Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting bring a cozy twist to your fall baking adventures, blending tender cake-like centers with the sweet warmth of spices. These little delights are the essence of crisp autumn afternoons: chewy enough to satisfy that sweet tooth, yet pillowy soft so they almost melt in your mouth. Every bite is like a miniature fall festival, where the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves waltz in perfect harmony with rich pumpkin puree. Whether you’re wrapping your hands around a warm mug of spiced cider or indulging alongside your favorite latte, these cookies elevate any moment into a comforting, flavorful escape.
When I first tried this recipe, I remember how effortlessly it came together on a rainy afternoon—just 20 minutes of prep, 15 minutes of baking, and a short 10-minute rest before frosting. It’s a beginner-friendly treat that yields about 24–30 cookies, each one around 200 calories, making it perfect for sharing with family or indulging all by yourself. The cinnamon frosting adds that velvety crown, transforming simple cookies into an irresistible dessert masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood gathering, dropping treats off for friends, or simply craving a little autumnal sweetness, these cookies are your new go-to for fall baking magic.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
Before diving into the step-by-step baking process, let’s take a closer look at the star players that give these cookies their signature flavor, texture, and creaminess. From the base of soft pumpkin dough to the luscious frosting, each ingredient has a special role in making these treats shine.
- Unsalted Butter
Provides rich flavor and tender texture; creamed with sugar to create fluffy air pockets in the dough.
- Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the cookies and helps with structure by blending into the butter to form a light, airy mixture.
- Brown Sugar
Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth, enhancing the overall warmth of the cookie.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree
Delivers natural moisture and pumpkin flavor, giving these cookies their signature orange hue and soft, cake-like crumb.
- Large Egg
Binds ingredients together and supports the tender, cake-like consistency.
- Pure Vanilla Extract
Rounds out the flavor profile with sweet, aromatic notes that complement pumpkin and spices.
- All-Purpose Flour
Forms the foundation of the cookie, providing structure while still allowing for a soft, tender bite.
- Baking Soda
A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise gently and develop a light texture.
- Baking Powder
Works alongside baking soda to ensure an even, cake-like lift.
- Ground Cinnamon
Infuses each cookie with a warm, comforting spice that’s key to the flavor profile.
- Ground Nutmeg
Adds a slightly sweet, nutty undertone that deepens the autumnal spice blend.
- Ground Cloves
Brings a bold, earthy spiciness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pumpkin.
- Salt
Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dough and frosting.
- Cream Cheese
Creates a luscious, tangy base for the frosting that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Powdered Sugar
Sweetens and thickens the frosting into a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Milk
Thins the frosting to the perfect spreadable texture, ensuring a silky finish.
HOW TO MAKE SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
Now that you know the key ingredients, let’s dive into the hands-on baking process. This recipe is organized into clear stages—preparing the dough, baking the cookies, and whipping up that dreamy cinnamon frosting—so even first-time bakers will find it approachable and rewarding.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies release easily without sticking.
2. In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until everything is fully combined and homogenous.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies may become dense.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each for spreading.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
8. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To prepare the cinnamon frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing until the texture is silky.
10. Stir in the vanilla extract, then slowly mix in the milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency—add more milk if needed in small increments.
11. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cinnamon frosting on top of each cookie using an offset spatula for neat edges.
12. Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving, or store them in an airtight container to enjoy later.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
When it comes to presenting these soft pumpkin cookies, a thoughtful serving setup can elevate your experience and delight anyone you share them with. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, an office potluck, or a cozy night in, these serving ideas will bring out the best in each cookie and highlight their warm, spiced flavors.
- Afternoon Tea Pairing
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside a pot of chai tea or spiced black tea. The robust tea spices will complement the cinnamon frosting beautifully.
- Gourmet Dessert Platter
Layer the cookies with small bowls of maple caramel sauce and toasted pecans. Guests can drizzle the sauce and sprinkle nuts over their cookie for a customized sweet treat.
- Coffee Break Spread
Place the cookies on a tiered serving stand next to freshly brewed espresso or a pumpkin spice latte. The rich coffee notes highlight the pumpkin and spice flavors.
- Holiday Gift Box
Wrap a batch of cookies in wax paper and place them in a decorated box tied with twine. Include a small jar of extra cinnamon frosting for a thoughtful, make-your-own twist.
HOW TO STORE SOFT PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CINNAMON FROSTING
Proper storage will keep these soft pumpkin cookies tasting fresh and maintain their signature soft texture and creamy frosting. With the right methods, you can prepare ahead, preserve leftovers, or even freeze the components separately for later enjoyment.
- Room Temperature
Store cooled, frosted cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container lined with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing moisture.
- Refrigeration
For a firmer frosting texture and extended freshness, keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best mouthfeel.
- Freezing (Unfrosted)
Scoop and freeze the raw cookie dough on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing (Frosted)
Flash-freeze frosted cookies on a baking sheet until the frosting sets, then stack them between layers of parchment paper in a sealed container. They’ll last up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight.
CONCLUSION
Baking these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is more than just following a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the spirit of autumn in every bite. From the moment you cream the butter and sugars together, the kitchen becomes alive with anticipation. You’ll find the process delightfully straightforward—even beginners will appreciate the clear steps and well-balanced flavors. With just 20 minutes of prep, 15 minutes of baking, and a short resting period, you’ll have a tray full of soft, spiced cookies crowned with creamy cinnamon frosting. Whether you share them at a fall gathering, gift them to friends, or indulge in a quiet moment at home, these cookies capture that perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, and seasonal nostalgia. Since this recipe yields about 24–30 cookies at approximately 200 calories each, you can snack mindfully or spread the joy without worrying about endless cleanup.
Feel free to print this article and keep it in your favorite recipe binder for future baking sessions. You can also find a FAQ below for troubleshooting tips and ingredient swaps. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, share your questions, or let me know if you have any feedback or twists you experimented with. Happy baking, and here’s to cozy cookies and cinnamon-kissed moments all season long!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Description
These soft pumpkin cookies are a delightful blend of warm spices and sweet pumpkin, crowned with velvety cinnamon frosting for a perfect autumn treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground 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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Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden at the edges and set in the middle.
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Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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To prepare the cinnamon frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing until smooth.
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Add the vanilla extract to the frosting mixture and slowly mix in the milk until you reach the desired consistency for spreading.
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Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cinnamon frosting on top of each cookie.
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Allow the frosting to set before serving or store them in an airtight container.
Note
- These cookies are soft and cake-like, perfect for fall gatherings.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- This recipe makes about 24-30 cookies, depending on size.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before spreading on cookies.
