Best Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the ultimate autumn treat that will transform your kitchen into a cozy bakery. Imagine biting into a pillowy-soft cookie that tastes like a slice of pumpkin pie, topped with a creamy, spicy cinnamon frosting. This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of fall. I discovered this magical combination during a particularly crisp October afternoon. The aroma alone will make your entire home smell like a seasonal dream. These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are perfect for holiday gatherings, casual snacks, or satisfying your pumpkin spice cravings.

You are about to learn the secrets to creating the most incredible Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. This guide provides everything you need for baking success. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this amazing dessert.

The 5 Secrets Behind Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Creating the ultimate cookie involves more than just mixing ingredients. The texture of these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting relies on a few key techniques. First, using real pumpkin puree is non-negotiable for that authentic, moist flavor. The type of pumpkin you use can dramatically affect the outcome. For the best results, always opt for pure pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices.

Secondly, the creaming method for your butter and sugars is crucial for achieving that soft, cake-like texture. Do not rush this step! Proper creaming incorporates air, which helps the cookies rise. For more ideas, check out our guide on Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies. Third, chilling the dough is a secret weapon many home bakers skip, but it prevents spreading and intensifies the flavors.

The fourth secret lies in the spice balance. Too much nutmeg can overpower the delicate pumpkin. Finally, the cinnamon frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to drizzle beautifully. Mastering these elements will make your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting unforgettable. Understanding the science of baking can elevate your skills, as detailed by resources like The Science of Baking from King Arthur Baking.

Ingredients

For the ultimate Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, you will need two sets of ingredients. Gather everything before you start for a smooth baking experience. Using high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference in the final product.

For the Pumpkin Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create the most amazing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. Read through all instructions before beginning. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can affect the cookie’s tender texture.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until no flour streaks remain. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky. This is perfectly normal for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting dough.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is essential as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of chilled dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They must be completely cool before you apply the frosting.
8. While the cookies cool, make the cinnamon frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a drizzle-able consistency.
9. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle the cinnamon frosting over the top using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the frosting to set for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your incredible Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting!

Storage Tips

Proper storage is key to maintaining the amazing texture of your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. These cookies store beautifully for several days. For more ideas, check out our guide on vegan pumpkin pancakes stack. Always ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

You can store them at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. For longer storage, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. IMO, freezing is the best method for make-ahead holiday baking.

Freezing Instructions: Place unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing. The frosting itself can also be frozen in a separate container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and re-whisk before using.

7 Incredible Benefits of This Ultimate Fall Dessert

This recipe for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting offers more than just great taste. These benefits make it a standout choice for your autumn baking repertoire. For more ideas, check out our guide on peach cobbler recipe with cake mix. You will love how versatile and rewarding this recipe is to make.

• Perfect Texture: The combination of techniques ensures a soft, cake-like cookie that melts in your mouth.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The warm spices and creamy frosting appeal to both kids and adults at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cookies and make the frosting separately, assembling before serving.
• Freezer-Friendly: As mentioned, these cookies freeze beautifully, making holiday prep a breeze.
• Uses Simple Ingredients: Most components are pantry staples, so no special shopping trips are needed.
• Nutritional Boost: Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A and fiber, adding a nutritious element to your dessert. The USDA FoodData Central confirms pumpkin’s valuable nutrient profile.
• Adaptable Recipe: You can easily modify this recipe for various dietary needs, which we will cover next.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers can make errors with this recipe. Being aware of these pitfalls will ensure your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting turn out perfectly every single time. TBH, I have made a few of these mistakes myself over the years.

• Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree. This adds extra sugar and spices that can throw off the recipe’s balance.
• Skipping the chilling step for the dough. This leads to flat, spread-out cookies instead of soft, puffy ones.
• Overmixing the dough after adding the flour. This develops too much gluten and results in tough cookies.
• Frosting warm cookies. The heat will melt the frosting into a messy puddle instead of a beautiful drizzle.
• Measuring flour incorrectly. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.

Delicious Alternatives and Variations

This recipe for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to get creative with these variations based on your preferences or dietary needs. You can customize almost every component.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The results are equally amazing. For more ideas, check out our guide on Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate. For dairy-free cookies, use vegan butter and a milk alternative like almond or oat milk in the frosting.

Add mix-ins like white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries to the dough for extra texture. For a different frosting, try a maple glaze or cream cheese frosting instead of cinnamon. You can even turn these into whoopie pies by sandwiching the frosting between two cookies.

Best Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Ingredients

For the ultimate Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, you will need two sets of ingredients. Gather everything before you start for a smooth baking experience. Using high-quality ingredients makes a significant difference in the final product.

For the Pumpkin Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create the most amazing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. Read through all instructions before beginning. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Set this dry mixture aside for later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can affect the cookie’s tender texture.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until no flour streaks remain. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky. This is perfectly normal for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting dough.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is essential as it prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of chilled dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They must be completely cool before you apply the frosting.
8. While the cookies cool, make the cinnamon frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a drizzle-able consistency.
9. Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle the cinnamon frosting over the top using a spoon or piping bag. Allow the frosting to set for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your incredible Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting!

Recipe from Evelyn

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is a true fall masterpiece that deserves a spot in your baking rotation. The combination of soft spice cookie and creamy frosting is simply irresistible. For more ideas, check out our guide on Banana Nut Muffins Recipe. I hope this guide gives you the confidence to create these amazing treats.

Remember, baking is both a science and an art, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. For more inspiration on seasonal baking and flavor pairings, explore the extensive resources at Epicurious’s Fall Baking Guide. Now, go preheat that oven and fill your home with the incredible aroma of Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting!