As the scent of warm cinnamon wafts through my kitchen, it’s hard not to smile at the thought of what awaits: soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting. These delightful treats embody the essence of cozy baking, making them a go-to during chilly evenings or festive gatherings. What I love most about these cookies is their quick prep time—whip them up in just 20 minutes—and the fact that they’re a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, they’re so wonderfully soft and moist, they practically melt in your mouth! So why not take a break from the fast-food cycle and treat yourself to these homemade gems? Let’s dive into this recipe; I promise your taste buds will thank you!
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Simplicity: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy bakers.
Irresistibly Soft: Each cookie is wonderfully soft and moist, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg brings warmth and comfort that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering. You can even try pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or a cup of coffee for an irresistible snack!
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are successful at grabbing attention; the soft texture and sweet cinnamon frosting will leave everyone wanting more. Don't forget to check out my Cinnamon Frosting recipe to elevate these cookies even further!
Soft Pumpkin Cookie Ingredients
• Elevate your baking with this must-try recipe!
For the Cookies
- Pumpkin puree – adds natural sweetness and moisture to these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.
- Sugar – balances the earthy flavors of pumpkin for a delightful sweetness.
- Brown sugar – enhances the cookies' flavor with a rich, caramel undertone.
- Coconut oil – gives a tender texture while providing a subtle tropical flavor.
- All-purpose flour – forms the base of the dough, giving structure to each cookie.
- Almond flour – adds a nutty flavor and enhances the softness of the cookies.
- Non-dairy milk – keeps the cookies moist and provides a creamy consistency.
- Baking soda – helps the cookies rise, making them fluffy and light.
- Baking powder – ensures the cookies have the perfect lift in the oven.
- Cinnamon – infuses warmth and a comforting aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Nutmeg – complements the cinnamon with its unique, fragrant spice.
- Salt – enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor profile with a sweet and aromatic touch.
These ingredients come together beautifully to create soft pumpkin cookies that are not only quick to make but also taste divine!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This will ensure that your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of pumpkin puree, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and ½ cup of melted coconut oil. Stir these ingredients together until they form a smooth mixture. You should see a lovely glossy texture, indicating the sugars have fully incorporated into the pumpkin.
Step 3: Add Milk and Vanilla
Pour in ⅓ cup of non-dairy milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the bowl with the pumpkin mixture. Mix everything together until it is well combined and creamy. This addition of milk will keep your cookies soft and moist, contributing to their delightful texture that you will love.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of almond flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no clumps, which will help your soft pumpkin cookies rise beautifully.
Step 5: Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding them together gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to denser cookies. What you’re looking for is a soft dough that looks rich and inviting, ready to be shaped into cookies.
Step 6: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the lined baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is important, as it allows the cookies to expand while baking so you can enjoy those fluffy, soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges and have a soft center. You want them to appear just set, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. The smell of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, bringing warmth to the ambiance.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Use this time to admire their lovely golden hue. After that, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect softness.
Step 9: Frost and Serve
After your cookies have cooled entirely, take the opportunity to frost them with your homemade cinnamon frosting if desired. Generously spread the frosting over each cookie, enhancing their flavor and adding a beautiful finishing touch. Now, they are ready to be savored—enjoy the scrumptiousness of your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting!
What to Serve with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
These delightful treats are perfect alongside a variety of dishes that create a cozy and comforting meal.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte pair beautifully with the cinnamon in your cookies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor offer a delicious contrast to the soft pumpkin cookies and rich frosting.
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Apple Cider: A glass of freshly pressed apple cider brings a refreshing, fruity element that complements the warm spices of the cookies.
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Candied Pecans: Crunchy, sweet, and slightly spiced, candied pecans provide a delightful texture that enhances the soft texture of cookies.
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Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: The richness of chocolate ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the pumpkin flavor, making it a decadent dessert pairing.
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Pumpkin Spice Coffee: Enjoying a cup of pumpkin spice coffee takes the fall flavor experience to the next level, harmonizing with your cookies.
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Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots and sweet potatoes brings out the earthiness of the pumpkin, balancing sweetness with comfort.
