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. Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. Their rich pumpkin flavor paired with creamy cinnamon frosting makes them a standout treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting taste that is synonymous with fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these cookies with ease.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, these cookies make an excellent addition to dessert tables or as gifts.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, everyone can enjoy these delightful cookies.
• Soft Texture: The unique recipe ensures cookies that are perfectly soft and moist, making each bite a joy.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it enjoyable.

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 achieving a light and fluffy cookie dough by fully incorporating the ingredients.
• Baking Sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies, ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Piping Bag: Allows you to elegantly apply the frosting on your cookies for a professional touch.

Ingredients

To create these delectable soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, you’ll 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 Together 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 Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined; avoid over-mixing.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is vital for achieving perfect cookie texture.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down to flatten into disks. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake on the center rack for 10–12 minutes. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to whip together all frosting ingredients until fully combined. Refrigerate if preparing in advance.

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 starting from the middle outward. Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top before serving.

Enjoy your homemade soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Serving soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting is a delightful experience that captures the essence of autumn. These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair your cookies with your favorite herbal or spiced tea. The warmth of the tea complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive dessert platter with other fall treats like candied apples or mini pumpkin pies for a seasonal touch.

At a Potluck

• Bring these cookies to a potluck or gathering. They are sure to be a hit among guests and add charm to any table setting.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of soft cookie and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

To ensure your soft pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your vegan butter and pumpkin puree are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and improves texture.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. This prevents dense cookies caused by too much flour in the mix.
• Bake Until Just Set: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they will firm up as they cool.
• Frost When Cool: Allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the icing from melting and helps maintain its beautiful swirl.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust pumpkin pie spice levels according to your taste preference for a more personalized flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Soft pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cream Cheese Spread – A smooth cream cheese spread adds tanginess that balances the sweetness of the cookies well.
2. Candied Pecans – Sweet, crunchy pecans offer texture contrast and an extra layer of fall flavor that complements pumpkin nicely.
3. Apple Slices – Crisp apple slices provide freshness and crunch, making them an excellent light pairing with these rich cookies.
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte – This classic fall beverage enhances the cozy vibe while echoing the flavors in your cookies.
5. Whipped Coconut Cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds creaminess without dairy, perfect for those looking for plant-based options.
6. Hot Chocolate – Rich hot chocolate brings warmth and indulgence, creating a comforting dessert experience together with the cookies.
7. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can offer savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the cookies effectively.
8. Trail Mix – A crunchy trail mix can serve as a fun snack alongside, providing protein and healthy fats to round out your treat table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the outcome of your delicious treats.

• Boldly skip the chill: Not chilling the dough can lead to overly flat cookies. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Boldly overmix the batter: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Boldly ignore oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
• Boldly rush cooling time: Removing cookies too soon can lead to breakage. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them.
• Boldly forget about frosting consistency: A runny frosting won’t hold its shape. Ensure your icing is thick enough for piping.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag; they’ll last up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (177 °C), warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover it, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

How do I store Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Store your cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I customize Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to enhance flavor and texture.

What is the best way to frost these Soft Pumpkin Cookies?

Using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton Piping Tip #2A gives beautiful swirls. Ensure your frosting is thick enough for easy piping.

Are these Soft Pumpkin Cookies suitable for vegan diets?

Yes! This recipe uses vegan butter and avoids all animal-derived ingredients, making it perfect for vegan diets.

Final Thoughts

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Their versatility allows you to experiment with flavors and toppings, making them ideal for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own!