Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting – The Ultimate Fall Comfort Cookie

When autumn arrives, there is one flavor that instantly defines the season: pumpkin. From lattes to pies, pumpkin brings warmth, nostalgia, and comfort like no other ingredient. But if there is one dessert that perfectly balances softness, spice, and indulgence, it is Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. These cookies are tender, cake-like, gently spiced, and crowned with a creamy cinnamon frosting that melts into every bite.

Unlike crisp cookies that rely on crunch, soft pumpkin cookies celebrate moisture and richness. Pumpkin purée keeps the cookies fluffy and tender, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that unmistakable autumn aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake. The cinnamon frosting adds a sweet, buttery finish that transforms a simple cookie into a bakery-style treat.

This recipe is ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, cozy weekends, and anyone who prefers soft cookies over crunchy ones. It’s approachable enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough to serve at special occasions.

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Why Soft Pumpkin Cookies Are So Popular in Autumn

Pumpkin desserts have deep roots in North American fall traditions. Pumpkins are harvested in late summer and early fall, making them a natural seasonal ingredient. Baking with pumpkin became especially popular because it pairs beautifully with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Soft pumpkin cookies stand out because they offer the comfort of cake in cookie form. They are:

• Moist without being dense
• Sweet but balanced with spice
• Easy to frost, decorate, and store
• Perfect for cooler weather cravings

The addition of cinnamon frosting elevates them from simple pumpkin cookies to a true autumn dessert centerpiece.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves (optional but recommended)
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

For the Cinnamon Frosting

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Milk or cream

Each ingredient plays a key role. Pumpkin purée provides moisture, brown sugar adds depth, and the spice blend delivers that classic fall flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step creates a tender cookie texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
   Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Then gently mix in the pumpkin purée.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
6. Scoop and Shape
   Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten the tops.
7. Bake
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cookies are set and lightly golden on the bottom. They should remain soft on top.
8. Cool Completely
   Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool fully before frosting.
9. Prepare the Cinnamon Frosting
   Beat butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk until creamy and spreadable.
10. Frost and Serve
    Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Serve immediately or store properly for later.

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Texture and Flavor Profile

These soft pumpkin cookies have a cake-like crumb with a moist interior. The pumpkin flavor is subtle yet present, allowing the spices to shine without overpowering the cookie. The cinnamon frosting is smooth, buttery, and lightly spiced, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and warmth.

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Tips for Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies

• Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling
• Do not overbake – the cookies should look slightly underdone on top
• Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
• Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method
• Chill frosting briefly if it becomes too soft

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Variations to Try

• Cream Cheese Cinnamon Frosting: Replace half the butter with cream cheese
• Maple Frosting: Add maple syrup for a deeper fall flavor
• Chocolate Chips: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with hot coffee, chai, or spiced tea
• Serve on Thanksgiving dessert tables
• Package as homemade gifts during fall holidays
• Add to autumn bake sales or school events

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 2 months
• Frost after thawing for best texture

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Fun Autumn Baking Fact

Pumpkin itself has very little sweetness. Most of the flavor people associate with pumpkin desserts actually comes from the spice blend. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger are what truly create the “pumpkin spice” experience.

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Final Thoughts

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting capture everything comforting about fall baking. They are simple, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. Whether baked for family, friends, or quiet evenings at home, these cookies deliver warmth in every bite.