Name: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened; 1/4 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup vegan butter, softened; 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon); 1/3 cup brown sugar; 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar

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There’s just something special about baking Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting as the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp—these treats truly capture all the coziness and charm of autumn in every bite. Imagine taking a warm, pillowy pumpkin cookie, loaded with sweet spice, and crowning it with a swirl of fragrant cinnamon frosting. It’s vegan, easy to make, and rivals any classic bakery treat, making it perfect for celebrations or simply savoring the magic of fall at home. If you adore treats that melt in your mouth while bursting with pumpkin flavor, this is the recipe you won’t want to miss.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every single ingredient in this recipe has a purpose—think of it like a little team, each part contributing to the irresistibly soft texture and deep, autumnal flavors of Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. Don’t worry, the list is refreshingly simple, but it’s those little details that make these cookies truly shine.

Vegan butter, softened: Gives the cookies their rich, tender crumb and makes the cinnamon frosting lusciously creamy.
Pumpkin puree: Adds signature flavor, vibrant color, and super-moist texture to every cookie bite.
Brown sugar: Lends caramel notes and an extra kick of moisture to keep cookies soft.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a chewy texture that complements the softness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the cozy flavors and adds warmth throughout the cookie and frosting.
All-purpose flour: Provides just the right amount of structure for pillowy-soft cookies that hold up to frosting.
Baking powder: Gives these cookies a light lift so they puff up like little clouds.
Pumpkin pie spice: Delivers a punch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove for that classic autumn aroma and taste.
Cornstarch: Ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies by softening the dough texture.
Salt: Brightens up all the other flavors so each bite pops.
Vanilla paste or extract (for frosting): Infuses the cinnamon frosting with even deeper vanilla notes—pure comfort!
Cinnamon (for frosting): The star of the swirl, bringing warmth and classic spice to every frosted bite.
Additional pumpkin pie spice (for frosting): Layered into the frosting for a double hit of pumpkin spice magic.
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Whips up light, fluffy, and perfectly pipe-able frosting.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Start by grabbing your stand mixer or a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer. Add the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Cream everything together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and silky—it should look almost like pumpkin mousse at this stage! This step really sets the foundation for the super-soft texture of these cookies.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Tip: Give your dry mix a good whisk to evenly distribute those essential spices and leaveners—this prevents pockets of uneven flavor and helps the cookies bake up perfectly every time.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry

With your mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, careful not to over-mix. You want to stop as soon as everything is just combined and no visible flour remains. Over-working the dough at this stage can make the cookies dense, so keep things light and gentle.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

This is the secret to beautifully shaped, fluffy cookies! Cover your bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re prepping ahead). Chilling helps hydrate the flour and firms up the dough, making it way easier to scoop and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 2-inch balls of chilled dough using a cookie scoop or generous spoon, and gently press each one to flatten into a thick disk (they won’t spread much during baking). Place them a couple inches apart on your baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until puffed and just set. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Whip Up the Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, whip the softened vegan butter with vanilla paste or extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until silky and smooth—this cinnamon frosting is a cloud of autumnal flavor all on its own! If you want to make it ahead, just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to frost.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Spooning the frosting into a piping bag with a Wilton #2A tip, pipe a generous swirl onto each fully cooled cookie. Work from the center outward for a beautiful bakery-style look. For the grand finish, sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice on top and get ready for the best part—taste testing! You’ve just completed irresistible Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up your finished cookies with a delicate sprinkle of extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice right after frosting. For a fancy touch, a few tiny pumpkin seeds or even a drizzle of vegan caramel can add flair. These little extras will make your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting look ready for any fall celebration.

Side Dishes

There’s nothing like a warm mug of chai tea or a frothy oat milk latte served alongside these cookies. For a dessert buffet, pair them with roasted apples or a comforting bowl of vanilla bean ice cream—these additions highlight their sweetly spiced flavors and make your treat spread extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting in a rustic basket lined with parchment, or package them in clear bags tied with raffia for a cheery gift. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra frosting to make the most decadent pumpkin cookie “whoopie pies” you’ve ever had!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting at their best by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cookies stay deliciously soft and the frosting remains smooth, so you’ll always have a perfect pick-me-up within reach.

Freezing

You can easily freeze the unfrosted cookies or dough for up to two months—just arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready, thaw at room temperature, then frost and enjoy. The frosting itself also freezes well for make-ahead convenience.

Reheating

If you love a warm-from-the-oven experience, gently reheat unfrosted cookies in a low oven for a few minutes. For frosted cookies, let them come to room temperature naturally; this keeps the cinnamon frosting in perfect swirling condition and brings back that fresh-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree for these cookies. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which could throw off the flavor balance and texture. For true Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, pure pumpkin puree is the way to go.

How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?

Chilling the dough before baking and not overbaking are crucial! Be careful not to leave them in the oven too long—10 to 12 minutes is just enough. Proper storage in an airtight container will keep your cookies perfectly soft for days.

Will the recipe work with gluten-free flour?

Yes, simply use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be aware that the texture may be a little different—still delicious, but perhaps slightly less pillowy. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

Can I prepare the frosting in advance?

Absolutely! The cinnamon frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let it soften at room temperature and give it a quick whip before piping onto the cookies.

What’s the best way to transport these cookies for gifting?

Allow the frosted cookies to set up slightly, then carefully arrange them in a single layer in a sturdy box, separating stacks with parchment or wax paper. This keeps that beautiful swirl of frosting intact, making your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting a stunning homemade gift.

Final Thoughts

There’s just nothing like the joy of sharing Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting with friends and loved ones, whether you’re welcoming the fall season or just in need of a little comfort. With their uniquely soft crumb, bold pumpkin flavor, and that dreamy cinnamon frosting swirl, they’re a treat I hope becomes one of your all-time favorites too!