Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Why Make This Recipe

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful treat perfect for any fall occasion. They are wonderfully soft and chewy, with a warm pumpkin flavor that’s complemented by a rich cinnamon frosting. This recipe captures the essence of pumpkin spice season, making it a favorite for cozy gatherings and family celebrations. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and require simple ingredients, making them a great baking project for all skill levels.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup vegan butter, softened (for frosting)
• 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (for frosting)
• 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
4. Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight.
5. Preheat oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
6. Scoop 2-inch balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten them into disks.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then let cool on the baking sheet.
8. For frosting, whip together the frosting ingredients until combined.
9. Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies, sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice, and enjoy.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These cookies are best served with a cup of tea or coffee. They can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or dessert. For gatherings, arrange them on a pretty plate to share with friends and family. Adding a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting makes for a lovely presentation!

How to Store Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to preserve their softness, you can place a slice of bread in the container with them. For longer storage, freeze the cookies without frosting in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Frost them when you’re ready to enjoy!

Tips to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
• Allow the dough to chill; this helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste; adding more pumpkin pie spice can create a more pronounced flavor.
• If you don’t have vegan butter, regular butter can be used in a pinch for non-vegan options.

Variation

For an extra touch, consider mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the cookie dough before chilling. This will add texture and flavor to the cookies!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain any excess moisture from the fresh puree.

What can I use instead of vegan butter?
You can use regular butter or margarine if you’re not adhering to a vegan diet.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking.

Enjoy baking and savor every bite of these delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting!