Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Name: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 24.0
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1-2 tbsp milk

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These soft and fluffy pumpkin cookies topped with creamy cinnamon frosting are the perfect fall treat for your Thanksgiving dessert table. With their warm spices and delightful sweetness, these cookies melt in your mouth and bring the essence of autumn to your celebrations. Easy to make and irresistible, they are sure to become a holiday favorite that everyone will rave about!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-05T16:08:43.910Z

The Perfect Fall Treat

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the warmth of freshly baked cookies to evoke the spirit of fall. These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful way to embrace the season. Made with real pumpkin puree, they have a rich and moist texture that's simply irresistible. The spices used in this recipe not only enhance the flavor but also add the perfect aroma to your kitchen, making them ideal for autumn gatherings.

These cookies are not just a dessert; they are an experience that captures the essence of fall. The fluffy cookie base paired with a creamy frosting makes them a wonderful treat to serve at Thanksgiving dinner or any fall celebration. They bring joy to every bite, making it hard to stop at just one. Your family and friends will appreciate the comforting flavors and the festive touch they add to the holiday table.

Easy to Make

One of the best features of these pumpkin cookies is how easy they are to prepare. With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip these up in no time. The recipe only requires a few steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies will show you that delicious results don't have to be complicated.

Plus, the fact that they don't require chilling means you can enjoy them sooner! This efficiency doesn’t compromise flavor or texture; rather, it enhances your baking experience. In less than an hour, you can have warm cookies out of the oven, ready to be devoured. So, gather your loved ones in the kitchen and make it a fun activity that everyone can enjoy together.

A Sweet Addition to Your Holiday Menu

When planning your holiday menu, consider these cookies as a delightful alternative to classic pies and cakes. Their unique flavor profile and soft texture make them a standout dessert that can suit any palate. By incorporating these Soft Pumpkin Cookies into your dessert spread, you’re not just adding variety but also a special touch that reflects the season's essence.

These cookies are incredibly versatile, too. If you want to elevate them, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the frosting. With endless possibilities for customization, this recipe can become a family favorite for years to come.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

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

For the Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1-2 tbsp milk

Make sure to use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

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

Bake the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk, mixing until smooth.

Frost the Cookies

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

Let the frosted cookies set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft and fluffy, make sure not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones. Mixing just until combined will help maintain their tender texture. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter for frosting, will yield a smoother consistency and better flavor.

Another helpful tip is to gauge your baking time accurately. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies and remove them once the edges start to set but the centers remain soft. This will help to prevent them from becoming too firm as they cool.

Storage and Freezing

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, ensure the cookies are fully cooled, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

When you want to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before serving, which makes them taste freshly baked!

Serving Suggestions

For an added touch of festivity, serve these cookies alongside a glass of spiced apple cider or a warm cup of tea. The combination of flavors will enhance the cozy feel of your fall gatherings. You can also plate these cookies with whole walnuts or pumpkin seeds for a beautiful presentation that showcases the harvest theme.

Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience or use them as a unique topping for a fall-inspired ice cream sundae. The possibilities are endless, making these cookies a versatile addition to your holiday festivities.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pumpkin?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.