Name: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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; Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer; Baking Sheet; Parchment Paper (or baking mat); Cookie Scooper (optional); Piping Bag; Wilton Piping Tip #2A

Jump to Recipe·5 from 13 reviews

If you’re searching for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. They bring together the comforting flavors of autumn in every tender bite, balancing the natural sweetness of pumpkin with a luscious, spiced frosting that’s irresistible. These cookies aren’t just soft—they’re pillowy, tender, and bursting with pumpkin pie spice goodness, making them a standout dessert for any season, but especially during those crisp, pumpkin-filled days. Trust me, once you try these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, they’ll become your go-to whenever you want a sweet, moist, and spiced delight.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting starts with a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create rich flavor and soft, tender texture. Every element, from the pumpkin puree to the blend of spices, plays a key role in this delightful treat.

Vegan butter: Softened butter provides the creamy base and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable autumn flavor.
Brown sugar: Imparts a deep, caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the cookie’s richness.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar for the perfect level of sweetness and helps with structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie’s structure, shaping its softness.
Baking powder: Gives the cookies their gentle rise and fluffiness.
Pumpkin pie spice: Combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices to evoke classic fall flavors.
Cornstarch: Adds extra tenderness for that soft, delicate crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
Powdered sugar: Forms the base of the cinnamon frosting, making it irresistibly creamy.
Vanilla paste or extract (for frosting): Deepens the frosting’s flavor with natural vanilla goodness.
Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with warm, spicy notes that pair perfectly with the cookie.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Start by creaming the softened vegan butter with the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. This process lightens the mixture, ensuring your cookies have that beautiful soft and fluffy base. It’s the foundation for the perfect texture and flavor.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This mixture brings together all the dry components that contribute to the cookie’s structure and those beloved autumn spices.

Step 3: Mix Dry into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet blend, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix here; the goal is a tender dough that won’t turn tough once baked.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight. Chilling firms the dough so the cookies don’t spread too much while baking and deepens the flavors. Don’t skip this step; it makes a huge difference!

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Set your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. This keeps cookies from sticking and ensures even cooking.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop 2-inch balls of dough with a cookie scooper or spoon, then gently press each ball into a disk shape. Because the dough doesn’t spread much during baking, shaping them ahead is essential for that perfect cookie form.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies on the center rack for 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet—this waiting makes it easier to frost them without breaking or melting the icing.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Frosting

Whip together the vegan butter, vanilla paste, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl using a hand or stand mixer. Whipping the frosting until creamy and smooth is key for a luscious topping that complements the cookies perfectly.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Fill a piping bag fitted with a Wilton Piping Tip #2A with the cinnamon frosting. Pipe swirls starting from the center outwards for a professional look. A final sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top will seal the deal on these stunning, flavorful cookies.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting to something truly special. Consider a light dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for an extra aroma boost. You can also sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts on the frosting to add a delightful crunch and nutty finish.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai tea or pumpkin spice latte, heightening those warm, cozy fall vibes. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream, turning your cookies into a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine a platter of Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting elegantly stacked on a rustic wooden board adorned with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins. You can also package the cookies in decorative tins or clear bags with ribbons—perfect for gifting! Another fun idea is to add edible gold dust to the frosting’s swirls for a touch of sparkle at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, store them in the fridge to maintain the frosting’s texture without it becoming too soft.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies either frosted or unfrosted. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm; then stack in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Frozen cookies last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you’d like a “fresh-baked” warmth, gently reheat the cookies in a 300 °F oven for 5-7 minutes, avoiding the frosting area or reheating unfrosted cookies and adding frosting afterward. Microwave warming is quicker but can soften the frosting too much, so use caution.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and ensures consistent moisture and flavor. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Are these cookies vegan-friendly?

This recipe uses vegan butter and no eggs, making it entirely vegan as long as you select vegan-approved ingredients for sugar and vanilla. They’re a fantastic plant-based treat!

Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?

You can try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the cookies should still turn out soft and tasty. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting if I don’t have a piping bag?

If you don’t have a piping bag, a small plastic sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped off also works well. Alternatively, you can spread the frosting with an offset spatula or butter knife for a rustic look.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! Frosting can be made a day ahead, covered tightly, and stored in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and briefly whip it again before piping to restore its smooth consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting that makes them a must-bake for pumpkin lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. Their tender crumb and spiced swirl frosting feel like a perfect celebration of fall that’s easy to prepare and delightful to share. So go ahead—bake a batch, enjoy every bite, and watch these cookies become your new favorite delicious tradition.