Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 If you’re anything like me, you eagerly await the arrival of autumn and all the delicious treats it brings. These cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm beverage. Their soft texture combined with a creamy cinnamon frosting makes them a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any occasion—from family gatherings to cozy nights at home, these cookies fit right in.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan butter and other plant-based ingredients, these cookies cater to various dietary preferences.
• Perfectly Frosted: The creamy cinnamon frosting adds a delicious finish that elevates the pumpkin flavor wonderfully.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather your essential kitchen tools before you start.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper (or baking mat)
• Cookie Scooper (optional)
• Piping Bag
• Wilton Piping Tip #2A

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter effortlessly.
• Baking Sheet: Provides an even baking surface for perfectly baked cookies.
• Piping Bag: Ensures beautifully swirled frosting on each cookie.

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

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: 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 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 and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling helps improve the texture of your cookies.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out medium-sized balls of dough using a cookie scooper or large spoon. Flatten them into disks as they won’t spread much during baking. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between each.

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for about 10-12 minutes. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet afterward.

Step 8: Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, whip together all frosting ingredients using an electric mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment until fully combined. If you’re preparing ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

Step 9: Decorate Your Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting onto cooled cookies in swirls starting from the middle outward. Finish by sprinkling some pumpkin pie spice on top.

Enjoy your delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are a delightful treat perfect for any autumn gathering or cozy evening. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, here are some creative ways to serve these delicious cookies.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee for the perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
• Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the spices in the cookies beautifully, making for a relaxing snack.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside a rich hot chocolate for an indulgent treat during chilly evenings.

As Party Favors

• Cookie Gift Bags: Package individual cookies in decorative bags as sweet gifts for guests to take home after gatherings.
• Cookie Platters: Arrange cookies on a festive platter with other treats to create an inviting dessert table at parties.

At Dessert Buffets

• Themed Dessert Table: Incorporate these cookies into an autumn-themed dessert buffet, featuring other seasonal treats like apple pie and pecan tart.
• Mini Desserts: Serve smaller versions of these cookies as part of a mini dessert selection, allowing guests to sample various flavors.

With Ice Cream

• À La Mode: Serve warm pumpkin cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two soft pumpkin cookies.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

To ensure your soft pumpkin cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Chilling the Dough: Always chill the dough before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a softer texture.
• Bold Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts, which can significantly affect the outcome.
• Bold Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Bold Test Oven Temperature: Check that your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer can help ensure consistent baking results.
• Bold Allow Cooling Time: Let your cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
• Bold Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add other spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor depth.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

While these soft pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, they can be complemented with some fantastic side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp brings together sweet and tart flavors that pair well with spiced pumpkin.
2. Caramel Dip: Serving caramel dip alongside fresh fruit adds sweetness and richness that enhances the cookie experience.
3. Cheese Platter: A mix of cheeses can provide a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookie, creating balance on the plate.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A light pumpkin soup can echo the flavors of your cookies while providing warmth during fall gatherings.
5. Mixed Nuts: Offer seasoned mixed nuts for crunch; they make an excellent contrast against the soft texture of the cookies.
6. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing side that complements cookie flavors without overwhelming them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can impact the final result. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for cookie texture. If you skip this, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined for a tender bite.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for consistency.
• Baking on an unprepared sheet: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool completely before frosting is essential. Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Place one cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover and warm for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

To make soft pumpkin cookies, cream together softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, sugars, and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients separately, then mix together. Chill before baking!

Can I customize my soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap spices based on your preferences.

How long do soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting last?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

What is the best way to store soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature if consumed within 2 days; otherwise, refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Conclusion

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not only delightful but also versatile enough for any fall gathering. You can easily customize them by adding different spices or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delicious treats!

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