If you’re on the hunt for a comforting seasonal treat that feels like a warm hug, the Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe is absolutely a must-try. These cookies are delightfully tender and loaded with cozy pumpkin spice flavors, topped with a luscious cinnamon frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving a soft, flavorful bite, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into something truly special. The combination of pumpkin puree and spices makes every mouthful irresistibly moist and flavorful, while that creamy frosting adds a magical finishing touch that guests will rave about.

Vegan butter in a small glass bowl with a creamy, pale yellow texture, bright orange pumpkin puree in a rustic ceramic bowl, small piles of light and dark brown sugar crystals, a heap of fine white granulated sugar, a small glass jar of rich golden vanilla extract, a wooden scoop filled with soft, fluffy all-purpose flour, white baking powder in a tiny white porcelain spoon, warm-toned pumpkin pie spice with rusty orange hues in a shallow dish, fine white cornstarch powder, a sprinkle of fine salt crystals on a small ceramic plate, a cinnamon stick and ground cinnamon powder with reddish-brown color, a bowl of silky smooth powdered sugar, all neatly arranged on a clean white marble surface. Natural soft diffused daylight highlights the textures and colors, with minimal shadows, styled with a few autumn leaves and a linen napkin for warmth and seasonal ambiance. Overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and for this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe, you won’t need a long list. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, moisture, or that unmistakable autumnal flavor that makes these cookies shine.

Vegan butter: Provides a creamy, rich base for both the cookies and frosting while keeping everything dairy-free.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show adding moisture and that authentic pumpkin flavor.
Brown sugar: Enhances the cookies’ sweetness with a hint of molasses and keeps them soft.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in creating tender cookies.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: Forms the structure for the cookies, ensuring they’re soft but hold together.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise, keeping them fluffy and soft.
Pumpkin pie spice: The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that amps up the autumn vibes.
Cornstarch: Gives the cookies a tender crumb and soft texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Vanilla paste (or extract) for frosting: Provides a rich vanilla flavor that’s more concentrated.
Cinnamon for frosting: Gives that spicy warmth which complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Powdered sugar: The key to smooth, creamy frosting that spreads like a dream.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that when your dough is ready, the oven is at the perfect temperature for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep cookies from sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. This combination creates the moist, sweet foundation of your cookies. Make sure the vegan butter is softened so it blends smoothly for the best texture!

Step 3: Add the Vanilla

Next, add the vanilla extract to the mixture and mix thoroughly. Vanilla is a secret weapon in baking that enhances the flavors and offers a lovely aromatic note to your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting recipe.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This dry mixture brings structure, flavor, and that tender texture essential for these cookies.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so mix just enough so all ingredients are incorporated and the dough is uniform.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about two inches apart. This helps them bake evenly without merging into one another.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a set cookie surface that still feels soft but not raw. The scent filling your kitchen now is a sweet reward for your patience!

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by creaming the vegan butter, vanilla paste, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until your frosting reaches the perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are fully cooled, generously spread the cinnamon frosting on top. This frosting adds a creamy, spicy layer that elevates each bite to pure autumn bliss.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can take your pumpkin cookies and cinnamon frosting recipe to the next level. These garnishes add a delightful crunch and visual appeal, making every treat feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These soft pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or a cozy latte. For a festive touch, serve alongside small shots of spiced apple cider or your favorite pumpkin spice coffee blend to complement the cookie flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the frosted cookies on a rustic wooden board with fall leaves scattered around for an inviting look. Alternatively, stack them with parchment paper between layers in a decorative tin for a beautiful gift presentation that any cookie lover would appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them, which also helps keep the frosting firm.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost as usual for fresh-tasting soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting recipe any time you desire.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may melt the frosting unevenly. This little step refreshes texture and flavor perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully here and is a convenient option without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup, but be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Can I substitute the vegan butter with coconut oil?

Yes, coconut oil is a fine substitute, but keep in mind it may add a slight coconut flavor. It can also affect the cookie texture slightly, making them a bit more crumbly.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, these soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting recipe stay fresh for about three days; refrigeration can extend this to about a week.

Can I make the frosting without vegan butter?

For the best creamy texture and flavor, vegan butter is recommended, but you can try a vegan cream cheese alternative for a tangy twist, keeping in mind it may alter consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like biting into a soft, spiced pumpkin cookie topped with dreamy cinnamon frosting to brighten your day and celebrate the season. This Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe is like a cozy sweater for your taste buds—simple to make, wonderfully satisfying, and loved by everyone who tries them. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share these little bites of pumpkin joy with your friends and family. Happy baking!