Irresistible Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin and spice filling your kitchen. These **Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting** are the epitome of fall baking, delivering a taste of the season in every tender bite.

Imagine a cookie so pillowy soft it almost melts in your mouth, infused with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, then generously topped with a rich, creamy cinnamon frosting. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s an experience, a little piece of autumnal heaven.

This **pumpkin cookie recipe** is designed for ultimate comfort and ease. If you’re looking for an **easy soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting** recipe, you’ve found the perfect one. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’ll find making these **soft pumpkin sugar cookies** a joy.

The secret to their incredible softness lies in the pumpkin puree, which adds moisture and a delicate texture that sets them apart from typical crisp cookies. We’ll guide you through making the perfect cookie from start to finish. While many love **super soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting**, our cinnamon frosting adds an extra layer of warmth and spice that complements the pumpkin perfectly. For a classic, comforting treat, nothing beats this **old fashioned pumpkin cookies** approach.

Forget dry, crumbly cookies; these are moist, chewy, and utterly irresistible. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, bringing to a fall potluck, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea. These **iced pumpkin cookies** will quickly become a cherished part of your fall traditions, especially when you’re craving **soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting and cream cheese**.

Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

The base for these **soft pumpkin cookies** relies on pantry staples, with pumpkin puree as the star. Ensure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The right balance of spices is key to achieving that signature fall flavor.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional, but recommended for depth)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned, 100% pumpkin)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients for Cinnamon Frosting

This frosting is what elevates these cookies to another level. It’s a classic cream cheese frosting, but with a generous kick of cinnamon. The final result is a delicious **soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting and cream cheese** combination that is pure heaven. If you prefer, you can make **soft pumpkin cookies with maple frosting** by swapping some of the vanilla for maple extract.

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Making these **soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting** is a straightforward process, broken down into two main parts: the cookies themselves and the luscious frosting. Follow these steps for a perfect batch of autumnal goodness.

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Set aside. This mix is the foundation for your delicious **pumpkin cookie recipe**.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well combined. This is a crucial step for achieving **super soft pumpkin cookies**.
3. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
4. Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Do not overbake to ensure truly **soft pumpkin cookies** that are tender.
5. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare Frosting: While cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Add milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired spreadable consistency. This is key for your **soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting**.
7. Frost & Serve: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cinnamon frosting generously on top of each cookie. You now have delicious **soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting and cream cheese** ready to enjoy.

The Science of Softness in Pumpkin Cookies

What makes these **soft pumpkin cookies** so incredibly tender? It’s a beautiful interplay of ingredients and baking science. The star player is the pumpkin puree itself. Pumpkin is naturally high in moisture, which prevents the cookies from drying out during baking and contributes to their cake-like, soft texture.

Unlike butter-heavy cookies that can become crisp, the pumpkin’s moisture keeps the crumb tender. Additionally, the combination of both baking soda and baking powder ensures a good lift and a light, airy internal structure, preventing them from becoming dense.

Baking soda reacts with the slight acidity in the pumpkin, while baking powder provides consistent leavening. This careful balance ensures that each bite of these **old fashioned pumpkin cookies** is wonderfully soft and chewy, not dry or crumbly. For an even softer texture, don’t overbake your **soft pumpkin sugar cookies**.

Tips & Variations

These **soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting** are fantastic as is, but here are some ideas to customize them to your liking:

• Add-ins: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (mini or regular), chopped pecans, or walnuts into the cookie dough for extra flavor and texture. This works great for any **pumpkin cookie recipe**.
• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cookie dough along with the other spices.
• Maple Frosting: To make **soft pumpkin cookies with maple frosting**, replace 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla extract in the frosting with 1/2 teaspoon of maple extract.
• Healthier Option: For **healthy soft pumpkin cookies**, you can reduce the sugar slightly in both the cookies and frosting. You can also experiment with substituting a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour, though this might slightly alter the texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Storage Tip: For extended freshness, store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.

For more baking inspiration, check out comprehensive recipe sites like Allrecipes, where you might find variations like **allrecipes pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting** to compare and refine your favorites. You can also find more delicious ideas on our site, like our seasonal Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi recipe, perfect for a cozy fall meal. These make a great addition to your collection of **soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting and cream cheese** recipes.

FAQs About Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Why are my pumpkin cookies flat?

Flat cookies can result from several factors. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened, not melted, as melted butter can make cookies spread too much. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Overmixing the dough can also develop gluten, leading to a flatter cookie. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help if you find them too flat, ensuring you get those beautifully **soft pumpkin cookies**.

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use homemade fresh pumpkin puree. However, fresh puree tends to have more moisture than canned. To ensure the right consistency for your **soft pumpkin cookies**, you might need to drain your homemade puree in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for an hour or two to remove excess water. This will help you get the ideal texture for your **pumpkin cookie recipe**.

How do I store the cookies?

Once frosted, these **iced pumpkin cookies** should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days due to the cream cheese in the frosting. If unfrosted, they can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. Properly stored, they will remain delicious for days.

Can I freeze these pumpkin cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and then frost. You can also freeze the frosting separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month. This is a great tip for preparing **soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting** in advance.

What’s the difference between pumpkin pie filling and pumpkin puree?

Pumpkin puree is 100% cooked, mashed pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling, on the other hand, is pre-seasoned and often contains sugar and spices. For this **pumpkin cookie recipe**, always use 100% pumpkin puree to control the sweetness and spice balance.

Conclusion

These **Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting** are truly a celebration of autumn. Their wonderfully soft texture, warm pumpkin spice flavor, and decadent **soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting and cream cheese** combination make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to enjoy the flavors of the season, this recipe delivers pure joy in every bite. We hope you’ll find as much delight in baking and sharing these **super soft pumpkin cookies** as we do. Happy fall baking!