Nothing says autumn coziness quite like a batch of Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. These pillowy treats are warmly spiced, supremely tender, and slathered with dreamy cinnamon frosting, making them absolutely irresistible for pumpkin lovers and dessert fans alike. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just to fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas, this recipe brings together pure pumpkin, classic fall spices, and a luscious swirl of cinnamon goodness — all in one unforgettable bite. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these cookies is in their simplicity: every ingredient not only brings flavor but also plays a crucial role in the signature softness and rich color of Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. Here’s what you’ll be gathering for this delicious homemade treat.

Pure Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin (not pie filling) — it gives the cookies their moist, tender crumb and vibrant orange hue.
Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, caramel note and helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a subtle boost in texture.
Unsalted Butter (softened): The key to melt-in-your-mouth cookies; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances the pumpkin and spice notes.
All-Purpose Flour: Go for the classic to keep things soft yet structured.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: This duo gives your cookies their trademark lift and fluffiness.
Salt: Just a pinch brightens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Pumpkin Pie Spice & Ground Cinnamon: The all-important warm spice mix that defines these cookies — don’t skip or skimp!
Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Gives the icing its satiny, spreadable consistency.
Milk: Just a splash to thin the frosting to perfection.
Butter (for frosting): Creamy and rich, providing the base for your cinnamon swirl topping.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for ensuring your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting come out tender and soft, so don’t rush it — the air whipped in will give the cookies their trademark pillowy texture.

Step 2: Mix in the Pumpkin and Vanilla

Add in the pure pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, blending until everything is thoroughly combined. The batter will look a little loose and silky at this point, which is exactly what you want; the pumpkin not only flavors the dough but makes every bite moist and luscious.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Even distribution here means every cookie is perfectly spiced, with no clumps of flour or bursts of spice.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the last streak of flour disappears and the dough feels thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Drop scoopfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each cookie. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-14 minutes, until the cookies are puffed and their edges look set. They won’t brown much, so keep an eye out for firm edges and a springy touch.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Frosting

While the cookies cool completely, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and ground cinnamon until creamy and smooth. The frosting should be thick but fluffy — if it’s too stiff, add a splash more milk; too runny, a bit more powdered sugar.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously slather the cinnamon frosting on top of each one. The warmth of the spices and the luxurious icing will make these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting completely irresistible, perfect for sharing (or not!).

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, try dusting your frosted cookies with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a few chopped toasted pecans, or even a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. These little flourishes bring out the warm spices and add delightful texture to each bite.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic alongside a frothy chai latte, a cup of rich coffee, or even a glass of chilled milk. For holiday gatherings, pair them with a platter of candied nuts or a cozy mug of hot apple cider for a festive spread that truly celebrates the season.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies on a vintage cake stand and swirling the frosting high for bakery-style flair, or package them in clear treat bags tied with rustic twine for the perfect edible gift. You can even sandwich two cookies with an extra layer of cinnamon frosting for a decadent pumpkin cookie sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, place them in the fridge to keep the frosting stable and the cookies fresh.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a zip-top bag. The frosting can also be made ahead and kept in the fridge; simply let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before decorating the thawed cookies.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked softness again, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for a few minutes or briefly microwave an unfrosted cookie until just warm. After reheating, add a fresh dollop of cinnamon frosting for instant homemade magic.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite vegan butter and plant-based milk for the frosting. Double-check that your sugar is vegan-friendly, and enjoy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting that everyone can savor.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Absolutely; just be sure to roast and purée your pumpkin until it’s very smooth, and drain off any excess water so the cookies don’t turn out too dense or cakey.

Why are my cookies too cakey or dry?

If your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are coming out cakey, you may be using a heavy hand with the flour or overmixing the dough. Be sure to spoon and level your flour and mix just until combined for that signature softness.

How long does the frosting take to set?

The cinnamon frosting will begin to set after about 30 minutes at room temperature, but if you want a firmer top, let the cookies sit uncovered for an hour or refrigerate briefly to speed up the process.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully! Just be sure to bake in batches so the cookies have plenty of space to spread and bake evenly — perfect for parties or gifting during the fall and holiday season.

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavors of fall or just crave something soft, sweet, and downright comforting, you’ll fall head over heels for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. They’re the kind of treat that makes memories — so grab your mixing bowl, bake up a batch, and let your kitchen fill with the cozy magic of autumn. You’re going to love every bite!

Fluffy Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are the perfect fall treat. Soft and cake-like pumpkin cookies topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting will have you reaching for seconds!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until cookies are set.
Make Frosting: In a separate bowl, cream together butter, vanilla, confectioners’ sugar, and cinnamon. Add milk as needed to achieve desired consistency.
Frost Cookies: Once cookies are cooled, frost with cinnamon frosting and enjoy!

Notes

You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting for extra flavor.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Pumpkin, Cookies, Cinnamon, Frosting, Fall Dessert