Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Elevate your Thanksgiving dessert table with these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies, topped with a delightful cinnamon frosting. Bursting with warm spices and the rich flavor of pumpkin, these cookies are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate the fall season. Simple to make and incredibly comforting, they're sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-05T15:47:51.667Z

The Perfect Fall Treat

As the leaves begin to change color and the air turns crisp, it’s time to embrace all things pumpkin. These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting embody the essence of fall. The warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor create a delectable combination that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Not only are they delicious, but they also fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, making them an ideal treat for the season.

These cookies are not just a dessert; they're an experience. Imagine gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing a plate of these delightful cookies, each topped with a luscious layer of cinnamon frosting. They are perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The fluffy texture and sweet frosting make them a crowd-pleaser.

Easy to Make, Hard to Resist

One of the best things about these soft pumpkin cookies is how simple they are to make. With just a few ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, you can whip up a batch in no time. The dough comes together quickly, requiring no complicated techniques or specialty equipment, so you can focus on enjoying the process and the delightful end result.

Even novice bakers will find this recipe approachable. The combination of wet and dry ingredients allows for easy mixing, meaning you’ll have cookies ready for the oven in under 15 minutes. This user-friendly recipe makes it easy to involve kids in the baking process, creating cherished memories as you bake together.

Customize Your Cookies

While these cookies are fantastic as-is, they also lend themselves to customization! Consider adding chocolate chips for a rich, sweet contrast to the pumpkin flavor, or nuts for a delightful crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins can also be mixed in for an added touch of sweetness and texture. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your personal taste.

If you're a fan of spices, feel free to experiment with different combinations. A dash of cloves or allspice can elevate the flavor even further, making these cookies uniquely yours. Play around with the frosting, too; try incorporating cream cheese for a tangy twist or add a splash of maple syrup for a truly autumnal taste.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Cookies

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

Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)

Mix the ingredients well to achieve the perfect cookie dough!

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Mix Together

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

Bake the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until set.

Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Frost the Cookies

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

Enjoy your delicious homemade pumpkin cookies!

Storage and Shelf Life

To keep these cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft for about a week, or even longer if kept stored properly. If you want to extend their freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they can last for up to two weeks. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

If you've made a larger batch than you can consume in a week, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and add a fresh coat of frosting if desired.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your favorite treats can help you enjoy them in moderation. Each soft pumpkin cookie is packed with beneficial ingredients, including pumpkin puree, which is rich in vitamins A and C. The spices used in these cookies not only enhance flavor but also offer health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, making these cookies a slightly healthier indulgence.

Of course, moderation is key, as these cookies do contain sugars and fats. Enjoy them as a delightful dessert or a sweet pick-me-up, but remember to pair them with a balanced diet. Sharing with friends and family is another great way to enjoy these treats without overindulging.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pumpkin?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great for this recipe.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Elevate your Thanksgiving dessert table with these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies, topped with a delightful cinnamon frosting. Bursting with warm spices and the rich flavor of pumpkin, these cookies are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate the fall season. Simple to make and incredibly comforting, they're sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

Cookies

  1. 1 cup pumpkin puree
  2. 1 cup sugar
  3. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  4. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  5. 1 egg
  6. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 tsp baking soda
  8. 1/2 tsp baking powder
  9. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  10. 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  11. 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  12. 1/4 tsp salt

Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  4. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  5. 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until set.

Step 05

In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 06

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 1g