Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

When the crisp autumn air rolls in, it’s time to embrace the warm, cozy flavors that define fall. One of the most beloved treats that captures the essence of the season is soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting. These cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of fall flavors in every bite. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy evening at home, these pumpkin cookies are sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making the softest, most flavorful pumpkin cookies with a luscious cinnamon frosting. Along the way, we’ll also highlight some essential tips and tricks to ensure that your baking experience is smooth and your cookies are a hit with everyone.

Why Soft Pumpkin Cookies?

• Texture: Soft pumpkin cookies are a perfect balance between cake-like and chewy. The inclusion of pumpkin puree not only enhances the flavor but also provides moisture, resulting in tender cookies.

• Flavor: The spices typically used in pumpkin desserts—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—combine with the pumpkin to create a warm, comforting flavor profile. When paired with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it brings out the rich, autumnal taste we all crave.

• Versatility: These cookies can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer them with or without nuts, or even with a dash of vanilla or caramel, the options are endless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive into the kitchen, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients required for these pumpkin cookies and their cinnamon frosting.

For the Pumpkin Cookies:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for a better control over the salt levels in the dough.

• Granulated Sugar: This helps to sweeten the cookies without overwhelming the pumpkin flavor.

• Canned Pumpkin: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.

• Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the soft, cakey texture.

• Baking Powder: This is the leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Ginger: These spices bring out the signature fall flavor. A dash of cloves can be added for extra warmth if desired.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough.

• Optional Walnuts or Pecans: These add a nice crunch and extra flavor but can be omitted if you’re not a fan of nuts.

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture.

• Butter: Helps to soften the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency.

• Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting without making it grainy.

• Cinnamon: The star of the frosting, which ties together the pumpkin and spice theme.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the frosting.

Preparing Your Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Making these soft pumpkin cookies is an enjoyable experience that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall spices. Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect batch of pumpkin cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cookies:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by ensuring that your butter is at room temperature, as this will make it easier to cream with the sugar. Also, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which will help make the cookies light and soft.

3. Add the Eggs and Pumpkin Puree: Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Then, add the canned pumpkin and mix for another 3 minutes. The pumpkin will help create a moist, tender dough.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger). Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Overmixing will lead to dense cookies, so mix only until there are no visible streaks of flour.

5. Drop the Cookie Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon.

6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The cookies should be soft and slightly golden at the edges. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies, so mix only until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth dough and ensures the cookies bake evenly.

• Test Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature, so consider doing a test bake with one cookie to ensure your baking time is correct. If the first cookie comes out too soft or too crisp, adjust the baking time accordingly.

Making the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Now that your pumpkin cookies are cooling, it’s time to prepare the frosting that will elevate these cookies to the next level. Cream cheese frosting is a deliciously smooth topping that pairs perfectly with the spices in the pumpkin cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Soften the Butter and Cream Cheese: To make a smooth frosting, both the butter and cream cheese need to be softened to room temperature.

2. Beat the Butter and Cream Cheese: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.

4. Add the Cinnamon and Vanilla: Stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can add more powdered sugar.

5. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a knife or an offset spatula to spread the frosting generously on each cookie. For an extra touch, sprinkle a tiny amount of cinnamon over the frosting to enhance the flavor and add a decorative touch.

Storing and Freezing Your Pumpkin Cookies

These pumpkin cookies are delicious fresh, but they also store well, making them a perfect make-ahead treat. Whether you’re planning to enjoy them over several days or you want to save some for later, here’s how to store and freeze them properly.

Storing the Cookies:

• Room Temperature: Once the cookies are fully cooled and frosted, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the cookies from drying out.

• Refrigeration: Since these cookies are topped with cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh. Place them in a sealed container with a layer of parchment paper between each cookie to prevent the frosting from sticking.

Freezing the Cookies:

• Freezing Unfrosted Cookies: If you want to make a batch in advance, you can freeze the pumpkin cookies before frosting them. Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to frost and serve, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.

• Freezing Frosted Cookies: While it’s possible to freeze the frosted cookies, the cream cheese frosting might change in texture after being frozen and thawed. If you want to freeze frosted cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

When baking, it’s helpful to know the nutritional content of your treats. Below is an approximate breakdown of the calories and macronutrients for each cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the size of your cookies and specific ingredient brands.

Making These Cookies Healthier

If you’re looking for a slightly healthier version, you can make a few simple swaps without compromising on flavor:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber and nutrients.

• Reduce Sugar: Cut back on the sugar by up to 1/4 cup to lower the sweetness without affecting the texture.

• Greek Yogurt Frosting: For a tangy twist and added protein, try using Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the cream cheese in the frosting.

Why These Soft Pumpkin Cookies Are a Must-Bake

• Seasonal Delight: These cookies are synonymous with fall and the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. They are a delightful treat for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any autumn gathering.

• Versatile Treat: These pumpkin cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Frost them for a more indulgent treat, or keep them simple for a lighter snack. You can also make them in advance and freeze them for later, making them perfect for prepping holiday goodies.

• Impressive Yet Easy: Despite their bakery-like appearance, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. They require simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, making them accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chunks, to create a personalized version of this pumpkin cookie.

Common Questions on Pumpkin Cookies

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned pumpkin. Just be sure to cook and puree the pumpkin first. Fresh pumpkin can sometimes be more watery than canned, so make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding it to the cookie dough.

Q: Can I make these cookies without frosting?

Absolutely! These cookies are delicious on their own without frosting. If you prefer a lighter version, skip the frosting and enjoy them as a simple, spiced treat.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Since pumpkin cookies are soft and cake-like, they may not look fully baked around the edges. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center of a cookie. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cookies are ready. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake them.

FAQs On Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

1. Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts (walnuts or pecans) are optional in this recipe. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit them. The cookies will still turn out soft and delicious.

2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just be sure to cook and puree the pumpkin before using it in the recipe. Canned pumpkin is often more concentrated, so you might need to adjust the amount to achieve the right consistency.

3. How do I store leftover pumpkin cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. Before serving, bring them back to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

4. Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes, both! You can freeze the cookie dough by scooping the dough onto a baking sheet and freezing it for about 1 hour before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. For baked cookies, freeze them in a single layer and store them in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

5. Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with something else?

Certainly! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can substitute it with a buttercream frosting, maple frosting, or even whipped cream. Just remember that the cinnamon and pumpkin flavors pair beautifully with cream cheese, so you might want to stick with a frosting that complements those flavors.

Summary

Soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are an absolute fall favorite. With their tender, cake-like texture and spiced flavor, they capture the essence of the season in every bite. The easy-to-follow recipe allows for customization and creativity, making it a perfect treat for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, or a simple autumn afternoon. Whether you decide to bake them for an event or keep them for yourself, these cookies will certainly become a beloved recipe in your baking repertoire.

Print Recipe

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the perfect treat to celebrate fall. With a tender, spiced pumpkin cookie base topped with creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time14 minutes mins

Total Time29 minutes mins

Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Servings: 24

Calories: 220kcal

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup Butter Sweet Cream Salted, softened
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Canned Pumpkin
• 2 Large Eggs
• 4 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 ½ tsp Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Nutmeg
• ¼ tsp Ginger
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans optional

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
• ¼ cup Butter softened
• 2 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs and pumpkin to the mixture, and beat until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, sift together baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
• Add flour one cup at a time, mixing until just combined. Fold in optional walnuts or pecans.
• Scoop dough onto a baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with a spoon.
• Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden around the edges. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
• For frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and fluffy.
• Frost the cooled cookies with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the dough.
If you don’t want nuts, simply leave them out.
Let the cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 220
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 2g