Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These irresistible Soft Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving table! Bursting with warm spices and a luscious cinnamon frosting, each bite is a cozy reminder of autumn. Quick to make and delightfully soft, these cookies will become a beloved holiday treat that family and friends will crave each year.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-05T16:27:06.796Z

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving gathering or simply want to enjoy a sweet snack, these cookies are a must-try!

A Toast to Fall Flavors

The arrival of fall brings with it a harvest of flavors, and pumpkin tops the list. Pumpkin cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the season, offering a soft and chewy texture that captures the essence of autumn. This recipe combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which perfectly complement the pumpkin puree. Together, they create a delightful medley that embodies the spirit of the season, making it a favorite for gatherings and cozy nights in.

Whether you're enjoying these soft pumpkin cookies after a Thanksgiving feast or sharing them with friends over coffee, their delightful flavor will have everyone reaching for seconds. With every bite, you’ll be reminded of crisp leaves, warm sweaters, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. Incorporating these cookies into your holiday traditions will ensure they become a cherished recipe for years to come.

The Perfect Pairing: Cinnamon Frosting

What makes pumpkin cookies even more irresistible? A generous dollop of cinnamon frosting! This creamy topping adds a layer of richness that perfectly complements the soft, spiced cookies. The frosting is simple to prepare, using just a few ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Cinnamon enhances the already warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, creating a harmonious balance that everyone will love. As you frost each cookie, you’ll be infusing it with even more comfort and nostalgia. Feel free to get creative with your frosting technique—whether you prefer a rustic spread or an elegantly piped swirl, your cookies will look and taste fantastic.

Storing and Sharing Your Cookies

Once your soft pumpkin cookies are baked and frosted, you'll want to ensure they stay fresh. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they'll remain soft and delicious for several days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies, either frosted or unfrosted. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

These cookies also make wonderful gifts! Package them in decorative boxes or bags and share them with neighbors, coworkers, or friends. Everyone will appreciate a homemade treat, and your thoughtfulness will surely be remembered. With flavors that celebrate the season, these cookies are destined to spread joy wherever they go.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

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 the pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

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

Bake the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and milk, mixing until smooth.

Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are cooled, frost them with the cinnamon frosting.

Enjoy your delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies!

Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is not just a delicious ingredient; it's also packed with nutrients. Rich in vitamins A and C, pumpkin is known to support eye health and boost the immune system. Additionally, it's high in fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. This means you can enjoy these cookies guilt-free, knowing they have some health benefits.

Incorporating pumpkin into your baking can be a great way to introduce more nutrition into your diet without sacrificing taste. It adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, allowing you to use less sugar in recipes. So go ahead, indulge in these cookies while reaping the health benefits of this fantastic fall squash.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To achieve the perfect soft pumpkin cookies, it’s crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can lead to a dry cookie, while too little will affect the texture. For best results, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour. Fluff the flour in the container, then gently spoon it into your measuring cup, leveling it off with a knife.

Another tip is to avoid overmixing the dough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft and tender. If you want to add a twist to the flavor, consider tossing in chocolate chips or nuts. Each variation will give your cookies a unique flair while still remaining true to the original recipe's warm, comforting flavor.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin before using it in the recipe.

→ How do I store leftover cookies?

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

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

These irresistible Soft Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving table! Bursting with warm spices and a luscious cinnamon frosting, each bite is a cozy reminder of autumn. Quick to make and delightfully soft, these cookies will become a beloved holiday treat that family and friends will crave each year.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup pumpkin puree
  2. 1/2 cup sugar
  3. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  4. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  5. 1 large egg
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  8. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  9. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  10. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  11. 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  12. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup butter, softened
  2. 1 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  5. 2 tablespoons milk

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.

Step 06

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and milk, mixing until smooth.

Step 07

Once the cookies are cooled, frost them with the cinnamon frosting.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 1g