Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 These delightful treats are perfect for cozy autumn days, family gatherings, or simply indulging yourself. With their tender texture and rich flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. The cinnamon frosting adds a sweet touch that complements the pumpkin perfectly, making them irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual snack, these cookies fit right in.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan butter and no animal products, they’re suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Frosting Fun: The cinnamon frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and allows for creative decorating.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right kitchen tools on hand not only speeds up your prep but also makes the baking experience more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: These make creaming ingredients and mixing dough a breeze, ensuring even consistency.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t warp under heat.
• Piping Bag: Perfect for applying frosting neatly on your cookies, allowing for beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Get ready to create these delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! Here’s what you’ll need:

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 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: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. 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 helps to firm up the dough.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) while you prepare to shape your cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

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

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

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

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting on top of cooled cookies in a swirl pattern starting from the middle and moving outward. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice if desired!

Enjoy your delightful soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for any occasion, especially during the cozy fall months. They are delightful on their own but can be even more enjoyable when paired with a variety of accompaniments.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cookies.
• Chai Tea: A warm chai enhances the comforting essence of pumpkin and cinnamon.
• Hot Chocolate: Sweet and creamy hot chocolate makes for a delightful pairing.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Cheesecakes: Add a touch of creaminess to your platter alongside these cookies.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh apples or pears provide a refreshing contrast to the cookies’ sweetness.
• Brownies: Rich, fudgy brownies create a decadent dessert experience.

For Holiday Celebrations

• Thanksgiving Desserts: These cookies make an excellent addition to your holiday dessert table.
• Autumn Gatherings: Serve these cookies at fall parties for a festive touch.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

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

• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the flavors meld and keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Measure Flour Properly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can lead to dryness.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh pumpkin pie spice will elevate the flavor profile of your cookies significantly.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined; overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of soft.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Bake just until edges are lightly golden; they will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
• Store Correctly: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

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

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds a fruity and crunchy contrast.
2. Cream Cheese Dip: This sweet dip complements the flavors of pumpkin and is perfect for dipping.
3. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: For a themed treat, serve these alongside muffins packed with similar flavors.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel over your cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
5. Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream provides a delicate contrast to the dense cookie texture.
6. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A little maple syrup adds sweetness and pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your cookies turn out perfect.

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect your cookies’ softness. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can ruin the recipe. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Ignoring cooling time: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet is crucial; otherwise, they may break apart. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat with a lid until warmed, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting so special?

Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are special because they combine warm seasonal flavors, making them perfect for fall treats or festive gatherings.

Can I customize these soft pumpkin cookies?

Yes! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to enhance their flavor and texture according to your preference.

How do I store soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them wrapped individually for up to 3 months.

What is the best way to frost my pumpkin cookies?

Using a piping bag fitted with a Wilton Piping Tip #2A allows you to create beautiful swirls of cinnamon frosting on each cookie.

Conclusion

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for any festive occasion or just a cozy day at home, they can be customized with various mix-ins. Try this recipe and enjoy a comforting taste of fall!

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