Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is my go-to for quick fall comfort. I’m a professional chef who built CookeRoni to help busy women. This recipe grew from fall memories and a mission to deliver bakery-soft cookies fast. The pumpkin keeps them moist and warm, while cinnamon frosting adds creamy indulgence. Designed for hectic weeks, this treat is a reliable, feel-good moment you can share. If you crave a cozy dessert that’s doable on a busy day, you’ve found it. Read on for a step-by-step guide, pro tips, and variations to fit your routine. Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is more than dessert; it’s a small celebration.
Table of Contents
what make this Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting special
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are my cozy answer to busy days. I built CookeRoni to help busy women savor comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. These cookies stay bakery-soft from start to finish, with a pumpkin-warm hug.
Fall memories inspired this recipe, and I love sharing them with you. These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting bring fall to my table. It’s a quick, weekday-friendly treat that earns a smile even on chaotic mornings.
The cozy moment with Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
This bake fills the kitchen with cinnamon and pumpkin aroma. Kids drift in, mugs steaming, while the cookies stay tender as clouds. It’s a simple, family-friendly moment you can share after a busy day.
A chef’s note on crafting comfort quickly
I keep flavor high by using real pumpkin and warm spices. Creaming butter with brown sugar adds air, sealing that bakery-soft texture. Dough rests briefly in the fridge if I’m short on time.
Why You’ll Love This Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are my antidote to chaotic days. I love that they taste bakery-soft without a long bake or fuss. One bowl, a few minutes, and the scent of fall fills the kitchen. The cinnamon frosting feels like a warm hug. Perfect for sharing with family, coworkers, or neighbors during busy weeks. Cozy, comforting, and doable—that’s why I reach for this recipe first, every day.
Quick win for busy days
Quick win for busy days: I mix in one bowl, bake fast, and have warm cookies ready before my coffee finishes brewing.
Comforting flavors the whole family enjoys
As a mom who tests treats on taste-testers, I know pumpkin and cinnamon win every time. The neighbors drift in for a bite, and smiles follow.

Ingredients
I line up my fall lineup like a cozy parade, ready to bake memories. I choose these ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting because they deliver bakery-soft texture fast. Exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article and in the printable version.
For the cookies
- All-purpose flour — 2 1/4 cups. Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda — 1 teaspoon. Lifts the cookies for soft centers.
- Baking powder — 1 teaspoon. Helps them stay plush as they bake.
- Salt — 1/2 teaspoon. Balances sweetness.
- Cinnamon — 1 1/2 teaspoons. The warm hug of fall.
- Nutmeg — 1/2 teaspoon. Autumn depth; substitute with a pinch of allspice if you like.
- Unsalted butter — 1/2 cup (softened). Creams with sugar for a bakery-soft feel.
- Brown sugar — 1 cup. Deep, moist sweetness; you can mix in white sugar if you want.
- Egg — 1 large. Binds and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon. Brightens pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin puree — 1 cup. Adds moisture and pumpkin flavor; use 100% pumpkin, not pie filling.
For the frosting
- Unsalted butter — 1/4 cup (softened). Creams smoothly into frosting.
- Powdered sugar — 1 1/2 cups. Silky sweetness that spreads smoothly.
- Cinnamon — 1 teaspoon. Finishes with a warm kick.
- Milk — 2 tablespoons, plus more as needed. Use dairy or non-dairy; adjust for consistency.
- Vanilla extract — 1/2 teaspoon. Gentle vanilla lift.
Optional tweaks: 1–2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans stirred in, or a dairy-free frosting swap using plant butter. Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article and in the printable version.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and prep
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line the baking sheets with parchment.
Exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article.
Step 2: Whisk dry ingredients
In a bowl, I whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, I cream butter with brown sugar until fluffy.
Step 4: Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree
I beat in the egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree until the mixture looks smooth.
Step 5: Fold in dry ingredients
I fold in the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing for tender cookies.
Step 6: Portion and bake
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing about two inches apart.Bake 10–12 minutes until tops are set and edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Frosting prep and assembly
While the cookies cool, I mix the frosting: butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla until creamy.
Cool cookies completely before frosting to keep the topping neat and pretty.

Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature butter for tangibly smooth creaming and a fluffy texture.
- Chill dough for easier handling and more uniform cookies, if your schedule allows.
- Cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting into a glossy mess.
- Adjust frosting consistency with a splash of milk or extra powdered sugar as needed.
- Taste a tiny crumb of the dough before baking and tweak spices to suit your preferences.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (various sizes) for wet and dry ingredients; alternative: a large glass or metal bowl.
- Electric mixer or whisk; if you don’t have one, use a sturdy spoon.
- Measuring cups and spoons; any graduated cups will do.
- Spatula for scraping; silicone preferred.
- Parchment-lined baking sheets; substitute: nonstick mats.
- Cooling rack for even cooling; improvise if needed.
Variations
- Gluten-free: I swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and may add a bit more pumpkin puree.
- Dairy-free frosting: I use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free milk alternative.
- Vegan option: I replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter.
- Extra spice: I boost cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons or add a pinch of allspice.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting with a mug of chai or coffee to start the cozy moment.
- A light sprinkle of cinnamon on top elevates presentation.
- Pair with a small seasonal fruit compote for balance.
- Plate on a warm tray with a fall-themed napkin for instant hygge.
Make It a Fall Favorite: Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezer Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
I love keeping Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting ready to bake.
This plan saves me from weeknight scrambling.
Soft pumpkin desserts bring cozy flair to busy days.
Make-Ahead: Dough and Cookies That Travel Well
I portion dough into scoop-sized rounds on a parchment tray.
I freeze until solid, then transfer to a labeled freezer bag.
These make-ahead tricks keep Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting bakery-fresh.
Storage and Freshness
Cool cookies completely before storing to keep frosting pristine.
Store in airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Layer with parchment between cookies to avoid sticking and frosting smudges.
Freezer Tips for Longer Storage
For longer storage, freeze baked cookies up to 2–3 months.
Freeze dough portions on a sheet first for best shape, then bag tightly.
Thaw to room temp and re-frost if needed.
Reheating and Serving
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Reheat cookies for 3–5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Re-frost if needed once they’re warm.

FAQs
FAQs for Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting help you bake with confidence. I’ve fielded these questions from busy cooks craving fall flavor without the drama.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Frost after thawing, or frost before freezing if you want to decorate later.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and dairy-free butter for the frosting; adjust liquid if needed.
Is pumpkin puree essential, or can I substitute another vegetable?
Pumpkin provides moisture and flavor; you could try sweet potato puree for a different fall note—expect a slightly different texture and taste.
How should I store frosting, and how long will cookies stay fresh?
Frosting is best used fresh on cooled cookies. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days; refrigerate for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting remind me why I cook: to slow time, savor small joys, and share them.
Every batch carries memories of autumn kitchens, kids, and friends stopping by for a treat that feels like a hug.
I love that this recipe travels through weeks, becoming a ritual that signals home even when calendars glow with meetings.
Cooking it feels like a tiny victory, proof that flavors can be comforting and effortless at once these days truly.
In the end, I want you to taste warmth, ease, and joy—seasonal cheer you can re-create anytime at home together.
Print
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting: 3 Epic Cozy.
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting: a cozy fall treat with tender pumpkin-spiced cookies crowned by creamy cinnamon frosting.
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- For the Cinnamon Frosting:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop 1½-tablespoon portions of dough onto baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden. Cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla until creamy and smooth.
- Frost cooled cookies generously and enjoy the taste of fall in every bite!
Notes
- Dough can be chilled for easier handling (optional).
- Make sure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- If frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting, pumpkin cookies, fall cookies, cinnamon frosting, autumn desserts