Soft, Chewy Pumpkin Cookies crowned with a creamy Cinnamon Frosting are exactly what you need to usher in all the cozy feelings of autumn. Each bite offers a tender crumb infused with pumpkin’s natural sweetness and just the right balance of warming spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that swirl together like a comforting hug for your taste buds. These delightful cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an invitation to slow down, sip on a spiced latte, and savor the simple pleasures of fall. My kitchen always fills with a gentle buzz of anticipation every time I tuck these gems into the oven. And trust me, there’s nothing quite like that moment when you pull a sheet of perfectly puffed cookies from the heat, edges turning lightly golden and centers still soft.
What makes this recipe a home cook’s dream is its approachable nature and beginner-friendly steps. With just 15 minutes of hands-on preparation, followed by a 15-minute bake and a brief 10-minute rest, you’ll soon be enjoying about 120 calories per cookie of pure seasonal joy. Whether you’re planning a cozy afternoon with friends or assembling thoughtful holiday gifts, these treats check all the boxes: they stay soft for days, you can tweak the spices to your liking, and you can even surprise everyone with a zesty twist by adding a hint of orange zest to the frosting. So, roll up your sleeves, warm up that mixing bowl, and get ready to create memories one soft, cinnamon-kissed bite at a time.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
Every great recipe starts with high-quality ingredients that work together to build flavor and texture. In this section, we’ll introduce the star players behind these pillowy pumpkin cookies and the luscious cinnamon frosting that adorns them.
- Unsalted Butter
Acts as the rich, creamy base in both the cookie dough and frosting. Softened to room temperature, it traps air when creamed with sugars, giving the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and providing a silky finish to the frosting.
- Granulated Sugar
Delivers sweetness and helps create structure. When creamed with butter, it contributes to the light, fluffy consistency of the dough and ensures the cookies bake up soft with a slight chew.
- Brown Sugar
Adds moisture and depth with its molasses content. It enhances chewiness in the cookies and brings a subtle caramel undertone that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Pumpkin Puree
The star of fall flavors, it infuses the dough with moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin taste, while keeping the cookies soft and tender.
- Vanilla Extract
Rounds out the flavor profile by boosting the sweetness and amplifying the warmth of the spices.
- Large Eggs
Provide structure and stability. They bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s golden color.
- All-Purpose Flour
Creates the framework of the cookie. It determines the final texture—too much and the cookie is dense, too little and it can spread too thin.
- Baking Powder
Offers lift and makes the cookies fluff up just enough without becoming cake-like.
- Baking Soda
Works with the acidic brown sugar and pumpkin puree to create a light, airy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon
Brings warmth and a sweet-spicy note to both dough and frosting, tying everything together.
- Ground Nutmeg
Adds a subtle nutty sweetness that deepens the pumpkin spice profile.
- Ground Ginger
Introduces a gentle, aromatic kick that complements the other warm spices.
- Ground Cloves
Provides an earthy, slightly peppery note that balances the sweetness.
- Salt
Enhances overall flavor by cutting through the richness and highlighting the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar
Produces the silky smooth texture in the cinnamon frosting and adds sweetness without grittiness.
- Milk
Adjusts the frosting’s consistency, allowing you to achieve the perfect spreadable texture.
HOW TO MAKE SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
From combining velvety pumpkin with warming spices to finishing each cookie with a dreamy layer of cinnamon frosting, this recipe guides you through every step. Let’s dive into the process of creating these chewy fall delights.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensuring the oven is fully heated helps the cookies bake evenly, while parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes uniform browning.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, setting the stage for tender, airy cookies.
3. Mix in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even distribution of all ingredients, resulting in consistent flavor and moisture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This step ensures the spices are evenly dispersed and prevents clumps in the dough.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender; overworking the dough can develop gluten and yield a denser texture.
6. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Uniform scoops ensure even baking and similarly sized cookies.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest allows the cookies to set fully without losing softness.
8. To make the frosting, in a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract to round out the flavor.
9. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cinnamon frosting over each cookie. The contrast of cool, creamy frosting against the cozy cookie creates a delightful texture variation.
10. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving or storing. This helps prevent fingerprints and ensures the frosting holds its shape.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
Presenting your freshly frosted pumpkin cookies is where you can have fun and make each serving feel special. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or surprising loved ones, these ideas will elevate your cookie game and delight every guest.
- Pair with Warm Beverages
Serve the cookies alongside a steaming mug of spiced latte or hot apple cider. The warmth of the drink complements the cinnamon frosting and pumpkin spices, creating a cozy sip-and-bite experience.
- Cookie Sandwiches
Create playful sandwiches by spreading extra frosting between two cookies. Press them gently together and roll the edges in a mixture of crushed pecans or toasted coconut for added texture.
- Festive Platter
Arrange cookies on a decorative serving tray, accented with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins. This eye-catching presentation transforms simple treats into a seasonal centerpiece.
- Gift Box Treats
Stack a dozen cookies in a craft box or cellophane bag tied with rustic twine and a cinnamon stick. They make thoughtful, homemade gifts that show you care.
HOW TO STORE SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
Proper storage ensures your cookies stay as soft and flavorful as the day you baked them. Here’s how to maintain their tender texture and keep that cinnamon frosting pristine, whether you’re tucking them away for later or sending them on a cookie exchange.
- Airtight Container at Room Temperature
Place cookies in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper inside an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and the frosting stable.
- Refrigeration
For longer freshness—up to 5 days—store cookies in the refrigerator. Ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing other odors. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Freezing Unfrosted Dough
Scoop cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies
Freeze baked cookies (without frosting) in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before frosting and serving.
CONCLUSION
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting bring the heart of autumn right into your kitchen—warmth, spice, and a hint of sweetness in every bite. From the moment you gather your ingredients to the satisfying clink of a frosted cookie on the wire rack, this recipe offers both simplicity and depth of flavor. With a total preparation time of just 15 minutes, 15 minutes of baking, and a brief rest, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-worthy results. These cookies shine as holiday treats, thoughtful gifts, or everyday pick-me-ups, and their tender texture means they stay soft for days. Feel free to experiment with extra orange zest, adjust the spice level, or even turn them into cute sandwich cookies. Remember, you can print this article and save it as a go-to reference each fall season. And if you’re curious about common questions or tips, you’ll find a helpful FAQ below.
I’d love to hear how your baking adventure goes! If you have comments, questions, or feedback—whether you tweaked the spices, tried a new garnish, or need help with a step—please share. Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other make the best soft pumpkin cookies ever. Happy baking!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Description
Experience the warmth of autumn in every bite with these soft pumpkin cookies, complemented by a velvety cinnamon frosting that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Mix in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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To make the frosting, in a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cinnamon frosting over each cookie.
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Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving or storing.
Note
- These cookies stay soft for days, making them perfect for baking ahead.
- Feel free to adjust spices according to your personal preference.
- The frosting can be adjusted for sweetness by varying the powdered sugar.
- Consider adding a touch of orange zest to the frosting for a citrus twist.
- These cookies are great as a holiday treat or a fall-themed gift.