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Sweet Cream Cheese Dip: This creamy dip with a hint of vanilla makes for a dreamy accompaniment, perfect for dipping your cookies.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm caramel over the cookies adds an indulgent touch that takes their flavor to new heights.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the cookies remain soft and moist. When you're ready to bake, just scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Additionally, you can frost the cookies ahead as well; just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll have delicious homemade treats ready to enjoy with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Adding a slice of bread can help keep them moist and soft.
Fridge: For longer freshness, place the container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to avoid drying out!
Freezer: Freeze your soft pumpkin cookies for up to 3 months. Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for optimal storage.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds. They’ll taste freshly baked, making them irresistible all over again!
Expert Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Mix Carefully: Avoid over-mixing your dough to keep the cookies soft and tender. Blend until just combined for the best results.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon and nutmeg make a noticeable difference, enhancing the flavor profile of your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting.
Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting off. This ensures a lovely presentation.
Perfect Scoop Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizes for even baking. Varying sizes can lead to some cookies being over or underbaked.
Store Wisely: To maintain softness, store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. This will keep them moist and delicious longer.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make your soft pumpkin cookies even more irresistible!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a safe and tasty option.
- Nut-Free: For those with nut allergies, use all-purpose flour exclusively instead of almond flour while keeping the flavors intact.
- Sugar-Free: Try using a natural sweetener like erythritol to keep the sweetness without the calories. This could make them a delightful treat without guilt!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and zing. The subtle heat pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in chocolate chips or dried cranberries to give your cookies a delightful burst of flavor. The contrast of textures adds excitement!
- Chilled Version: For a refreshing twist, chill the dough before baking for a firmer texture and uniquely satisfying taste.
- Holiday Spirit: Replace the vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a festive holiday cookie that captures the spirit of the season beautifully.
- Creative Frosting: Swap out the cinnamon frosting for cream cheese frosting for an extra creamy and tangy flavor contrast—deliciously decadent!
These variations allow you to create your perfect batch of soft pumpkin cookies, so don't shy away from experimenting. Each twist can add its own charm, making every bite feel special!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to choose pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin puree, look for the consistency of a smooth and dense texture. Avoid brands with a watery consistency, as they may not provide the rich flavor you want for your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting. If you’re using fresh pumpkin, opt for smaller varieties like sugar pumpkins, which are sweeter and more flavorful.
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 7 days—just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid drying out. Adding a slice of bread in the container can help retain moisture!
Can these cookies be frozen?
Definitely! To freeze your soft pumpkin cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. This will prevent them from sticking together and keep them fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds for that soft, fresh-baked taste!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky, don’t worry! Start by adding a little more all-purpose flour, about a tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until you achieve a workable consistency. Alternatively, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes can help firm it up and make it easier to scoop.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very! If you’re concerned about allergies, these cookies are nut-free (if you use nut-free milk) and can be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free flour for the all-purpose and almond flours. Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens, especially the non-dairy milk and coconut oil, to ensure they meet your dietary needs!
How can I ensure my cookies bake evenly?
To ensure even baking, make sure you space the cookie dough at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This allows space for the cookies to expand while baking. Additionally, I recommend rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time if your oven has hot spots, typically after 5 minutes. This step can help all cookies achieve that lovely light golden color uniformly!
Delightful Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Ingredients
Soft Pumpkin Cookie Ingredients
- ½ cup Pumpkin puree adds natural sweetness and moisture
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar balances earthy flavors
- ¼ cup Brown sugar enhances flavor with caramel undertone
- ½ cup Coconut oil provides tender texture
- 1 ¾ cups All-purpose flour forms the base
- 1 cup Almond flour adds nutty flavor
- ⅓ cup Non-dairy milk keeps cookies moist
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda helps cookies rise
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder ensures proper lift
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon infuses warmth
- ½ teaspoon Nutmeg complements cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract rounds out flavor
Instructions
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted coconut oil until smooth.
- Add non-dairy milk and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop heaping spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Frost with cinnamon frosting once completely cooled and serve.
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