Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 These delightful treats are perfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. With their soft texture and sweet cinnamon frosting, they offer a delicious way to celebrate the season. Plus, they’re vegan-friendly, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly with simple steps that even novice bakers can follow.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste that embodies fall.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family gathering or festive holiday celebrations.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, everyone can enjoy these delectable cookies!
- Frosting Fun: The cinnamon frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes decorating enjoyable.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment will make mixing, baking, and decorating a breeze.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (or baking mat)
- Cookie Scooper (optional)
- Piping Bag
- Wilton Piping Tip #2A
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency for the cookie dough and frosting without much effort.
- Piping Bag: Makes it easy to decorate your cookies with beautiful swirls of frosting.
- Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
Ingredients
Get ready to gather these ingredients for your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!
- 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: 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—be careful not to over-mix.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is crucial for achieving soft cookies.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Scoop out two-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down to flatten each ball into disks. Arrange them a couple of inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Bake on the center rack for about 10–12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet after removing from oven.
Step 8: Prepare Frosting
In a medium bowl, whip together all frosting ingredients using an electric mixer until fully combined. If preparing in advance, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 9: Decorate Cookies
Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting onto cooled cookies in a swirl pattern starting from the middle outwards. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top before serving!
Enjoy your delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting as you celebrate fall!
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee: Pair your cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
- Tea: Enjoy them with spiced chai or herbal tea to enhance the autumn flavors.
- Cider: Warm apple cider brings out the pumpkin spice notes beautifully.
As a Dessert Platter
- Mixed Treats: Arrange these cookies alongside brownies and mini cheesecakes for an enticing dessert spread.
- Festive Presentation: Use seasonal decorations like autumn leaves or small pumpkins to elevate your platter’s appeal.
For Parties and Gatherings
- Cookie Bar: Set up a DIY cookie bar where guests can decorate their own cookies with extra frosting and toppings.
- Gift Boxes: Package the cookies in cute boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during fall celebrations.
How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
To achieve the best results with your soft pumpkin cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and ensures thick, soft cookies.
- Use Fresh Spices: Make sure your spices are fresh for the most flavorful outcome—especially pumpkin pie spice!
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cookies to cool fully before applying frosting, so it doesn’t melt off.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting pair well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement their sweet, spiced flavor.
- Spiced Applesauce: A warm bowl of homemade applesauce adds a fruity contrast that balances sweetness.
- Pumpkin Soup: Serve alongside creamy pumpkin soup for a cohesive fall-themed meal.
- Cheese Platter: Include cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which provide a nice savory counterpoint.
- Roasted Autumn Vegetables: Flavorful roasted veggies create a hearty side that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Salad with Pecans: A light salad topped with candied pecans offers crunch and freshness alongside sugary treats.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the cookie experience by adding creaminess and temperature contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting can be a breeze, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Not Chilling the Dough – Skipping the chilling process can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain their shape.
- Overmixing the Batter – Overmixing can result in dense cookies. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined for a light texture.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the cookies’ softness. Always preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) before baking.
- Ignoring Cooling Time – Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet is essential. If you move them too soon, they may break apart.
- Using Fresh Frosting on Warm Cookies – Adding frosting while cookies are still warm can cause it to melt. Ensure cookies are completely cooled before applying frosting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for about 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Oven – Preheat to 350 °F (177 °C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-8 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Yes, you can use regular butter if you’re not following a vegan diet. The texture and flavor will remain delicious!
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
If pumpkin puree isn’t available, you can use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Soft pumpkin cookies typically stay fresh for about 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not only delightful but also versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home, they bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the seasonal flavors!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of autumn with these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting! Perfectly soft and moist, these vegan-friendly cookies are a seasonal treat you won’t want to miss. The warm combination of pumpkin and cinnamon makes them ideal for cozy gatherings, Halloween parties, or simply enjoying with your favorite hot beverage. Topped with a luscious cinnamon frosting, each bite is a comforting experience that captures the essence of fall. Easy to make and versatile for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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
Instructions
- Cream together softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Scoop dough into balls and flatten slightly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes; cool completely on baking sheet.
- For frosting, whip together all ingredients until smooth; decorate cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (22g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
