As I pulled these Soft Vegan Pumpkin Cookies from the oven, the soothing scent of cinnamon and pumpkin wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. Each cookie boasts a soft, cake-like texture and is generously topped with rich cinnamon frosting, making them a perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire. Not only are they a delightful twist on traditional treats, but these cookies are also vegan and can easily be made gluten-free, so everyone can indulge without worry. Whether you savor them solo or share with friends over warm cider, they’re sure to bring a smile to every face. Curious about how to whip up these seasonal delights? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Warm, Spicy Aroma: The comforting scents of pumpkin and cinnamon fill your kitchen, making it a perfect cooking atmosphere for fall.
Vegan Delight: These cookies are entirely plant-based, allowing everyone to enjoy a sweet treat.
Soft, Cake-Like Texture: Expect a delightful, cake-like softness that melts in your mouth, ensuring a satisfying dessert experience.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, even beginner bakers can perfectly whip up these cookies.
Customizable Sweetness: Tailor the sweetness in the frosting to your liking, ensuring they hit the perfect note for your taste buds.
Pair these with a warm cup of cider and they become the ideal afternoon treat. Don’t forget to check out our Cinnamon Roll Cake for another cozy recipe that will surely delight friends and family!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create these delectable Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting—perfect for fall!
For the Cookies
- Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and flavor; you can substitute with applesauce for a fruity twist.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie structure; easily swap with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture; coconut sugar works as a refined-sugar-free alternative.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure freshness for optimal rise.
- Cinnamon – Infuses warm, spicy notes; consider using pumpkin pie spice for added complexity.
- Coconut Oil (melted) – Ensures chewiness; can be replaced with vegan butter or any neutral oil.
- Plant-Based Milk (e.g., almond, oat) – Adds moisture and binds ingredients; any plant-based milk is suitable.
For the Frosting
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; agave powder is a great choice for a sugar-free option.
- Coconut Oil (melted) – Provides a creamy texture; feel free to substitute with vegan butter.
- Cinnamon – Enhances the frosting flavor; adjust according to your preference for spice.
Now you’re ready to create these irresistible Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting that will fill your home with warmth and cheer!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for baking. This ensures that your Soft Pumpkin Cookies will bake evenly and develop a lovely, golden edge. While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and plant-based milk. Using a whisk or a hand mixer, blend these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This forms the wet foundation of your cookie dough, which will keep the cookies moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Ensure these dry ingredients are well-mixed to promote even distribution of the leavening agent and spices. This step is crucial in achieving the soft texture of your Soft Pumpkin Cookies, making them fluffy and tender.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine as this helps maintain the soft, cake-like texture of your cookies. The dough should be thick yet scoopable, allowing it to hold its shape on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Scoop Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop generous spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie, approximately two inches apart, as they will spread slightly while baking. This ensures that each Soft Pumpkin Cookie gets its space to puff up and develop that delightful shape.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as you want the centers to remain soft and chewy. You’ll know they’re ready when you can gently press down and the cookies bounce back slightly.
Step 7: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack. The cooling process is essential to keep your Soft Pumpkin Cookies intact and prepare them for the sweet cinnamon frosting.
Step 8: Frost Cookies
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon to create a smooth frosting. Once the cookies are fully cooled, generously swirl the cinnamon frosting on top of each cookie. The rich, creamy topping perfectly complements the soft pumpkin base, completing your delightful fall treat.
Expert Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the dough. This helps maintain the soft, cake-like texture of your Soft Pumpkin Cookies, so stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined.
Check Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. An expired leavening agent can yield heavy cookies—definitely not what we want!
Scoop Evenly: Use a cookie scoop for uniform dough portions. This not only helps the cookies bake evenly but also ensures a consistent texture throughout.
Cooling Time Matters: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them. This helps them firm up and reduces the risk of breaking.
Frost With Care: When frosting, let cookies cool completely to prevent the icing from melting. A creamy swirl of cinnamon frosting is what makes these cookies irresistible!
