Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Pumpkin cookies are a delightful treat, especially during the fall season. These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are not only tasty but also vegan, making them suitable for many dietary preferences. With a blend of warm spices, soft texture, and sweet cinnamon topping, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike. This recipe is simple enough for beginners and rewarding enough for seasoned bakers. Let’s explore the joy of baking these delicious cookies together!
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to make these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. First and foremost, they are incredibly delicious. The combination of pumpkin, spices, and frosting creates a flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. Additionally, the soft and chewy texture makes these cookies irresistible.
Another reason to try this recipe is that it is vegan. Using plant-based ingredients allows everyone to enjoy these treats without concern. It’s a great way to share a decadent dessert with those who may have dietary restrictions. Also, baking cookies can be a fun activity for the whole family. The process of mixing, measuring, and decorating cookies creates wonderful memories.
Finally, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are preparing for a holiday gathering, a cozy dinner, or just a sweet snack, these cookies fit the bill. Everyone loves homemade treats, and these pumpkin cookies are sure to bring smiles.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Let’s break down the process of making these delightful cookies, from gathering the ingredients to serving them with style.
Ingredients
To make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for frosting)
- 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
Additional Tools:
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (or baking mat)
- Cookie Scooper (optional)
- Piping Bag
- Wilton Piping Tip #2A
Directions
Cream the Mixture: In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is critical as it helps to incorporate air into your dough, leading to a pleasing texture once baked.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. Make sure to sift these ingredients well to avoid lumps and ensure even mixing.
Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix as this could lead to tougher cookies. A few flour streaks are fine—it’s better to leave some lumps than to overwork the dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Chilling is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up. This step cannot be skipped if you wish to achieve the perfect texture.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C) while your dough chills. This ensures that your cookies begin baking immediately when ready.
Shape the Cookies: Once the dough is chilled, scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a medium cookie scooper or a large spoon. Press down to flatten them into disks. Remember that the dough will not spread much during baking, so shape them nicely before placing them on the baking sheet. Arrange the disks on a parchment-lined baking sheet a couple of inches apart.
Bake: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of your oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be set but still soft in the middle. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet after baking.
Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment to whip together the softened vegan butter, vanilla paste (or extract), cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and fully combined. If you are preparing frosting in advance, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
Pipe the Frosting: To decorate your cooled cookies, spoon the icing into a piping bag fitted with the Wilton Piping Tip #2A. Pipe the cinnamon frosting on top of each cookie in a swirl, starting from the middle and moving outwards. To finish, sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice on top of the frosting for an extra flavor boost.
Enjoy!: Once decorated, your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are ready to be served. Enjoy them fresh or share them with family and friends.
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
These soft pumpkin cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways. Serve them as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a perfect dessert after dinner. For a cozy gathering, arrange them on a platter with decorative fall elements like mini pumpkins or autumn leaves to create an inviting atmosphere.
If you’re hosting a party, consider pairing these cookies with additional fall-themed snacks, such as spiced nuts or whipped pumpkin dip. They can also be part of a festive cookie swap, where friends come together to share their favorite treats.
How to Store Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft texture for several days. If you prefer, you can separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. You can also refrigerate the cookies if you live in a humid area, but let them sit out for a bit before serving to bring back their softness.
If you have leftover frosting, store it separately in the fridge. It will stay good for about a week. When ready to serve, simply re-whip the frosting to restore its creamy texture.
Tips to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest ingredients possible, especially for items like spices and baking powder. This guarantees the best flavors in your cookies.
Do Not Rush the Chilling: Chilling the dough is key for soft cookies. If you’re short on time, don’t skip or rush this step; the cookies won’t turn out the same.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the recipe. If you love a strong pumpkin pie flavor, add extra cinnamon or nutmeg. Make it your own!
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time. They should be just set and will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dryness, which we certainly want to avoid.
Aesthetic Piping: If you’re unsure about piping, you can also spread the frosting on top of the cookies using a knife for a more rustic look.
Variations (if any)
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a sweet twist, mix in some vegan chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
- Nuts: Incorporate some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunchy texture.
- Different Frosting: Try a maple frosting instead of cinnamon for a new flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Yes, you can substitute regular butter for vegan butter if you are not following a vegan diet. The texture and flavor will remain similar.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked cookie dough or the baked cookies. Just make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies at room temperature or bake the frozen dough straight from the freezer.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for about 5-7 days at room temperature. For extended freshness, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them.
In conclusion, these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful treat that will surely brighten your day. The blend of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting flavor, while the frosting adds a sweet finishing touch. With the right ingredients and steps, you can master this recipe and create a batch of delicious cookies everyone will love. Happy baking!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Ingredients
Method
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C).
- Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough and flatten them into disks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set but still soft; allow them to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, whip together the softened vegan butter, vanilla paste (or extract), cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pipe the frosting onto cooled cookies and sprinkle with more pumpkin pie spice if desired.
- Serve as desired, enjoy with tea or coffee, or present at gatherings.