Craving a slice of pumpkin pie but want a handheld, shareable treat? These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the answer. These aren’t your average crunchy cookies; they’re soft, cake-like, and bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavor. Topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting, they’re the perfect fall dessert for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. They are easy to bake up, taste great, and are loved by all.
What is Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting?
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are delightful, cake-like cookies infused with the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. Unlike crispier cookies, these treats boast a soft, almost spongy texture, making them a truly irresistible indulgence. The addition of cinnamon frosting adds a touch of sweetness and spice that perfectly complements the pumpkin flavor. They are the go-to treat for all pumpkin-related events.
These cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and simple techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to bake a batch of these heavenly soft pumpkin cookies!
Key Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Leavening agent that helps the cookies rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent, contributing to the soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides the warm, classic cinnamon flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty spice note.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A small amount of cloves provides warmth and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: A little ginger adds a bit of zing and complements the other spices.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies. Must be soft to smoothly combine with the sugar.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their texture.
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a molasses-like flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): Provides the signature pumpkin flavor and moisture.
For the Cinnamon Frosting:
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting. Must be soft to create a smooth frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and structure to the frosting.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Reinforces the cinnamon flavor.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a touch of extra spice.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are deceptively simple to make, offering a delicious and satisfying fall treat in just about 40 minutes. The key to their cake-like texture lies in creaming together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, and not overbaking the cookies. The cinnamon frosting is the perfect finishing touch, adding a creamy, spiced sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly. Grab your mixing bowls and let’s bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Cookies:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This is a crucial step for achieving the soft texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Pumpkin Puree: Gradually add the pumpkin puree and mix until smooth.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Drop by Rounded Tablespoons: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. The cookies will be soft to the touch.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cinnamon Frosting:
- Cream Butter: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Add Milk and Spices: Add the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cinnamon frosting.
- Decorate (Optional): Sprinkle with extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or chopped nuts for added flair.
Why You’ll Love These Soft Pumpkin Cookies
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a fall flavor explosion in every bite! The main highlight is their incredibly soft, cake-like texture, unlike any other cookie you’ve tried. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cloud of pumpkin spice goodness. This recipe is also a fantastic cost-saver compared to buying pre-made pumpkin treats or even pumpkin pie from the store. You control the ingredients and can bake a whole batch for less. The creamy cinnamon frosting takes these cookies to the next level, adding a sweet and spicy complement to the pumpkin flavor. It’s the perfect marriage of fall spices!
If you like the idea of cake-like cookies, you might also enjoy exploring a recipe for snickerdoodle cookies. But trust me, these pumpkin cookies are a must-try for any fall baking session. Give them a try and elevate your baking game today!
What to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies With
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are delightful on their own, but they can be even better when paired with complementary flavors and textures.
- Warm Spiced Cider: The warm spices in cider perfectly complement the pumpkin and cinnamon in the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warm spices of the cookies.
- Coffee or Tea: The cookies are a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, especially during a cozy afternoon.
- Milk: A classic combination that never fails.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce can add a tart and festive touch.
Top Tips for Perfecting Soft Pumpkin Cookies
To ensure your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a resounding success, consider these tips:
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon and level method to measure your flour, ensuring you don’t add too much. Too much flour will make the cookies dry.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature eggs incorporate more easily and evenly into the dough, creating a better texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will dry out the cookies. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. They will continue to set up as they cool.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Spice Customization: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. For example, you can add more cinnamon or nutmeg, or add a pinch of allspice.
Health Benefits of Soft Pumpkin Cookies
While these cookies are a treat, pumpkin itself offers some nutritional benefits. Pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune function. It also contains antioxidants. However they also have high amount of sugar. So it is important to make cookies in moderation. Enjoy Pumpkin cookie in moderation.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing:
- Unfrosted cookies: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Frosted cookies: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies unfrosted. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
Reheating:
- These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you’ve stored them in the refrigerator, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- You can microwave a cookie for a few seconds (5-10 seconds) if you prefer it warm, but be careful not to overheat it.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the ultimate fall treat. With their soft, cake-like texture and warm, spiced flavors, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of pumpkin perfection!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies FAQs
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which will alter the recipe and make the cookies too sweet and potentially too liquidy.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe. You could try using whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
Q: Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze the frosting?
A: It not recommended to freeze frosting. The texture will change too much to get to original flavor and texture.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily halve the recipe if you want to make a smaller batch. Just divide all the ingredients in half.