What to Serve with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Fall is the perfect season for cozy desserts, and these lovely cookies deserve delightful companions by your side.
- Warm Apple Cider: The rich, spiced notes of apple cider perfectly contrast with the sweetness of these cookies, making for a comforting pairing.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds a luscious creaminess, balancing the warmth of the pumpkin spice, creating a heavenly bite.
- Ginger Snap Cookies: The crunch and spice of ginger snaps provide a fun texture contrast, while keeping that fall flavor theme running strong.
- Maple Pecan Salad: Fresh greens with toasted pecans and maple dressing add a crisp, refreshing element, serving as a light foil to the richness of the cookies.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices of chai enhance the flavors of the cookies, wrapping you in a cozy embrace with every sip.
- Nutty Crumble Topping: A sprinkle of candied nuts or granola on top of your cookies introduces a delightful crunch and additional flavors that elevate your snack.
These pairings create a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for sharing these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with family and friends.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these delicious cookies to your taste—let your imagination run wild!
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of standard plant-based milk for a richer flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten sensitivities. Enjoy the same delightful softness!
Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for added texture and crunch. The nuts deepen the cookie’s flavor nicely.
Spice it Up: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a more complex flavor profile that enriches the seasonal essence of these cookies.
Chocoholic Delight: Stir in ½ cup of dairy-free chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent touch. Chocolate and pumpkin are a match made in heaven!
Coconut Flakes: Incorporate shredded unsweetened coconut for a tropical twist that adds chewiness. It enhances the texture while providing a new flavor burst.
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting: For the frosting, mix vegan cream cheese with powdered sugar for a tangy, creamy alternative that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Maple Sweetness: Substitute some of the brown sugar in the cookie dough with pure maple syrup for a unique flavor twist that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
These variations allow you to tailor these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting according to your preferences. For another autumn-inspired treat, check out our lovely Cinnamon Roll Cake or explore our delightful Pumpkin Roll Cream for more fall flavors!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix your wet and dry ingredients, combine them, and scoop out the dough onto your baking sheet. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pull the dough from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, and bake as usual for cookies that are just as delicious. Additionally, you can make the frosting up to 3 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the fridge and stir it well before frosting the cooled cookies, ensuring they remain topped with that delightful cinnamon sweetness. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy fresh cookies with minimal effort when you need a sweet treat!
How to Store and Freeze Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your Soft Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their delightful soft texture.
Fridge Storage: If you prefer them chilled, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies or dough for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag for best results.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, look for brands that use 100% pumpkin without any additives. Ideally, pick a can that shows a rich, deep orange color. Fresh pumpkin is delightful too! If using fresh, select firm pumpkins that feel heavy for their size and avoid those with dark spots.
What is the best way to store Soft Pumpkin Cookies?
To keep your Soft Pumpkin Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the fridge, where they can last up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying them for that perfect soft bite!
Can I freeze Soft Pumpkin Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze either the cookies or the dough. If you choose to freeze the cookies, it’s best to do so unfrosted. Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. To enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
What if my cookies come out too dry or crumbly?
Very! The most common issue comes from overmixing, which can lead to a dry texture. Always mix until just combined for that soft cake-like texture. Another tip is to make sure your baking powder is fresh; expired leavening agents can result in dense cookies instead of the fluffy ones you desire.
Are these cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
While the Soft Pumpkin Cookies are vegan, they still contain ingredients that might not be suitable for everyone, including allergies to nuts or gluten. Be cautious with serving them to pets: while pumpkin is generally safe in moderation, the sugar and spices in the frosting could upset their stomach. Always check with your vet if uncertain!
Can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?
Of course! If you find the frosting too sweet, simply reduce the amount of powdered sugar and adjust it to your liking. You can also offer alternatives like agave or coconut sugar in place of powdered sugar for a different flavor profile. A little creativity goes a long way!
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting for Cozy Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and plant-based milk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, melted coconut oil, and cinnamon until smooth, then frost cooled cookies.