Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a delightful autumn treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin with sweet, creamy frosting. This recipe will guide you through the process with easy, step-by-step instructions, making it a breeze to whip up these tender delights for your family or friends. Perfect for gatherings, holiday events, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. First and foremost, the cookies are incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the magical qualities of pumpkin puree. They are also super easy to prepare, making them a fantastic option for bakers of all levels—whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen.
This family-friendly recipe is all about simple ingredients that pack a flavor punch. The addition of warm spices, like ground cinnamon, enhances the cozy vibes, making these cookies perfect for chilly days. And let’s not forget about the fluffy cream cheese frosting that takes them to the next level. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness that complements the rich pumpkin flavor wonderfully.
Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
To create these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
The combination of these ingredients creates a beautifully spiced and sweet cookie that melts in your mouth.
Step-by-Step Directions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Creating Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In one bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of baking powder, 2 tsp of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will provide the right structure for your cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another medium bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is crucial for getting that delightful texture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree (and optional vanilla extract if you desire) to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix everything until well combined, allowing those flavors to meld together.
Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to denser cookies.
Scoop onto Baking Sheets: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This will allow them to spread while baking.
Bake the Cookies: Place the sheets in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remember, the centers may still look a bit soft—that’s okay!
Cool on Wire Racks: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks. This step is essential to achieve the perfect chewy consistency.
Prepare the Frosting: For the frosting, beat 4 oz of softened cream cheese with 2 cups of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
Frost the Cookies: Once your cookies are completely cooled, generously frost each one with the cream cheese frosting, allowing the sweetness to blend beautifully with the spiced cookie base.
Tips & Tricks
- Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to elevate your cookies by adding semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Perfectly Creamed Butter: Ensure your butter is sufficiently softened for a smoother batter. Leaving it out at room temperature for about an hour often does the trick.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to work with, consider chilling it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea, pumpkin spice latte, or a robust coffee. For gatherings, consider serving them alongside other seasonal treats, such as apple cider doughnuts or pecan pie bars, to create a festive atmosphere.
Nutritional Information
Though delicious, it’s wise to keep an eye on portion sizes. Each cookie offers a satisfying blend of carbohydrates and protein, thanks to the pumpkin and cream cheese, but moderation is key! Per cookie, you can expect around 150-200 calories, depending on the size and frosting.
Storing Tips & Variations for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer cookie. For longer storage, freeze them without frosting; they’ll keep for about three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.
For variations, consider altering the frosting flavor by including maple syrup or using a chocolate ganache for a twist.
Conclusion for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are a deliciously heartwarming recipe that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them as a cozy dessert at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. So go ahead, try your hand at this easy recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a perfect substitute and saves time.
2. What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar taste and texture.
3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend will work well in this recipe.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
5. What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
For a warm treat, microwave your cookies for 10-15 seconds before enjoying them to restore their softness.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Delightful autumn cookies made with pumpkin puree and topped with sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin puree to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spaced about two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon until smooth.
- Frost cooled cookies generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Notes
Optional add-ins include chocolate chips or nuts. Chill the dough if it’s too sticky.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
