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 gatherings, Halloween celebrations, or cozy nights in. Their moist texture and sweet cinnamon frosting make them stand out in the world of fall desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that embodies fall.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or a casual get-together, these cookies are sure to impress.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan butter and no eggs, everyone can enjoy them without compromise.
- Frosting Fun: The cinnamon frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness that makes every bite irresistible.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools is essential for making the best soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting. Gather your kitchen essentials before starting to ensure a smooth baking experience.
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
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Ensures that your butter and sugars blend well for a light and airy dough.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking to the baking sheet, allowing for easy removal of the cookies.
- Cookie Scooper: Helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Piping Bag: Makes it easy to apply beautiful swirls of cinnamon frosting on each cookie.
Ingredients
Get ready to gather everything you need for these delightful 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 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: Prepare the Dough
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 30 minutes or overnight. This step is crucial for achieving soft cookies!
Step 5: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Scoop 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or a large spoon. Press down gently to flatten into disks. Arrange them a couple of inches apart 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 icing.
Step 8: Make Cinnamon Frosting
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment to whip together all frosting ingredients until fully combined. If preparing in advance, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 9: Frost Your Cookies
Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe cinnamon frosting on top of cooled cookies in a swirl pattern starting from the middle and moving outwards. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top if desired!
Now you have delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Serving soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting can elevate your autumn dessert experience. These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for various occasions.
With a Hot Beverage
- Coffee or Latte: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a spiced latte for a cozy treat.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa.
For Parties
- Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with other treats like brownies and bars for a delightful dessert spread.
- Halloween Treats: Serve these cookies at Halloween parties; their pumpkin flavor captures the spirit of the season perfectly.
As a Snack
- Lunchbox Treats: Pack them in lunchboxes as a sweet surprise for kids. Their soft texture makes them easy to eat.
- Afternoon Snack: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Gift Giving
- Homemade Gifts: Wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbons to give as gifts during fall gatherings or holidays.
- Baking Kits: Create baking kits with ingredients needed for these cookies, including the recipe, for friends who love to bake.
How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
To achieve the ideal soft pumpkin cookies topped with cinnamon frosting, follow these handy tips.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps your cookies thick and soft during baking.
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Opt for fresh pumpkin puree over canned for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Mix Gently: Combine dry and wet ingredients until just mixed; over-mixing can lead to dense cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when they are set but still soft in the center.
- Whip Frosting Well: Ensure your cinnamon frosting is fluffy by whipping it thoroughly before piping it onto the cookies.
- Store Properly: Keep your baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Soft pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some delightful options to consider.
- Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp adds a fruity contrast that enhances the spices in the cookies.
- Chai Tea Bread: This spiced bread makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for tea time.
- Pecan Pie Bars: Rich and nutty, pecan pie bars provide a decadent balance to the soft textures of the cookies.
- Caramel Dip Fruit Platter: Fresh fruit served with caramel dip offers a refreshing taste alongside sweet treats.
- Maple Pecan Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with pumpkin flavors in breakfast or snacks.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites bring creaminess that complements the spices in pumpkin desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting can be an enjoyable experience, but a few common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft and tender results.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are essential in baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for best results.
- Using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Ensure your pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon are fresh for optimal taste.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies and remove them once they are lightly golden around the edges.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes.
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 prefer. The texture and flavor will remain delicious!
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What can I replace pumpkin puree with?
You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as alternatives, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about five days when stored properly.
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 for extra flavor. Try this comforting recipe and embrace the cozy vibes of fall!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with these soft pumpkin cookies topped with delightful cinnamon frosting. Perfectly moist and bursting with seasonal flavors, these cookies are a must-have for your fall gatherings, Halloween celebrations, or cozy nights at home. Made with simple ingredients, this vegan-friendly recipe allows everyone to enjoy a sweet treat without compromise. The luscious cinnamon frosting adds an irresistible finish that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether served with a hot beverage or as part of a festive dessert platter, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
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
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 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
- 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream together vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Scoop dough into balls, flatten slightly on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool cookies completely before frosting.
- Whip together frosting ingredients until fluffy and pipe onto cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 139
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 72mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
