Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Get ready to fall for these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting! 🍂🎃 These delightful cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings, cozy family nights, or just a sweet treat on a chilly day. With their soft texture and rich pumpkin flavor, these cookies stand out with a creamy cinnamon frosting that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a fall party or looking for a comforting dessert, these cookies will surely impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that captures the essence of fall.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can whip up these cookies without hassle.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a snack, dessert, or even as part of a festive spread during holiday gatherings.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan ingredients, these cookies can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of dietary preferences.
• Perfect Texture: Soft and chewy cookies topped with creamy frosting make every bite delightful.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything you need at hand will streamline your cookie-making experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together for a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your cookies evenly.
• Piping Bag: Allows for decorative and precise application of frosting on each cookie.

Ingredients

Get ready to create mouthwatering treats with the following 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

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: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined—be careful not to over-mix.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is a crucial step that enhances texture.

Step 5: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) while your dough chills.

Step 6: Form Cookie Shapes

Scoop 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or large spoon. Flatten each ball into disks. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each disk.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the center rack for about 10-12 minutes. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before moving.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment to combine frosting ingredients until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap if preparing in advance.

Step 9: Frost Your Cookies

Spoon icing into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe cinnamon frosting onto cooled cookies in swirls starting from the center outwards. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice for an extra touch!

Enjoy your delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Serving soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting is all about enhancing their delightful flavors and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether for a cozy gathering or a festive celebration, these cookies can be enjoyed in various ways to suit any occasion.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: A fresh brew pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon.
• Tea: Choose chai or spiced tea to complement the warmth of the cookies.
• Cider: Warm apple cider adds a seasonal touch that enhances the autumn experience.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookie Tray: Include an assortment of cookies for variety; soft pumpkin cookies are great alongside chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin.
• Cheese Board: Pair with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a unique flavor contrast.

At Special Occasions

• Birthday Parties: Decorate these cookies festively to fit the theme or color scheme of your celebration.
• Thanksgiving Gatherings: Present them as a sweet alternative to traditional pies.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

To achieve the best results with your soft pumpkin cookies, follow these handy tips. These suggestions will help you create cookies that are not only delicious but also visually appealing.

• Bold Chilling the Dough: Letting the dough chill for at least 30 minutes ensures the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Bold Measuring Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag to prevent dense cookies.
• Bold Using Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and rise.
• Bold Avoiding Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
• Bold Storing Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness for days.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

While soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon makes for a perfect topping option.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh seasonal fruits like apples and pears add freshness and balance out the sweetness.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel on top of the cookies for an indulgent treat.
4. Chocolate Ganache: A rich chocolate dip can provide a luscious contrast to the spiced flavors of your cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a wholesome side that complements sweet treats well.
6. Nutty Granola Bars: Offer crunchy granola bars as an alternative texture alongside soft cookies.
7. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This classic fall drink pairs beautifully, enhancing the pumpkin flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Not chilling the dough – Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Incorrect oven temperature – Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. Using an oven thermometer can help you avoid temperature discrepancies.
• Skipping the parchment paper – Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect cookie bottom.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Accurate measurements are key for success in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

• Freeze cookies individually on a baking sheet for about 1 hour before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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 on a plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make vegan soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting?

You can use vegan butter and pumpkin puree as the base ingredients. Follow the recipe closely for delightful results!

Can I use other spices in my cinnamon frosting?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for added depth of flavor in your frosting.

How long do soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting last?

These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or can be frozen for up to three months.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips would add great texture and flavor variations.

What’s the best way to store leftover frosting?

Store any leftover cinnamon frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just give it a good mix before using!

Conclusion

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home, these treats are sure to impress anyone who tries them! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

---