Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall in love with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, a delightful treat that brings the warmth of autumn right to your kitchen. These cookies are irresistibly soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a cozy snack or planning a festive gathering, these cookies combine the best flavors of the season for a truly unforgettable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Soft Texture: Each cookie is tender and fluffy, offering a melt-in-your-mouth bite every time.
• Warm Fall Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fills your kitchen with autumn magic.
• Creamy Cinnamon Frosting: The luscious frosting adds just the right amount of sweet spice to balance the pumpkin.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh pumpkin, this recipe is both easy and wholesome.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holiday parties, casual get-togethers, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting lies in simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and color in every bite.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and the signature pumpkin flavor with vibrant orange color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the perfect structure while keeping cookies soft.
• Brown Sugar: Gives natural sweetness plus a hint of caramel richness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Infuses every bite with warm, sweet spice.
• Nutmeg and Cloves: Enhance the complexity of the fall spice profile.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Ensure perfect rise and tender crumb.
• Butter: For rich flavor and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together beautifully and add moisture.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, giving it a smooth, tangy finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting to a silky consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to both cookies and frosting.

Variations for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Feel free to customize these cookies to fit your taste or dietary needs. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and welcomes your creativity in the kitchen.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free flour blend to enjoy the same softness without gluten.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter, flax eggs in place of eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spiced Up: Include a dash of ginger or allspice to amplify the spice profile.
• Maple Frosting: Swap the vanilla in the frosting for maple extract to create a cozy maple-cinnamon combination.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined, careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape during baking and enhance flavor melding.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While cookies cool, beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cinnamon frosting generously over each cookie. Let set briefly before enjoying.

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Freshly made pumpkin puree enhances flavor and moisture better than canned.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges look set but centers are slightly underbaked for maximum softness.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents cookies from spreading too much and improves texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add a little milk if frosting is too thick or powdered sugar if too thin.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few finely chopped toasted nuts over the frosting for a polished look and added texture.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or creamy hot cocoa to accentuate their cozy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter with autumn leaves or wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine for gifting or festive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and fresh flavor.

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly in a low oven to revive their softness and enhance the frosting’s creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a great time-saver without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free cream cheese to create a vegan-friendly version.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon frosting a day in advance and store it in the fridge; just bring it to room temperature and re-whip before frosting the cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap it with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free batch.

How do I keep the cookies soft longer?

Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside; the bread helps retain moisture and keeps cookies soft.

Final Thoughts

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a cozy, delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Their tender crumb and creamy, spicy frosting make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re baking for loved ones, parties, or simply treating yourself. So grab your ingredients and dive into this warm, comforting recipe—it’s worth every bite!

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