Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! 🍂🎃 These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of autumn flavors. Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, they stand out with their rich pumpkin taste and delightful frosting. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or share them with loved ones; these cookies are bound to become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have homemade cookies in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that embodies fall.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a delightful afternoon snack.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, these cookies cater to various dietary preferences.
• Frosting Fun: The cinnamon frosting adds a creamy touch that elevates each cookie’s flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper (or baking mat)
• Cookie Scooper (optional)
• Piping Bag
• Wilton Piping Tip #2A

Importance of Each Tool

• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for achieving a light and fluffy texture in your cookie dough.
• Baking Sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring consistent results.
• Piping Bag: Allows you to create beautiful swirls of frosting on each cookie for a professional touch.

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Ingredients

Get ready to make the delicious soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 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

For the Cinnamon Frosting

• 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

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Ingredients

In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is crucial for texture.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Press down to flatten them into disks. Arrange them a few inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake

Bake on the center rack for about 10-12 minutes. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, whip together all frosting ingredients using an electric mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment until fully combined. If making ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting on top of cooled cookies in swirls starting from the middle and moving outward. Sprinkle some pumpkin pie spice on top before serving!

Enjoy these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting at any occasion this fall!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting make for a delightful treat at any gathering or cozy night in. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious cookies that will impress your guests.

With a Cup of Tea

• Enjoy your cookies alongside your favorite herbal or spiced tea. The warm flavors complement each other beautifully.

As Dessert Sandwiches

• Spread a layer of cinnamon frosting between two cookies for a mini dessert sandwich. This adds an extra touch of sweetness and creaminess.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with seasonal decorations like small pumpkins or leaves. This makes for an appealing dessert display at autumn gatherings.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin spice ice cream on top. The contrast of temperatures is simply delightful.

At a Fall Gathering

• These cookies are perfect for potlucks or fall parties. Pair them with other autumn-inspired treats for a themed dessert table.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

For the best results when making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, consider these essential tips to enhance your baking experience.

• Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps them soft.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once everything is incorporated.
• Use Fresh Spices: For optimal flavor, use fresh pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. The freshness will elevate the taste of your cookies significantly.
• Bake in Batches: Bake one sheet at a time in the center of the oven. This ensures even cooking and prevents unevenly baked cookies.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting them. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps maintain its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Pairing your soft pumpkin cookies with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Chai Latte: A warm, spiced drink that pairs perfectly with the flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon.
2. Apple Crisp: The sweet and tart flavors of baked apples complement the richness of the pumpkin cookies.
3. Caramel Dip: A smooth caramel dip adds an indulgent touch that goes well with the spices in the cookie.
4. Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate infused with pumpkin spice brings out similar flavors found in the cookies.
5. Cheese Board: Incorporate creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast to sweet cookies.
6. Roasted Nuts: Offer a selection of spiced roasted nuts for an added crunch that balances out the softness of the cookies.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate between bites, enhancing your overall tasting experience.
8. Scones: Serve alongside warm scones for a tea party vibe, adding variety to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the chilling step – Failing to chill the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Incorrect oven temperature – Baking at too high a temperature can make cookies crispy instead of soft. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly – Using too much flour or sugar can affect the outcome. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Ignoring cooling time – Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking cookies.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze unfrosted cookies and add frosting after thawing.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-cooked and blended smoothly.

How do I make these vegan?

These soft pumpkin cookies are already vegan if you use vegan butter and plant-based gelling agents in the frosting.

What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?

You can use gluten-free flour blends as a substitute if you need gluten-free options.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they will last up to five days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights at home. Their versatility allows for customization; consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor! Don’t hesitate to give this delightful recipe a try!