Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight your taste buds with these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies topped with luscious cinnamon frosting. Perfect for fall celebrations and Thanksgiving desserts, these cookies blend warm spices and pumpkin flavor for a cozy treat. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a seasonal snack, these cookies will become a favorite for friends and family alike.
These soft pumpkin cookies are a cherished recipe that pairs perfectly with fall festivities. The addition of cinnamon frosting elevates the cookies to a delightful treat that everyone will love!
The Perfect Fall Treat
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there's nothing quite like the scent of freshly baked pumpkin cookies wafting through your home. These soft cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also evoke the warmth and comfort of fall. The combination of pumpkin and traditional autumn spices makes them an ideal choice for seasonal gatherings.
Enjoying these cookies with a cup of coffee or hot cider creates a comforting moment that embodies the essence of the season. They're perfect for sharing with friends and family during holiday celebrations, ensuring that everyone can partake in a delicious taste of autumn.
A Versatile Dessert
One of the best features of these pumpkin cookies is their versatility. They work beautifully as a dessert option for Thanksgiving dinners, but you can also enjoy them as a delightful snack throughout the season. Consider packaging a batch for a thoughtful gift to a neighbor or coworker, lending a personal touch to your gesture of kindness.
Additionally, you can customize the cookies to suit your taste. If you’re a fan of chocolate, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the dough. For a crunchier texture, try incorporating chopped nuts, elevating the cookies to new levels of deliciousness and appeal.
Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin
Beyond treating your taste buds, pumpkin offers a variety of nutritional benefits that contribute to a healthy diet. This superfood is rich in vitamins A and C, both of which support immune function and promote healthy skin. Additionally, pumpkin is a great source of fiber, aiding in digestion and keeping you feeling full longer.
Incorporating pumpkin into your baked goods not only adds natural sweetness but also enhances their overall nutritional profile. So, when you indulge in these scrumptious cookies, you're doing your body a favor while enjoying a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons milk
Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
Combine the mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Bake the cookies
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are firm.
Cool and frost
Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting them with the cinnamon frosting.
Enjoy your delicious pumpkin cookies!
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To ensure your pumpkin cookies come out perfectly every time, consider using room temperature ingredients. This step helps achieve a more uniform texture and prevents the dough from being too heavy. Make sure to measure your flour correctly; spoon it lightly into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies as they approach the end of the baking time. Once the edges are firm and the tops look set, it's time to take them out. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after being removed from the oven.
Storing and Freezing Tips
After you've had your fill of these delicious cookies, you'll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw the cookies in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Feel free to frost them just before serving for that freshly-made taste. This practice allows you to relish the goodness of pumpkin cookies even after the season has passed.
Variations to Try
While this recipe provides a wonderful base for soft pumpkin cookies, there are countless variations to explore. If you love a bit of crunch, try adding walnuts or pecans to the dough for an added layer of texture. Alternatively, a sprinkle of chopped caramelized pecans on top of the frosting can create a delightful contrast.
For an extra indulgent treat, consider swirling in cream cheese frosting instead of the cinnamon option. The tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies and pumpkin, making for an irresistible dessert that everyone will adore.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, just ensure it's pureed smoothly.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Delight your taste buds with these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies topped with luscious cinnamon frosting. Perfect for fall celebrations and Thanksgiving desserts, these cookies blend warm spices and pumpkin flavor for a cozy treat. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a seasonal snack, these cookies will become a favorite for friends and family alike.
Created by: Anna Johnson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons milk
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are firm.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting them with the cinnamon frosting.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 2g