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Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
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Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are tender, fluffy autumn treats infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with a creamy, sweet cinnamon frosting, these cookies offer a perfect balance of seasonal flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, ideal for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (use coconut oil for vegan)
  • 2 large eggs (use flax eggs for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (use dairy-free cream cheese for vegan)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (use coconut oil for vegan)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or maple extract for variation)

Instructions

  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.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  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 to enhance flavor melding.
  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 remain soft.
  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.
  6. Frost and Serve: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cinnamon frosting generously over each cookie. Let set briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh pumpkin puree when possible for enhanced flavor and moisture.
  • Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set and centers slightly underbaked for maximum softness.
  • Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading and improves texture.
  • Use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese for easier mixing and better consistency.
  • Adjust frosting consistency by adding a little milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cookies, cinnamon frosting, fall cookies, soft cookies, autumn treats, gluten-free pumpkin cookies

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/soft-pumpkin-cookies-with-cinnamon-frosting/