Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting: A Cozy Fall Treat for Beginners

Autumn is that magical time of year when the air turns crisp, the leaves start to change color, and the kitchen is filled with the irresistible aromas of pumpkin, cinnamon, and spice. If you’re like many people, these familiar scents evoke memories of cozy gatherings and warm, comforting desserts. One of my absolute favorites is Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting—a perfect fall treat that combines the heartwarming flavors of pumpkin and spices in every bite.

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These pumpkin cookies are soft, cakey, and beautifully spiced with a cinnamon-infused frosting that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced baker looking for an easy-to-make seasonal dessert, this recipe is for you. The steps are simple, the ingredients are pantry staples, and the results are absolutely delicious. Plus, this vegan recipe is a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions or those simply looking to enjoy plant-based treats. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookies!

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

As a beginner cook, you might feel hesitant when it comes to baking—there are often many steps, lots of ingredients, and sometimes complicated techniques to follow. But I assure you, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting will change that! They’re easy to make, with minimal hands-on time, and require only a few simple steps. There’s no need for any fancy equipment or complicated techniques—just basic tools like a stand mixer, baking sheet, and piping bag. Plus, the cookie dough benefits from a brief chill in the fridge, making it easier to work with and ensuring perfectly soft cookies every time.

This recipe is also incredibly forgiving, allowing you to enjoy the process without worrying about exact temperatures or timings. The results are fantastic even if you’re a beginner, so you’ll be able to wow your family or friends with a delicious batch of homemade cookies. Plus, the warm spices and creamy frosting make these cookies perfect for fall get-togethers, potlucks, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home.

Ingredients and Preparation

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these soft pumpkin cookies and the rich cinnamon frosting that tops them off. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, so be sure to gather everything before you start!

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened: This is the base of the cookie dough, providing the richness and moisture needed for soft, chewy cookies. If you prefer, you can use regular butter if you’re not vegan.
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree: This is the star ingredient! Pumpkin puree gives these cookies their soft, cakey texture and subtle sweetness.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor, complementing the pumpkin and spices.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: The balance of sweetness comes from granulated sugar, which also helps the cookies bake up perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely aroma to the cookies.
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies. Be sure to measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid using too much flour.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and become light and airy while keeping them soft.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A warm and cozy spice blend that’s perfect for fall—this will make your kitchen smell like autumn.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Cornstarch helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors in the cookie dough.

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened: This is the base of the frosting, providing a creamy texture. Use vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy-free.
• 3 teaspoons vanilla paste: This adds depth and richness to the frosting. You can use vanilla extract if you prefer, but vanilla paste offers a more intense flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The cinnamon gives the frosting that signature fall taste that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon): For an extra touch of warmth, you can use pumpkin pie spice in the frosting. If you don’t have it on hand, cinnamon will work just fine!
• 1/3 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a soft, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
• 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar: The powdered sugar is key to achieving a smooth, spreadable frosting.

Utensils:

• Hand mixer or stand mixer (for both the dough and frosting)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (or baking mat)
• Cookie scooper (optional but helpful)
• Piping bag with Wilton Piping Tip #2A (for decorating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting. The process is straightforward, but the results are undeniably delicious.

1. Make the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together in a stand mixer or large bowl. Mix until the ingredients are light, fluffy, and fully combined. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. If you’re using a stand mixer, be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. This will help ensure that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix! You want the dough to come together without developing too much gluten, which can result in tough cookies.

4. Chill the Dough

Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 30 minutes (or overnight). Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

5. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. This also ensures easy cleanup after baking.

6. Shape the Cookies

Once the dough has chilled, use a medium cookie scooper or spoon to scoop out 2-inch balls of dough. Flatten each dough ball into a disk shape using your hands or the back of a spoon. This step is important because the cookies don’t spread much during baking, so you need to shape them before they go in the oven.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the center of the cookie is set. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting them.

8. Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cinnamon frosting. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment to whip together the softened vegan butter, vanilla paste, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a splash of non-dairy milk to loosen it up.

9. Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon the frosting into a piping bag fitted with Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the frosting onto each cookie in a swirl, starting from the center and working outward. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your cookies turn out perfectly:

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps the cookies hold their shape and ensures they bake up soft and fluffy.
• Measuring Flour: To prevent dry cookies, be sure to measure your flour properly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ingredients.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting seems too thick, add a small amount of non-dairy milk to make it easier to pipe. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Cookie Shape: Since these cookies don’t spread much during baking, be sure to shape them before baking. You can even use a cookie cutter if you want them to be perfectly round or in fun fall shapes!

Serving Suggestions

These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a cup of warm apple cider or a cozy hot beverage like chai tea or a pumpkin spice latte. They’re great for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as an afternoon snack. If you have leftovers (though they’re hard to resist!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. With a simple yet delicious recipe, even beginner bakers can create a batch of soft, spiced cookies topped with creamy cinnamon frosting. Whether you’re enjoying them as a cozy treat or sharing them with friends and family, they’re sure to become a fall favorite. Give them a try and share your experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear how your batch turned out!

Happy baking!