Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for the perfect cozy treat to celebrate fall (or anytime you’re craving a little warmth and sweetness), this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are tender, fluffy, and loaded with that rich pumpkin flavor we all adore, while the cinnamon frosting ties everything together with a creamy, spicy kiss. Honestly, every bite feels like a mini autumn hug—something that I find myself reaching for whenever pumpkin season rolls around.

What makes this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe really stand out is how effortlessly it combines that nostalgic pumpkin spice goodness with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. I love baking these for friends or family gatherings because the cinnamon frosting isn’t just delicious; it adds an extra layer of charm that everyone raves about. Plus, they’re made vegan-friendly, so no one misses out on the fun, making it the perfect recipe to keep on hand all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe brings together simple pantry ingredients with pumpkin puree to create a treat that’s soft and flavorful. Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll want to gather before you start baking—each ingredient plays a special role in achieving that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creaminess.

• Vegan butter: Softened to room temperature, it provides richness and helps keep these cookies tender.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Look for pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor that compliments the pumpkin beautifully.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create that soft yet slightly crisp texture on the edges.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors and adds a warm, sweet aroma.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure—be sure to measure it correctly by spooning and leveling for best results.
• Baking powder: Gives the cookies their gentle rise and fluffiness.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove that brings all the cozy fall vibes.
• Cornstarch: Secret weapon for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies by tenderizing the dough.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Cinnamon frosting ingredients: Vegan butter, vanilla paste (or extract), cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar all come together for a luscious, spiced frosting that pairs so well with the pumpkin base.

Variations

I love how forgiving this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe is when it comes to tweaks and personal touches. Whether you’re looking to add a little more spice or keep things simple, feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!

• Nutty twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives the cookies a nice crunch and a toasty flavor, which I’ve found especially nice when sharing with friends who love texture contrast.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just watch your baking time closely; every flour behaves a bit differently.
• Less sweet frosting: If you prefer a frosting that isn’t too sugary, you can reduce the powdered sugar or add a teaspoon of lemon juice to balance sweetness with a subtle tang.
• Extra spice: Feel free to bump up the pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an even more aromatic experience.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating your softened vegan butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until that mixture is light and fluffy—usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed. This step is key because it creates air pockets that help the cookies stay soft and tender. Once your butter and sugars are well creamed, mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures that your leavening and spices are evenly distributed and prevents clumps. When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, do it gradually, folding gently until just combined—overmixing can make your cookies dense, and trust me, we want soft!

Step 3: Chill and Scoop

Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps control the spread of the cookies so they stay thick and soft. Once chilled, scoop dough with a cookie scoop or tablespoon onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart because these cookies do spread a bit.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked. This tip comes from experience—overbaking can dry these beauties out. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This resting time helps them set without getting hard.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cinnamon Frosting

For the frosting, beat the softened vegan butter with vanilla paste (or extract), cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well until smooth and fluffy. Taste it as you go—sometimes I add an extra pinch of cinnamon for more warmth. Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting generously on top.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve these, I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or a few finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the frosting for a little extra texture and visual appeal. A light dusting of pumpkin pie spice can also make them look bakery-worthy and add nuance to the flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies are divine with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or even a glass of almond milk. For a festive touch, pairing them with a spiced apple cider or your favorite pumpkin-flavored tea always makes the experience extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe in a pretty circular pattern on a wooden board and decorated with fresh cinnamon sticks and sprigs of rosemary. It’s simple but elegant, and guests always comment on the cozy vibe it sets!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting stays nice and soft, so there’s really no need for refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm. Just be sure to place parchment paper between stacked cookies to keep the frosting pristine.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these cookies either frosted or unfrosted. For unfrosted, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. For frosted cookies, freeze them flat on trays, then layer with parchment paper before boxing up. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want that warm, freshly-baked feel, pop your refrigerated or thawed cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This refreshes the softness and slightly melts the frosting, which always impresses family and friends when I do it!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite fall go-tos because it brings such a cozy warmth and sweetness without being complicated to make. Sharing these with my family and friends has created so many little moments of joy and comfort, which is exactly what baking should be about. I can’t wait for you to try these out—you’ll love how soft and flavorful they are, and that frosting? Absolutely dreamy. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll have a new favorite seasonal treat to bake and enjoy over and over.

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