Bite into a soft, spiced pumpkin cookie topped with velvety cinnamon frosting, and you’ll find yourself in a cozy autumn wonderland. The sweet aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you like a warm blanket on a cool day, making it impossible to resist.

Every time I make these pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting, I’m transported back to my childhood. Picture me running through piles of leaves, the air crisp and full of promise. delicious pumpkin cream cheese frosting These cookies are perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, where they always disappear faster than you can say “pumpkin spice latte.”
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin cookies are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- They boast a delightful flavor profile that combines warmth and sweetness perfectly
- The vibrant orange color makes them visually appealing, ideal for any autumn celebration
- Plus, they are versatile enough to serve at parties or as an everyday treat
I remember baking these cookies for my friends one October evening, and the reactions were priceless. Their eyes lit up as they bit into the soft texture topped with creamy frosting—it was pure joy! For more inspiration, check out this Butterfinger cookies recipe recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you choose pure pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: This flour provides structure to your cookies; don’t forget to sift it for a lighter texture.
- Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this moist pumpkin bread recipe recipe.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents will help your cookies rise to fluffy perfection—no one likes flat cookies!
- Cinnamon: A generous sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the warmth of the pumpkin while creating that cozy aroma we all love.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness; it gives your cookies a rich flavor and tender crumb. rich chocolate peanut butter chia pudding.
- Powdered Sugar (for frosting): This sugar creates that delightful smooth frosting that melts in your mouth—perfect for topping those warm cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and balances out all the flavors in both the cookie and frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. The aroma will be heavenly as those spices mingle!
Create the Cookie Dough Base: In another bowl, beat together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract; mix until well blended. This is where it starts smelling like fall!
Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; we want soft cookies here!
Scoop and Bake Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are slightly golden but centers are still soft—trust me on this; they will firm up while cooling.
Prepare Cinnamon Frosting While Cookies Cool: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar with softened butter and cinnamon. Beat until smooth; if too thick, add a teaspoon of milk until desired consistency is reached. This frosting is worth every calorie!
Now that you’ve got your cookies baked and frosted, take a moment to relish this aromatic experience! Enjoy those delightful pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting warm from the oven or at room temperature—the choice is yours! spiced apple cider gingersnap cookies. cinnamon apple hummus dip.
You Must Know
- These pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting are not only delightful but also a cozy treat for any occasion
- The warm spices and sweet frosting create an irresistible combination that brings smiles all around
- They are perfect for fall gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the wet ingredients first, then gradually add the dry ones. This method ensures a smooth batter without overmixing, resulting in fluffy cookies that melt in your mouth.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these cookies! Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cranberries for a fruity twist. You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste; a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store your pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer shelf life, freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw and enjoy, or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly fluffy pumpkin cookies, ensure your butter is softened properly; this helps incorporate air into the batter
- Avoid overmixing once you add flour; it can lead to dense cookies rather than light and airy ones
- Lastly, let them cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Memories of baking these cookies always bring me joy; my friends loved them so much that they requested them for every gathering. Their smiles were worth every bit of flour dust flying around the kitchen!
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin adds a unique flavor and texture. Just make sure you puree it well and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into your cookie dough.
How do I make the frosting thicker?
To achieve a thicker cinnamon frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, just add a tiny splash of milk to loosen it up.
What if I don’t have cinnamon? Can I substitute it?
If you’re out of cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can work as alternatives. While they will change the flavor slightly, they will still create delicious cookies worth savoring!

Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with these soft pumpkin cookies topped with creamy cinnamon frosting. Perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings, these delightful treats capture the essence of fall in every bite. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just blended.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions on prepared sheets, leaving space between cookies.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft.
- For frosting, beat powdered sugar with softened butter and cinnamon until smooth; adjust consistency with milk if needed.
- Frost cooled cookies and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg