture so the dough doesn’t become too wet. The canned puree is more convenient and consistent in moisture, which makes baking simpler.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to achieve a similar soft texture.

Can I omit the cinnamon frosting? What else can I use?

While the cinnamon frosting really perfects these cookies, you can enjoy them plain or swap in cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist. A simple dusting of powdered sugar also works if you want to keep it light.

How long do these cookies stay soft?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting remain soft for up to three days. Beyond that, they might start to firm up but can be refreshed with gentle reheating.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Doubling the ingredients works great, just be sure to bake on multiple sheets and rotate them halfway through for even baking. Keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly with larger batches.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like pulling a batch of Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting from the oven to fill your kitchen with warmth and the promise of deliciousness. With their tender crumb, cozy spices, and that rich cinnamon frosting, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple for your seasonal baking adventures. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience every bite of the pumpkin-spiced magic yourself!

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