If you’re craving a treat that feels indulgent yet nourishes your body, you have to try this Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe. These cookies are the ultimate cozy autumn delight, bursting with warm spices and pumpkin goodness, while the luscious salted maple frosting takes them to a whole new level. What makes them truly special is how soft and moist they stay, thanks to wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour and coconut oil. The splash of sea salt atop the sweet frosting makes every bite delightfully balanced. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

To nail this recipe, you don’t need a long list of fancy or complicated ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in giving these cookies their irresistible texture, warm flavor profile, and that soft bite you’ll keep dreaming about.

1 cup pumpkin puree: This is the hero ingredient that brings moisture, natural sweetness, and vibrant color.
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the cookies soft without any dairy.
1/2 cup coconut sugar: A healthier sweetener with a slight caramel flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of flavor, making everything taste homemade and comforting.
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour: Provides structure and a subtle nuttiness while keeping the cookies hearty.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings that classic pumpkin spice warmth we all love.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a cozy, aromatic hint that’s perfect for fall.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Infuses a little spicy zing to keep things interesting.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet and spice notes, enhancing every flavor.
1/4 cup maple syrup: For the frosting, giving a natural, rich sweetness with a hint of woodsy flavor.
2 tablespoons coconut cream: Creates a silky smooth, dairy-free frosting with a subtle tropical note.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the frosting with its sweet floral aroma.
Sea salt, for sprinkling: The final touch that makes the salted maple frosting truly irresistible.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up. This small prep step makes all the difference for perfect cookies every time.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend is the foundation of your cookie’s soft texture and rich flavor, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. This step ensures the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed, creating consistent flavor and rise throughout your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the cookies to stay soft and tender, not dense.

Step 5: Shape Your Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your lined baking sheet. Give each a gentle flattening with your fingers or the back of a spoon—this helps them bake evenly and develop those charming, slightly crisp edges.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are just set and lightly golden around the edges. Resist the urge to overbake; you want them softly baked for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Once baked, let them cool completely before moving to the frosting.

Step 7: Whisk the Salted Maple Frosting and Finish

For the frosting, whisk maple syrup, coconut cream, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this luscious frosting generously over your cooled cookies, then sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. That sprinkle of salt creates a magical balance against the sweetness, making every bite utterly satisfying.

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

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a light dusting of cinnamon can add an inviting touch of texture and extra warmth. If you want to be extra festive, a few tiny edible gold flakes would make these cookies sparkle for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of chai tea, hot apple cider, or your favorite coffee brew to elevate the cozy factor. For a wholesome snack plate, add some fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears to keep the flavors fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of extra salted maple frosting for dipping—it turns cookie time into a fun, interactive experience. Alternatively, stack them high on a tiered dessert stand for a beautiful centerpiece that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the frosting fresh and maintain the soft texture, separate layers with parchment paper. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is fine, just bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cookies, freeze them without frosting first. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Once thawed, prepare the salted maple frosting fresh and drizzle it on to enjoy a fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked softness, warm the cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Add the frosting after warming if it was stored separately to preserve its texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually the easiest option. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin without any added spices or sugars.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the whole wheat flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still taste amazing.

Can I substitute the coconut oil with another fat?

Yes, melted butter or avocado oil can be used as substitutes. Coconut oil gives a subtle flavor and helps keep the cookies soft, so expect a slight difference in taste and texture.

How long do the cookies stay soft?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain soft for about 3 days. After that, they might firm up, but a quick warm-up brings most of the softness back.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

You can prepare the salted maple frosting a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Whisk it again before drizzling to bring back its smooth, pourable consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about baking up a batch of these Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe. They beautifully combine wholesome ingredients with rich, inviting flavors that never fail to satisfy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it part of your seasonal favorites—these cookies will quickly become your go-to when you want something sweet, soft, and utterly delicious with a healthy twist.