Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! These delightful treats are perfect for any autumn gathering, from Halloween parties to cozy family dinners. With their fluffy texture and rich flavor, they capture the essence of the season. The added cinnamon frosting makes them even more irresistible, making them an excellent addition to your fall dessert lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Deliciously Moist: The pumpkin puree keeps these cookies soft and moist, ensuring every bite is scrumptious.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy evening at home.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan butter and no eggs, these cookies cater to various dietary preferences.
- Perfectly Spiced: The blend of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon offers a warm, comforting flavor that embodies fall.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving perfectly soft pumpkin cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (or baking mat)
- Cookie Scooper (optional)
- Piping Bag
- Wilton Piping Tip #2A
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer: Helps achieve a perfectly mixed dough without over-exertion.
- Baking Sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
- Piping Bag: Allows you to create beautiful swirls of frosting on your cookies.
Ingredients
Get ready to gather these ingredients for your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting:
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 Wet 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 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 and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling helps enhance the flavors and texture of your cookies.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down to flatten them into disks. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Bake on the center rack for 10–12 minutes. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.
Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon 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: Frost Cookies
Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe swirls of cinnamon frosting on top of cooled cookies. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting make for a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with these delicious cookies.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee – Pairing your cookies with a warm cup of coffee complements the spices perfectly.
- Tea – A soothing herbal or chai tea can balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Hot Chocolate – Enjoy a cozy mug of hot chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
At a Fall Gathering
- Dessert Platter – Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside other fall treats for an inviting display.
- With Ice Cream – Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream for a decadent dessert.
As a Gift
- Cookie Jars – Layer the cookies in a mason jar for a charming homemade gift, perfect for friends and family.
- Party Favors – Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with twine for a sweet party favor at autumn gatherings.
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 – This step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use Fresh Spices – Fresh pumpkin pie spice enhances flavor; older spices can lose potency over time.
- Measure Flour Accurately – Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
- Don’t Overmix – Mix until just combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
- Cool Completely Before Icing – Icing warm cookies can cause it to melt and run off, ruining the presentation.
- Experiment with Toppings – Try adding chopped nuts or sprinkles on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
These soft pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some ideas:
- Cheese Plate – A selection of cheeses like brie and gouda complements the sweetness and spice of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the frosting.
- Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup provides a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
- Roasted Nuts – Spiced or candied nuts offer crunch and richness that pairs well with soft textures.
- Vegetable Platter – Crisp veggies served with hummus make for a healthy counterpoint to dessert flavors.
- Savory Breadsticks – These provide a nice texture contrast and are great for dipping in marinara sauce between bites of cookie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to achieve the perfect texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of soft. Mix until just combined, and remember a gentle hand goes a long way for softness.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to unevenly baked cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary to ensure accuracy.
- Ignoring cooling time: Letting cookies cool completely on the baking sheet is essential for their structure. Give them time to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Not measuring accurately: Accurate measurements are key to successful baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for dry and liquid ingredients for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing them in the container.
Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Freeze individually wrapped cookies for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Heat the cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
You can use regular butter if you’re not following a vegan diet. The taste will remain delicious, but it may slightly alter the texture.
How can I make these soft pumpkin cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Soft pumpkin cookies can stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in any nuts or chocolate chips into the cookie dough before chilling it for added flavor and texture.
What other spices can I use in the frosting?
You can experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice in your cinnamon frosting for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not only delightful but also versatile! You can enjoy them as is or customize them with different toppings or mix-ins. With their cozy flavors and inviting aroma, they are perfect for fall gatherings or simply as a comforting treat at home. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these Soft Pumpkin Cookies topped with Cinnamon Frosting. Each cookie boasts a fluffy texture and rich pumpkin flavor, enhanced by a delightful blend of spices. Perfect for autumn gatherings, they are vegan-friendly and easy to make, ensuring everyone can enjoy these sweet treats.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan butter (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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a bowl, cream together vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop out dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes; allow cooling completely before frosting.
- For frosting: Beat together softened vegan butter, vanilla paste/extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth. Frost cooled cookies as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fall Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (35g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
