Soft pumpkin cookies with a swirl of cinnamon frosting are like a cozy hug on a crisp autumn afternoon. Each bite greets you with a tender, pillow-soft crumb that practically melts on the tongue, while warm spices and sweet pumpkin notes dance together in perfect harmony. I still remember the first time I made these cookies—the kitchen filled with a gentle warmth, and I found myself sneaking little tastes of dough, marveling at how the sugar and pumpkin created a flavor so comforting. Whether you’re curling up with a hot mug of spiced latte or packing these treats for a fall picnic, these cookies feel like a celebration of the season in every bite.
There’s something so satisfying about baking at home, especially when the recipe is friendly for beginners and delivers show-stopping results. With just 20 minutes of hands-on prep, 15 minutes of baking, and a quick 10-minute rest before frosting, you’ll have a tray of irresistible fall desserts on the table in less than an hour. These cookies clock in at around 150 calories each—just enough to indulge without going overboard. As a dessert that shines at holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simple family snack time, they’re the perfect way to fall in love with autumn. Embrace the pillowy soft texture, the rich cinnamon frosting, and the joy of baking something truly delightful.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
Before you dive into the mixing bowls, let’s take a quick tour of the ingredients that make these pumpkin cookies shine. Each one plays a special role, from building the tender base to creating that luscious cinnamon-kissed frosting you won’t be able to resist.
- Unsalted butter
Provides the rich, creamy fat that gives cookies their tender texture. Softened butter helps the dough blend evenly, ensuring a consistent crumb.
- Granulated sugar
Offers sweetness and helps create a delicate structure by aerating when creamed with butter. It also contributes to light browning around the edges.
- Brown sugar
Packed with molasses, it brings moisture and a deeper caramel flavor. This ingredient also helps keep the cookies soft longer.
- Pumpkin puree
Infuses the dough with natural moisture and that unmistakable earthy sweetness of pumpkin. It’s the heart of these autumn-inspired cookies.
- Large egg
Acts as a binding agent, giving structure and lift. The egg also adds a touch of richness.
- Vanilla extract
Enhances all the other flavors with its sweet, floral notes. It’s a small but essential boost to the overall taste profile.
- All-purpose flour
The foundation of the dough, providing the gluten structure needed to hold everything together while still remaining soft.
- Baking powder
A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just enough for a light, cake-like interior.
- Baking soda
Works alongside baking powder to create the ideal pH balance, giving the cookies a tender crumb and subtle chewiness.
- Ground cinnamon
Warms up the dough with familiar spice notes, adding depth and fragrance.
- Ground nutmeg
Offers a subtle, nutty sweetness that complements the pumpkin and cinnamon blend perfectly.
- Salt
Balances all the sweetness and spices, rounding out the flavors and preventing the cookies from tasting flat.
- Powdered sugar
The base of the frosting, creating a silky-smooth texture when mixed with softened butter.
- Milk
Adjusts the consistency of the frosting, ensuring it’s spreadable but still holds its shape on the cookies.
- Ground cinnamon (frosting)
Sprinkles a second layer of warm spice right into the creamy frosting, tying everything together.
HOW TO MAKE SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s walk through each step to create these fall-perfect cookies. From mixing to piping on that delectable cinnamon frosting, every detail counts toward cookie heaven.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Ensuring the oven is fully heated helps the cookies bake evenly and develop a golden edge.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender lift and soft texture.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl so every bit of wet ingredients is smoothly integrated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, preventing clumps.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once no streaks of flour remain.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading. Working with a cookie scoop helps keep portions uniform.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. For the cinnamon frosting, beat the softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best to achieve a silky texture.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents lumps and creates a smooth, fluffy frosting base.
10. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and enough milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Adjust milk amount slowly to prevent the frosting from becoming too thin.
11. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of cinnamon frosting on each one. A small offset spatula makes this task quick and neat.
12. Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing the cookies. This step ensures the frosting holds its shape and doesn’t smear.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
When it comes to sharing these soft pumpkin cookies, presentation and pairing can elevate the experience even further. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch or simply craving an afternoon pick-me-up, here are some delightful ways to serve your freshly baked treats:
- Serve warm with a steamy mug of spiced latte. The contrast of a hot, milky coffee drink against the soft, cinnamony cookie offers a luxurious flavor marriage—just the thing for a cozy morning break.
- Dust with extra ground cinnamon for a simple but elegant finish. A light sprinkle right before serving adds visual appeal and an extra hint of warming spice in every bite.
- Create a cookie stack on a decorative platter, alternating layers with parchment paper. This not only makes for a charming centerpiece but keeps each cookie intact and easy to grab.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist. Place a warm cookie under a scoop of creamy ice cream and watch the frosting soften into a dreamy sauce.
HOW TO STORE SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
Proper storage is key to maintaining the tender texture and creamy frosting of these pumpkin cookies. Follow these tips to keep your treats tasting freshly baked for days:
- Room-temperature storage
Place cookies in an airtight container with parchment layers between to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to five days, ensuring they stay soft and moist.
- Refrigeration
If you live in a warm climate or want a firmer frosting, store cookies in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container and allow them to come back to room temperature before serving to revive their softness.
- Freezing unfrosted dough
Scoop dough onto a tray and freeze until firm. Transfer dough balls into a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Freezing baked cookies
For a quick treat, freeze fully frosted cookies on a tray, then move to an airtight freezer container with parchment intervals. Thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
CONCLUSION
Bringing these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting into your kitchen is like inviting autumn itself to join the celebration. From the moment you cream the butter and sugars to the final swirl of warming cinnamon frosting, every step is designed for comfort, ease, and sheer deliciousness. As a beginner-friendly dessert, it offers that perfect balance of simplicity and impressive results. You’ll delight in the pillowy texture, the harmony of pumpkin and spice, and the luxurious sweetness of the frosting. Plus, with a total time investment of under an hour and just 150 calories per cookie, they’re an ideal treat for any fall gathering or cozy afternoon snack.
Feel free to print this article or save it to your favorite collection so you can revisit these steps whenever pumpkin season calls your name. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ to address any common questions and troubleshooting, ensuring your baking journey is smooth. If you give this recipe a try, please share your thoughts—questions, feedback, or your own little twists on the frosting. I can’t wait to hear how these cookies brought a little extra autumn magic to your kitchen!
soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting
Description
Experience the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices in these fluffy cookies, perfectly complemented by a rich cinnamon frosting. A delightful treat for any autumn occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
-
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
-
For the cinnamon frosting, beat the softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy.
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
-
Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and enough milk to achieve a creamy consistency.
-
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of cinnamon frosting on each one.
-
Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing the cookies.
Note
- These cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings and festive occasions.
- Make sure the butter is well softened for both cookies and frosting for a smooth texture.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the cookie dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a pumpkin spice twist, add a pinch of ground ginger and cloves to the cookie dough.
