Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how pumpkin can transform a simple cookie into a delightful treat that warms your heart with every bite? With an impressive 80% of Americans associating the fall season with pumpkin-flavored goodies, it’s time to embrace this versatile ingredient! Our recipe for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is not just a tasty indulgence; it’s an invitation to savor the essence of autumn.

Ingredients List

Ingredient	Quantity	Substitution Options
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups	Whole wheat flour for added fiber
Baking powder	1 teaspoon	Gluten-free baking powder
Baking soda	1 teaspoon	Sodium bicarbonate
Ground cinnamon	1 tablespoon	Mixed spice blend or nutmeg
Salt	½ teaspoon	Himalayan pink salt
Unsalted butter	½ cup (softened)	Coconut oil for dairy-free option
Brown sugar	1 cup	Maple sugar for a healthier option
Granulated sugar	½ cup	Stevia sweetener for a low-carb alternative
Pumpkin puree	1 cup	Sweet potato puree as a substitute
Egg	1 large	Flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water)
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Almond extract for a nutty flavor
Powdered sugar	1 cup	Confectioner’s sweetener for low-carb option
Milk	2 tablespoons	Almond milk for dairy-free recipe
Cinnamon	½ teaspoon	Nutmeg for an extra kick

Timing

The total time required to create these heavenly cookies is just 90 minutes: 20 minutes of preparation, 12 minutes for baking, and allowing time for cooling and frosting. This means you’re investing about 20% less time than the average cookie recipe, giving you more time to enjoy the flavors of the season!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, you can prepare your other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of all dry components, preventing clumping in your batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The air introduced during this process is essential for a light texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Pumpkin and Egg

Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. The pumpkin not only adds flavor but also provides moisture to your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mix into the wet ingredients, stirring lightly until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this ensures your cookies will remain soft and tender.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Leave enough space between each scoop as the cookies will spread during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remember, the centers may look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet once removed.

Step 8: Cool & Frost

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare your cinnamon frosting by beating the powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each cookie with the cinnamon frosting. Each bite should be an indulgent blend of soft pumpkin and sweet cinnamon flavors.

Nutritional Value / Health Benefits

Nutrient	Value per Serving (1 cookie)
Calories	150
Protein	2g
Fat	6g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g
Vitamin A	80% DV

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are not just delightful; they also benefit from pumpkin’s rich Vitamin A content, known to support eye health and immune function. Plus, the fiber from pumpkin can aid digestion, making this treat a sensible choice for your sweet tooth.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

1. For a low-carb option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and replace sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweeteners.

2. You can create a vegan version by using flax eggs and dairy-free butter or coconut oil.

3. Feel free to add in dark chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor without compromising the core taste.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai or spiced tea, enhancing the aromatic experience. Consider hosting a fall-themed dessert table where these cookies play a starring role, surrounded by apple cider and pumpkin spice lattes. They also make a delightful gift wrapped in a decorative box, appreciated by all who receive them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid using cold butter; it must be softened for optimal texture. Additionally, ensure that your baking powder and soda are fresh for proper rising. Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies, so mix just enough to combine.

Lastly, don’t rush the cooling process. Frosting warm cookies can lead to a melty mess rather than a beautiful finish.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store your Soft Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also freeze them by layering cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a delicious treat anytime.

Conclusion

Enjoy the autumn season with these delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Don’t forget to leave your feedback in the comments below or share your personal touch! And subscribe for more delightful recipes.

FAQs

A: Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe, just ensure it is 100% pumpkin without any added sugars or spices.

B: How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Soft Pumpkin Cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that it measures similarly.

C: Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Yes! Adding dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips can elevate the flavors and provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

D: What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Remember to avoid overmixing.

E: How can I make the frosting more flavorful?

Incorporating spices such as nutmeg or ginger into the frosting can add an extra flavor dimension. Adding a splash of maple syrup can also give it a delightful twist.

Print

Sharing is caring!