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To make soft pumpkin cookies, you need simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt These ingredients blend together to create a soft, moist cookie that bursts with pumpkin flavor. The frosting adds a sweet touch. Here’s what you need for the cinnamon frosting: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 2 tablespoons milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract This frosting is creamy and rich, making your cookies even more delightful. You can make your cookies look even better and taste great with some easy garnishes: - A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top - Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts - Mini chocolate chips for added sweetness These optional touches can elevate your cookie game and impress your friends! First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will stop cookies from sticking. Using parchment makes cleanup easy too. In a large bowl, add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Then, mix in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Beat these together until they become creamy. Next, add in 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix everything until it is well combined and smooth. In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may become tough. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each dough ball. This space allows the cookies to spread while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for slightly golden edges and soft centers. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. While your cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Beat it until creamy. Gradually mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Then, add 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until it is fluffy and smooth. Once the cookies are completely cool, it's time to frost them. Spread a generous amount of cinnamon frosting on top of each cookie. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. Enjoy your soft pumpkin cookies with a warm drink! To make soft pumpkin cookies, use the right amount of pumpkin puree. This moisture keeps the cookies tender. Avoid overmixing the dough as this can make them tough. When you bake, watch closely; remove them when they are just slightly golden at the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps keep the softness intact. If you have extra cookie dough, you can store it easily. First, shape it into balls. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the cookie balls to a zip-top bag. Label the bag with the date. You can keep the dough in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, just pull out the dough and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. To make the frosting just right, start with softened butter. It should feel creamy, not too hard. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition. If the frosting feels too thick, add a splash of milk. For a thinner frosting, add more milk a little at a time. If it’s too thin, mix in more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness. This lets you spread it easily on the cookies. {{image_2}} You can make these cookies even better by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. About 1 cup of chopped nuts works well. If you love chocolate, add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This will give your cookies a sweet surprise with each bite. Just fold them into the dough before you scoop it onto the baking sheet. This small change can make a big difference in flavor and texture. If you need gluten-free cookies, it is easy to adjust the recipe. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that works well for baking. You might also want to add a little extra baking powder, about 1/4 teaspoon, to help the cookies rise. This will keep them soft and fluffy. Follow the same steps, and you will have tasty gluten-free pumpkin cookies. While the cinnamon frosting is delicious, you can try other frostings too. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy flavor. To make it, mix 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of butter. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Another option is maple frosting. Use maple syrup instead of milk in the cinnamon frosting. This gives a warm, sweet taste that pairs well with pumpkin. Feel free to get creative and find your favorite flavor! You can keep your soft pumpkin cookies at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. They stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you live in a warm area, consider storing them in a cool place. Freezing cookies is a great option for later enjoyment. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour. After that, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw at room temperature. To keep your cookies fresh, avoid exposing them to air. Use parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps prevent sticking. Adding a slice of bread in the container can also help. The bread keeps the cookies moist. Enjoy soft pumpkin cookies whenever you crave a sweet treat! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Start by roasting or steaming the pumpkin. After cooking, mash it well. Make sure to remove excess moisture. This helps get the right texture in your cookies. Look for slightly golden edges. The centers should remain soft. Usually, this takes about 10 to 12 minutes in the oven. A toothpick test works too! If it comes out clean, your cookies are ready. You can use coconut oil or vegan butter. Both provide a nice, creamy texture. Just ensure they are softened, just like regular butter. This will keep your frosting smooth and spreadable. These cookies can last about a week. Store them in an airtight container. For longer freshness, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Yes, making the dough ahead is a great idea! Chill it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking. Soft pumpkin cookies bring joy in every bite. You learned the key ingredients and steps to bake them. Mixing wet and dry ingredients is crucial for softness. I shared tips on frosting and storing your cookies too. Remember, you can add nuts or chocolate for fun twists. Try using fresh pumpkin or making your own frostings. With these techniques, your cookies will impress everyone. Enjoy your baking journey and the delicious results!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Bite into the delight of soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting! This simple recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. With just a few ingredients like pumpkin puree and warm spices, you can create these irresistible treats in no time. Get your baking apron on and discover the easy steps to making these delicious cookies that are sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.

      Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until well combined.

        In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

            Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading.

              Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers look soft. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                While the cookies cool, prepare the cinnamon frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cinnamon, mixing well. Add milk and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy and smooth.

                  Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of the cinnamon frosting on top of each cookie.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: About 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Stack the cookies in a decorative cake stand, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for a finishing touch, and serve with a cozy autumn beverage.