Name: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened; 1/4 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup vegan butter, softened; 3 teaspoons vanilla paste (or extract); 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon); 1/3 cup brown sugar; 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 10 reviews

If your dream autumn afternoon involves cozy flavors and just-baked goodness, Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting have your name written all over them. These cookies capture everything we love about the season: pillowy-soft texture, real pumpkin, and warm, spicy notes, all crowned with a creamy swirl of cinnamon-kissed frosting. Each bite tastes like comfort—vegan, simple, and so wonderfully shareable. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a rainy day, this easy recipe truly celebrates autumn’s best flavors.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about pantry-friendly, easy-to-find ingredients that come together for the most irresistible cookies imaginable. Every single component plays a key role in creating perfect texture, mega pumpkin flavor, and that silky-sweet cinnamon frosting on top.

Vegan Butter: Softened butter is key for fluffy cookies and a creamy frosting—opt for a good-quality brand for the best flavor.
Pumpkin Puree: This gives the cookies their signature autumn flavor and that beautifully soft, tender crumb.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a touch of caramel richness to both the cookies and frosting.
Granulated Sugar: For that delicate sweetness and perfect cookie texture.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure base—be sure to measure it carefully for just-right cookies.
Baking Powder: Lifts the dough, giving you cookies that are soft, not dense.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The hero spice blend for big, classic fall flavor in each bite.
Cornstarch: Provides that almost cake-like, ultra-tender cookie crumb.
Salt: Just a pinch keeps the sweetness in check and lets those autumn spices shine.
Vanilla Paste (for frosting): If you have it, it adds an extra hit of cozy sweetness.
Cinnamon: Essential for the cinnamon frosting and that nostalgic pumpkin spice vibe.
Powdered Sugar: Whips up into a dreamy, soft frosting that pipes like a cloud.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Step 1: Cream Wet Ingredients

Grab your stand mixer or a large mixing bowl and toss in the softened vegan butter, pumpkin puree, both sugars, and vanilla. Beat everything together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step builds the foundation for soft, pillowy cookies by trapping lots of air in your dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt. These dry ingredients set the structure for the cookies, and whisking ensures everything is well distributed so you don’t get any spice or baking powder clumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. You want to stop mixing once everything is just combined—overmixing is the enemy of soft cookies! When your dough looks uniform and no dry streaks remain, you’re set for the most tender results.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough bowl and slide it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes (overnight is totally fine too). This step is non-negotiable: chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop a deeper pumpkin spice flavor.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 2-inch balls of dough using a medium scooper or big spoon, then gently flatten each ball into a disk—these cookies won’t spread much, so shape them how you want the final result to look.

Step 6: Bake

Arrange the cookies a couple of inches apart on your sheet and bake on the center rack for 10–12 minutes. They’ll look set on the edges but still a bit soft in the center (perfect!). Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet for maximum softness and easy frosting later.

Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Frosting

In a medium bowl, whip together the softened vegan butter, vanilla paste or extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice if using, brown sugar, and powdered sugar using a mixer. Keep mixing until you have a thick, creamy frosting that holds its shape—you want it super smooth for piping.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Spoon the cinnamon frosting into a piping bag fitted with the Wilton #2A tip. Pipe a generous swirl on each completely cooled cookie, starting in the center and working outward. Finish with a little sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for a festive, bakery-style look—they’ll be hard to resist!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top of the frosted cookies for a warm, inviting finish. If you’re feeling fancy, a few candied pepitas or a dusting of powdered sugar can add both crunch and visual flair to your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with mugs of chai, oat milk lattes, or apple cider for a dreamy fall snack spread. They also shine alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for dessert—so simple, so satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the frosted cookies in a tiered dessert stand for a showstopping centerpiece at your next gathering, or box them up with parchment for an unforgettable edible gift. You can even use mini cookie cutters to stamp fun seasonal shapes before baking for a playful touch on your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting.

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 4 days. If your kitchen runs warm or you want a slightly firmer frosting, pop them in the fridge for up to a week—they’ll stay moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies or the unbaked dough for up to two months. Just be sure to wrap them well and store in a zip-top freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature before frosting, or let the dough defrost overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Reheating

If you like your Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting a little warm and gooey, heat the unfrosted cookies in a 300°F oven for 3 minutes or until just warmed through. Add frosting after reheating so it stays silky and doesn’t melt.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade pumpkin puree is thick and free from excess moisture. If needed, blot it with paper towels so your dough doesn’t get too wet.

What can I use if I don’t have a piping bag or tip?

No worries! You can simply spread the cinnamon frosting on the cookies with a spoon or an offset spatula. The cookies will look rustic and taste just as dreamy.

Are Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting gluten-free?

This recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free, but you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but the results are still fantastic!

How can I make the cookies a little less sweet?

Try reducing the brown and granulated sugar by a tablespoon each in the cookies, and use less powdered sugar in the frosting to taste. The pumpkin and spices will still shine through beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe scales up well for bake sales, parties, or gift boxes. Just be sure to mix everything in batches if your mixer or bowl isn’t large enough for double the dough.

Final Thoughts

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting honestly feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. If you love cozy fall baking or want to impress someone with a homemade treat, these cookies are the perfect pick. Don’t wait for the leaves to change—give them a try and let the spiced aroma fill your kitchen!