Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

 

Ever dreamed of biting into a cloud of pumpkin spice? These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are your autumn fantasy come true! They’re incredibly soft, bursting with warm spices, and topped with a luscious cinnamon frosting. Perfect for cozy nights, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Let’s bake some magic!

Why You’ll Love These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These cookies aren’t just good; they’re irresistible. Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

• Ultimate Softness: These cookies practically melt in your mouth.
• Warm Spice Symphony: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
• Perfectly Festive: Ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
• Kid-Friendly: A treat that everyone in the family will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance for easy baking.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common ingredients you likely already have.
• Aromatic Delight: The scent of these cookies baking will fill your home with cozy warmth.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delightful treats. Fresh, quality ingredients will elevate the flavor even further. Don’t skimp on the spices – they’re key!

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (245g) pumpkin puree
• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt

Tip: For the pumpkin puree, be sure to use 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling has added sugar and spices that will throw off the balance of the recipe.

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Spice Tip: For a richer, warmer flavor, lightly toast your cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes before adding them to the dry ingredients. This unlocks their essential oils and intensifies their aroma.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes baking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to bake these soft pumpkin cookies.

• • Baking Sheets: Essential for baking the cookies evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

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• Large Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar a snap. A stand mixer or hand mixer will work.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wire Rack: To cool the cookies completely after baking.

Alternative: If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease your baking sheets with cooking spray.

Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Scale up the recipe to make a double batch for a large crowd!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect batch of soft pumpkin cookies. Each step is designed to ensure you achieve baking success.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. This is a critical step to prevent burning on the cookie bottoms.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture, so don’t rush it. A good cream will add air, and volume to the butter.

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin Puree

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the pumpkin puree until everything is smooth and uniform. Make sure the egg is incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl if necessary.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten, making them hard.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should be soft and slightly puffy. Don’t overbake!

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the cinnamon frosting. Spread the frosting evenly over the cookies, or pipe it on for a fancier look.

CHECK OUT: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosti – Enjoy a classic dessert bar that is perfect for any occasion!

Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your pumpkin cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.

Burnt bottoms? Lower the oven rack and check cookies a minute or two early.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize these cookies? Here are a few ideas:

• • Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolate pumpkin twist.
  • Nuts: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: Substitute the cinnamon frosting with a cream cheese frosting for a tangy alternative.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle the cookies with a maple glaze instead of frosting for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Honey can be swapped for sugar, but the texture will be a bit different.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Soft Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions and pairings to elevate your experience:

• Warm Milk: Pair with a glass of warm milk for a classic treat.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Fall Harvest Platter: Include these cookies on a fall harvest platter with apples, pears, and cheese.

These cookies are the perfect addition to a Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert spread!

Health Benefits

While these cookies are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits:

• Pumpkin Puree: Rich in Vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function.
• Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Fiber: The small amount of fiber in these cookies can aid digestion.

Remember, moderation is key! Enjoy these cookies as part of a balanced diet.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to store and reheat these cookies to maintain their deliciousness:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to warm them up.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Cool fully before storing to prevent condensation and soggy cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making soft pumpkin cookies:

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, canned pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. Use 100% pumpkin puree.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let the dough come to room temperature before baking.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

What if I don’t have all the spices?

You can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie:

• Serving Size: 1 Cookie
• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Total Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 2g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more cozy, fall-inspired treats? Check out these other delicious recipes!

• Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe – Indulge in a super moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress.
• White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles – Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic cookie with the addition of pumpkin and white chocolate.
• Apple Cider Cookies Recipe – Delight in the sweet and tangy flavor of apple cider in these delicious cookies.

Conclusion

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their soft texture, warm spices, and luscious frosting, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone! Whip them up tonight—tag us with your masterpiece!

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