Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Welcome the cozy vibes of fall with these soft pumpkin cookies, a seasonal treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. These cookies are tender, moist, and packed with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin, making them an instant favorite for chilly evenings and festive gatherings. The highlight? A luscious cinnamon frosting that adds just the right touch of sweet spice, elevating every bite.

Despite their indulgent taste, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make. With straightforward ingredients and a quick preparation process, you can whip up a batch in no time — perfect for last-minute holiday baking or satisfying that pumpkin craving anytime the mood strikes.

Why Soft Pumpkin Cookies Are the Ultimate Fall Treat

Pumpkin is the undisputed star of fall flavors, celebrated for its mildly sweet and earthy taste that blends beautifully with warming spices. Unlike crunchy cookies, these soft pumpkin cookies offer a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels like a comforting hug in every bite. The addition of cinnamon frosting transforms the experience, adding a creamy, spiced sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin’s natural richness.

These cookies are ideal for holiday parties, cozy nights by the fire, or anytime you want to bring a little seasonal magic to your table. Beyond flavor, pumpkin boasts nutritional perks like fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making these cookies a slightly more wholesome indulgence during the festive season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) or dairy-free oil/butter substitute

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp salt

Cinnamon Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened; dairy-free option available)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened) or dairy-free alternative

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies

a. Prep the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

b. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.

c. Shape the Cookies

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart, allowing room for spreading.

d. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cookies might look slightly underbaked—that’s perfect for maintaining a tender, chewy texture.

e. Cool Before Frosting

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling fully is important for the frosting to set nicely without melting.

How to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Frosting

Choose full-fat cream cheese and softened unsalted butter for the creamiest, richest frosting. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Once fully incorporated, mix in vanilla extract and cinnamon. Taste and adjust cinnamon for your preferred spice level.

To frost, use a butter knife or piping bag to spread or pipe the frosting evenly over cooled cookies. For a polished look, frost once cookies are completely cool.

If making ahead, store frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and stir gently before spreading.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling to control sweetness and spices. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that may alter the flavor and texture.

Avoid overmixing your dough; mix until ingredients are just combined to ensure a soft, tender cookie rather than a dense or cakey one.

Adjust baking time for your preferred texture: bake closer to 10 minutes for chewy cookies or up to 12 minutes for a cakier bite.

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture and softness. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps keep cookies fresh longer.

Both dough and frosting can be made ahead. Chill dough for up to 24 hours before baking, and prepare frosting in advance for easy assembly on baking day.