Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight your little ones this Thanksgiving with these soft pumpkin cookies topped with creamy cinnamon frosting. These irresistible treats are perfect for holiday gatherings and are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. With warm spices and a cozy flavor, they bring the essence of fall right into your kitchen! These cookies are not only delicious but also simple to make, making them a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving celebrations.

Maya Richardson

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2025-11-23T13:38:49.759Z

Looking for a delightful fall treat? These soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are sure to please. Light and fluffy, each bite is filled with the warm spices of autumn. Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert or any chilly day!

The Perfect Fall Treat

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the taste of pumpkin to evoke the spirit of fall. These soft pumpkin cookies are infused with a warm blend of spices, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. With each bite, you can feel the essence of autumn in your home, making them an instant favorite during Thanksgiving gatherings.

Pumpkin’s natural sweetness and moisture combine to form cookies that are incredibly soft and chewy. Unlike traditional cookies that can be hard and crunchy, these pumpkin delights stay soft for days, ensuring you enjoy them even after the festivities. They're perfect not just for Thanksgiving, but also for any cozy gathering throughout the fall season.

A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or simply want to treat your children after school, these pumpkin cookies are sure to please. Their mild sweetness and comforting spice flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making them an ideal treat to share with loved ones. You might even find yourself having to stash a few away to enjoy later!

Moreover, kids can easily help with this recipe, making it a fun activity for family bonding. From mixing the ingredients to frosting the cookies, involving them in the baking process can spark their creativity and ignite a passion for cooking. These cookies not only satisfy sweet cravings but also create cherished memories in the kitchen.

Simple and Accessible Ingredients

One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it requires ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Pumpkin puree, sugar, and spices come together effortlessly, making these cookies both affordable and easy to whip up. The delicious cinnamon frosting, made from butter and powdered sugar, takes them to another level without needing specialized ingredients.

This accessibility means that you can bake these cookies any time the craving hits, or if you need a last-minute dessert for a gathering. So keep this recipe handy as these soft pumpkin cookies will become a staple for your fall and winter celebrations!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix well and prepare to bake!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Bake the Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla until creamy.

Frost the Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled, spread the cinnamon frosting on top.

Enjoy your delicious cookies!

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve the perfect texture, be careful not to overmix your dough once the dry ingredients are added. Just stir until combined; it’s perfectly fine if there are a few lumps — this helps maintain the softness of the cookies. Additionally, make sure to measure your flour properly to avoid dense cookies. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for the best results.

When baking, keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the recommended baking time. Oven temperatures may vary, so the best indicator of doneness is the edges turning lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, maintaining their delicious softness. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. They can be thawed at room temperature or warmed briefly in the microwave before serving.

Serve these delightful cookies as a standalone treat or pair them with warm beverages like cider, coffee, or a comforting cup of tea. You can also add a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosting for a delicious twist that’s sure to impress your guests.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe.

→ Can I freeze the cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Delight your little ones this Thanksgiving with these soft pumpkin cookies topped with creamy cinnamon frosting. These irresistible treats are perfect for holiday gatherings and are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. With warm spices and a cozy flavor, they bring the essence of fall right into your kitchen! These cookies are not only delicious but also simple to make, making them a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving celebrations.

Prep Time15.0
Cooking Duration12.0
Overall Time27.0

Created by: Maya Richardson

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24.0

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup pumpkin puree
  2. 1 cup sugar
  3. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  4. 2 eggs
  5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  6. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  10. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  11. 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  4. 2 tablespoons milk
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Step 05

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 06

While the cookies cool, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla until creamy.

Step 07

Once cookies are completely cooled, spread the cinnamon frosting on top.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Protein: 2g