If you have been searching for a delightful treat that combines wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor, look no further than this Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe. These cookies are perfectly soft and bursting with warm spices, moist pumpkin, and just the right hint of sweetness balanced by a decadent, salted maple frosting. Whether you’re craving a cozy autumn snack or a wholesome dessert to impress friends, this recipe brings comfort and healthfulness together on every bite.

Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are refreshingly simple but powerful in creating the perfect texture, taste, and seasonal charm. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s the natural sweetness of maple syrup or the aromatic spices that make these cookies feel like a warm hug.

Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a signature fall flavor to the cookies.
Coconut oil, melted: A healthy fat alternative that keeps cookies tender and adds subtle richness.
Coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that lends a caramel-like depth without refined sugars.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
Whole wheat flour: Adds nutty flavor and fiber, making these cookies more wholesome than traditional ones.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft with just the right amount of fluff.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger: A beautiful spice blend that evokes cozy autumn memories.
Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all spices.
Maple syrup: The star ingredient in the frosting providing a natural sweetness and a hint of elegance.
Coconut cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture in the frosting.
Sea salt for sprinkling: Adds a perfect finishing touch by highlighting the maple frosting’s sweetness.

How to Make Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking, ensuring a clean release every time.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture forms the flavorful, moist base of your cookie dough.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. These dry ingredients bring structure, spice, and the inviting aroma that define the cookie’s character.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while stirring. Continue until you get a soft, cohesive dough. It should be easy to scoop but hold its shape once on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them slightly with the back of your spoon or fingers. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still soft to the touch.

Step 6: Let Cookies Cool

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial so the frosting doesn’t melt and the cookies firm up with their signature soft texture.

Step 7: Make and Apply the Salted Maple Frosting

Whisk together the maple syrup, coconut cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Drizzle this luscious frosting over each cooled cookie and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt to create a beautiful contrast that enhances the flavor.

How to Serve Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, consider topping your cookies with crushed toasted pecans, a light dusting of cinnamon, or even a few pumpkin seeds. These garnishes complement the seasonal spices and add delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai, freshly brewed coffee, or herbal tea. They also go wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a small glass of almond milk for a balanced snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter lined with autumn leaves or place them in a rustic wooden box for gift-giving. You can even sandwich a little extra salted maple frosting between two cookies to create mini cookie sandwiches that will wow anyone lucky enough to try them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled and the frosting is set before sealing, so the texture stays soft and the frosting intact.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To preserve the frosting, freeze the cookies without frosting and add fresh frosting after thawing.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature. For a freshly baked feel, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, but skip reheating once the frosting is applied to avoid melting it.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for these cookies and makes the recipe even more convenient without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

You can swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but check that it contains xanthan gum or a binding agent to maintain the cookie’s soft texture.

Can I substitute the coconut oil?

Yes, you can use melted butter or a neutral oil like avocado oil, but coconut oil adds a unique subtle flavor that complements pumpkin beautifully.

Are these cookies suitable for vegans?

Definitely! This recipe uses plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, coconut cream, and maple syrup, making it naturally vegan-friendly.

How thick should the frosting be?

The salted maple frosting should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cookies without running off too quickly. Adjust the coconut cream or maple syrup slightly to get the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe. It’s a heartfelt bake that combines comfort with nutrition, perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these cookies as much as I do—fresh from the oven, they’re little bites of seasonal joy that bring smiles every time.