Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s a certain comfort in filling your kitchen with the delightful scents of autumn. Picture this: the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin cookies baking in the oven, mingling with the sweetness of cinnamon, creating a cozy embrace that's impossible to resist. When I first whipped up these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, it felt like a little piece of fall was captured in each bite.

Perfectly soft and irresistibly sweet, these cookies not only showcase the vibrant flavors of pumpkin spice but also embody the ease of a quick, satisfying treat. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging in some well-deserved self-care with your favorite hot beverage, these cookies shine as a versatile addition to your seasonal repertoire. And the best part? They're both vegan and gluten-free, making them a crowd-pleaser for anyone seeking a taste of autumn without the fuss. Join me in creating these delicious bites of fall magic!

Why are Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting irresistible?

Warm, Cozy Aroma: The scent of fresh pumpkin and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen instantly transports you to fall gatherings.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Perfect for everyone, these cookies cater to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delightful treat in no time.
Versatile Treats: Enjoy them plain or topped with creamy cinnamon frosting—each bite is a comforting hug for your taste buds!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies are made to impress.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to bake the magic!

For the Cookies

Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and the signature pumpkin flavor; use canned or homemade puree for ease.
All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free blend) – Gives structure and fluffiness; substitute with almond or oat flour for a gluten-free variant.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth; swapping it with coconut sugar offers a healthier treat.
Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness and texture; organic cane sugar makes a great alternative.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for perfect rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Pumpkin Spice – Infuses warm, cozy autumn flavors; mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if you can’t find it.
Cinnamon – Adds warmth and sweetness; use freshly ground for an aromatic boost.
Vegan Butter (or coconut oil) – Provides richness and moisture; Crisco can be used for a firmer cookie.

For the Cinnamon Frosting

Powdered Sugar – Creates a sweet and creamy frosting consistency; use a powdered sugar alternative for lower sugar options.
Non-Dairy Milk (optional) – Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency; any plant-based milk will work beautifully.

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting will become an autumn staple, delighting both the eyes and the taste buds!

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect baking environment for these delicious cookies.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of melted vegan butter. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring a delightful base for your cookies.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend), 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of pumpkin spice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies light and fluffy!
Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly golden around the edges.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up for perfect stacking!
Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and gradually add non-dairy milk until you achieve a smooth, creamy frosting. Adjust consistency as needed!
Frost Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, generously spread the cinnamon frosting on top of each cookie, adding a beautiful finishing touch.

Optional: Drizzle some extra cinnamon over the frosting for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Perfect Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree and ensure it’s not overly watery to avoid a soggy cookie texture.
Gentle Mixing: Mix the cookie dough just until combined; over-mixing can lead to dense cookies.
Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the cinnamon frosting to prevent melting and maintain the decorative look.
Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon and pumpkin spice; they provide a richer taste to your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting.
Storage Smart: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days; freeze unfrosted cookies for longer storage.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these cookies with exciting twists and substitutes!

Nutty Delight: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a richer flavor and added nutrition. You'll love the nuttiness it brings!
Chocolate Indulgence: Add 1 cup of dark chocolate chips for a decadent chocolatey touch that pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin.
Maple Sweetener: Replace granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetness and a subtle hint of caramel flavor.
Spiced Up: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet and spicy surprise that tantalizes your taste buds.
Oatmeal Crunch: Incorporate 1 cup of rolled oats into the dough for a chewy texture that enhances each bite, giving it a wholesome twist.
Dairy-Free Frosting: Use coconut cream or a cashew cream base instead of powdered sugar for a creamy, dairy-free frosting option that adds richness.
Fruit Flavor: Mix in ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, fruity burst in every bite.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Before baking, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for an extra sweet crust, providing a delightful contrast to the frosting.

Make Ahead Options

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a fantastic meal prep option! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients, forming the dough, and then covering it tightly in the fridge. This helps maintain the cookies' soft texture without any loss in flavor. Additionally, you can frost the cookies up to 3 days beforehand. To keep the frosting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to serve. When you're set to enjoy these delightful treats, simply bake the cookies according to the recipe instructions and frost them once cooled for a revitalizing homemade dessert that's just as delicious!

What to Serve with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?

As the sweet scent of these cookies wafts through your kitchen, you'll want to complement them with delicious bites and sips that embrace the spirit of fall.

Apple Cider: The crispness and slight sweetness of apple cider enhance the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon, making for an unforgettable pairing.
Spiced Chai Tea: With its rich spices, chai tea invites cozy conversations and comfort alongside your soft pumpkin cookies, perfect for an afternoon treat.
Roasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted nuts add texture and a savory contrast to the soft sweetness of the cookies, making each bite more interesting.
Creamy Hot Cocoa: On a chilly day, pairing these cookies with hot cocoa creates a heartwarming experience that feels just like a hug in a mug.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your cookies not only enhances their sweetness but adds a delightful gooeyness that’s sure to please.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside these cookies creates a delicious temperature contrast, elevating your dessert experience.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the season with a warm pumpkin spice latte, a delightful companion that echoes the flavors of your cookies beautifully.

These pairing ideas will elevate your sweet moments, infusing each bite and sip with the essence of fall.

How to Store and Freeze Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain their soft texture and freshness.

Fridge: For extended freshness, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 7 days; just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: When ready to indulge, thaw cookies at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back their delightful softness.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, opt for either canned or homemade. If using canned, look for labels that say 100% pumpkin without added sugars or spices. Homemade puree is fantastic too; just bake a fresh pumpkin until soft, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth.

How should I store my cookies?
Very simply! Store your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 7 days—just let them warm up to room temperature before digging in.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can! For best results, freeze the unfrosted cookies. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain quality for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to soften them up.

My cookies turned out dense; what did I do wrong?
No worries! Dense cookies can happen if the dough was over-mixed or if too much flour was added. Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed to ensure soft, fluffy cookies. Also, ensure your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise.

Are these cookies safe for my allergies?
Great question! These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are vegan and can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. However, always check your specific ingredients for potential allergens like nuts or soy and adjust based on your needs.