Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Name: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp milk

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the warmth of fall with these delightful Soft Pumpkin Cookies topped with luscious cinnamon frosting. Perfectly spiced and incredibly tender, these cookies are a must-have for your Thanksgiving dessert table. Their festive flavor and inviting aroma will surely be a hit with family and friends, making them an irresistible treat for the holiday season.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-10-25T06:30:41.304Z

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the quintessential autumn treat.

The Perfect Fall Treat

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, nothing welcomes the fall season quite like the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin cookies. Soft and flavorful, these cookies capture the essence of autumn with every bite. With just the right amount of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg, they are delightful not just in taste, but also in sentiment, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings.

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are ideal for sharing at holiday events or enjoying with a warm cup of cider. Their tender texture makes them stand out from traditional cookies, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. With the addition of a delicious cinnamon frosting, they become a festive treat that leaves a lasting impression on guests and loved ones alike.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast, looking for a simple dessert to bring to a potluck, or just craving something sweet at home, these cookies fit the bill. Their unique flavor and texture make them a crowd-pleaser, suitable for any occasion. Requiring minimal effort, they can be whipped up quickly, allowing more time to focus on spending moments with loved ones during the busy holiday season.

Consider adding these cookies to your holiday baking traditions. The enjoyment of creating these treats can be a fun bonding experience for families, especially when kids get involved in the frosting process. This recipe not only brings joy in the eating, but also in the making, fostering a sense of togetherness and celebration.

Storing Your Cookies

To maintain the freshness and softness of your cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature.

For those who love to share, these cookies also make excellent gifts. Pack them in decorative tins or boxes, and they’ll be a thoughtful and delicious present for friends and family. Include a note with the recipe so the lucky recipients can recreate these delightful treats on their own!

Ingredients

Cookies

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Cinnamon Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp milk

Enjoy the soft texture and spiced flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Bake the Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and milk until smooth.

Frost the Cookies

Once cookies are cool, spread the cinnamon frosting on top of each cookie.

Let the frosting set before serving.

Baking Tips for Success

Baking the perfect pumpkin cookies requires a few careful considerations. Make sure to use fresh pumpkin puree, as it greatly influences the flavor and moisture content of your cookies. If you're using canned pumpkin, check the label for 100% pumpkin with no added ingredients. This ensures your cookies have that rich, natural pumpkin flavor that makes them so enjoyable.

Another tip for success is to not overmix the dough once you've combined the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies. Stir gently until just combined, and you'll yield fluffy, soft cookies that are sure to impress.

Serving Suggestions

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies can be served in various creative ways. Consider garnishing them with some crushed walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for an added crunch and texture. Additionally, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a decadent dessert experience that is sure to delight.

For a cozy gathering, serve these cookies alongside a selection of warm beverages such as spiced cider, hot chocolate, or pumpkin spice latte. This combination enhances the autumn vibe and creates an inviting atmosphere for friends and family.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it's well drained.

→ How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.