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These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting bring all the cozy vibes of fall right to your kitchen. They bake up tender and fluffy with a gentle pumpkin flavor, perfectly complemented by a sweet and spiced cinnamon frosting swirled on top. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon or sharing with friends, these cookies are quick to whip up and sure to brighten any moment.
I remember baking these one crisp October evening and the whole house smelled like autumn magic. Now they are my go-to treat each season and my family always asks when I’ll make them next.
Ingredients
- Softened vegan butter: adds richness and binds the dough together smoothly I like using Earth Balance Buttery Sticks for best texture
- Pumpkin puree: gives the signature fall flavor and moistness Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin is a reliable choice but fresh roasted pumpkin or mashed sweet potato both work well too
- Brown sugar: brings warmth and chewiness to the cookies
- Granulated sugar: balances sweetness opt for organic if you want to keep this vegan friendly
- Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor so use the best quality you can find
- All purpose flour: the base of the dough use fresh for best results
- Baking powder: leavens the cookies slightly for a soft rise
- Pumpkin pie spice: delivers the classic autumn spice blend but you can substitute with just cinnamon if needed
- Cornstarch: key for tenderness by reducing gluten development also helps cookies stay soft and prevents too much spreading
- Salt: just a pinch to brighten all the flavors
- Softened vegan butter: creamy and smooth for a luscious texture
- Vanilla extract: deepens the flavor profile
- Cinnamon: adds a warm spicy note
- Pumpkin pie spice: optional extra warmth or use more cinnamon
- Brown sugar: adds caramel sweetness
- Powdered sugar: creates the perfect frosting texture and sweetness
- Tools: cookie scooper to keep portion sizes uniform a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup and a piping bag fitted with a small round tip for that pretty frosting swirl
Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl cream together one half cup of softened vegan butter one quarter cup of pumpkin puree one quarter cup of brown sugar one half cup of organic granulated cane sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy this aeration helps create tender cookies.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk together one and threequarter cups of all purpose flour two teaspoons of baking powder two teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice two teaspoons of cornstarch and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Make sure these are evenly combined so the cookies bake uniformly.
- Combine the wet and dry:
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough:
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes or overnight if you have the time. This chilling step is crucial as it firms the dough making it easier to shape and helping keep the cookies soft and puffy.
- Preheat your oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius to ensure an even baking temperature ready when your cookies go in.
- Shape and bake:
- Use a cookie scooper or a spoon to portion out twoinch balls of dough. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet spaced a couple of inches apart. Press each ball flat into a disc shape since the dough won’t spread much during baking. Bake on the center rack for ten to twelve minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. This resting step lets them finish setting so they hold their shape once frosted.
- Make the frosting:
- In a bowl whip together softened vegan butter vanilla extract cinnamon pumpkin pie spice or extra cinnamon brown sugar and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If you make it early chill covered in the fridge and bring back to room temperature before piping.
- Frost the cookies:
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a Wilton Piping Tip #2A and pipe a swirl onto each cookie starting from the center moving outward. Finish with a dusting of pumpkin pie spice for an extra festive touch.
My favorite part about these cookies has to be the cinnamon frosting. The warmth of cinnamon combined with the sweetness of brown sugar frosting always brings back memories of baking with my grandparents during fall. We would gather around the kitchen sipping cider and sharing stories the scent of pumpkin and spice filling the room. It’s more than just a cookie it’s a little moment of comfort.
Storage Tips for Pumpkin Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want them longer freeze unfrosted cookies individually on a tray then transfer to a freezer safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have pumpkin puree mashed sweet potato or butternut squash puree can be good alternatives. For the vegan butter coconut oil can work but may add a subtle coconut flavor. If you do not have pumpkin pie spice blending cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg and ginger will approximate the taste nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with a warm apple cider or a spiced latte to keep the fall vibes going. They also pair wonderfully with dairy free whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla vegan ice cream for an indulgent treat after dinner.
These soft pumpkin cookies are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Make a batch and enjoy the cozy fall flavors.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What gives these cookies their soft texture?
The combination of pumpkin puree and cornstarch reduces gluten development, resulting in tender and moist cookies.
- → Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pumpkin can be baked and mashed as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the flavor and moisture content.
- → How does chilling the dough affect the cookies?
Chilling firms the dough, preventing excessive spreading and helping maintain a soft, fluffy texture during baking.
- → What spices are included in the pumpkin pie mix?
The mix typically contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, giving a warm, aromatic flavor.
- → How is the cinnamon frosting prepared?
Softened vegan butter is whipped with vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- → Are these cookies suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, using vegan butter and organic sugars ensures these cookies are plant-based and friendly for vegan lifestyles.