Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the warmth of fall with these delightful Soft Pumpkin Cookies topped with creamy Cinnamon Frosting. Perfectly spiced and irresistibly soft, these cookies are an ideal treat for Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. Make your holiday season even sweeter with this easy-to-follow recipe that everyone will love!

Sam Johnson

Created by

Sam Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-05T14:28:18.994Z

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are a quintessential fall treat, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin with the sweetness of a cinnamon frosting that will have you coming back for more.

Perfect for a Cozy Gathering

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the ideal dessert for any cozy gathering or festive occasion. Their warm, autumnal flavors create an inviting atmosphere, making them perfect for holiday parties or family get-togethers. The combination of pumpkin and spices evokes feelings of fall, encouraging togetherness and warmth. Whether enjoyed around a crackling fireplace or shared with friends at a potluck, these cookies will undoubtedly be a hit.

Each bite of these cookies melts in your mouth, thanks to their tender texture. The rich pumpkin flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy frosting. They can be served alongside a warm beverage, like cider or chai tea, enhancing the overall experience. Hosting a gathering? These cookies are sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your seasonal dessert repertoire.

Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin

In addition to being delicious, pumpkin is packed with essential nutrients, making these cookies a guilt-free indulgence. Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Also, its high fiber content promotes digestive health and keeps you feeling fuller longer, making these cookies not just a treat but also a thoughtful choice.

Moreover, pumpkin's natural sweetness means that you can often reduce the amount of added sugar in recipes without sacrificing flavor. This makes it easier to enjoy treats like these Soft Pumpkin Cookies while maintaining a balanced diet. Plus, adding pumpkin to your baked goods brings a vibrant color and a unique taste that sets them apart from standard cookies.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To achieve the best consistency for your Soft Pumpkin Cookies, make sure your ingredient measurements are precise. Use a kitchen scale for more accuracy, especially for flour. When measuring flour, always fluff it up first, then spoon it into the measuring cup, and level it off with a knife. This prevents you from ending up with dense, dry cookies—nobody wants that!

Additionally, avoid overmixing when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the light, tender texture we're aiming for. Fold the mixtures gently until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few flour streaks visible. Following these tips will result in cookies that are perfectly soft and fluffy—every time!

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you get started:

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 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 heavy cream

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious pumpkin cookies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Bake the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.

Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, spread the cinnamon frosting on top.

Enjoy your homemade pumpkin cookies!

Serving Suggestions

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are delightful on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to create a cozy dessert bar. Guests will appreciate the variety of ways to enjoy these delicious cookies!

For an even more festive touch, sprinkle the frosted cookies with a dash of additional cinnamon or a light dusting of nutmeg. Adding a few crushed pecans or walnuts on top can bring some wonderful texture and enhance the flavor. These cookies are versatile—feel free to experiment with toppings and pairings to find your perfect serving suggestion.

Storing and Freezing Cookies

To keep your Soft Pumpkin Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, ensuring that you can enjoy them for several days. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate the cookies, which will extend their freshness while still maintaining their soft texture.

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time or have leftovers, consider freezing them. Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked softness.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pumpkin?

Yes, canned pure pumpkin puree works great for this recipe!

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Experience the warmth of fall with these delightful Soft Pumpkin Cookies topped with creamy Cinnamon Frosting. Perfectly spiced and irresistibly soft, these cookies are an ideal treat for Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. Make your holiday season even sweeter with this easy-to-follow recipe that everyone will love!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Sam Johnson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  4. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  5. 2 large eggs
  6. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  10. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  11. 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  5. 2 tablespoons heavy cream

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, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set.

Step 06

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.

Step 07

Once the cookies are cool, spread the cinnamon frosting on top.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Protein: 1g