As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a batch of freshly baked Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting. Imagine the aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen and the first bite of a soft, cake-like cookie topped with a creamy cinnamon glaze — pure fall bliss!
These cookies are quick, easy, and made with simple pantry staples, yet they taste like they came straight from a bakery. Whether you’re baking for your family, a holiday party, or just to enjoy a cozy evening treat, these cookies will become your favorite fall indulgence.
🍁 Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cookies
- 🕒 Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
- ☕ Perfect Fall Flavor: Pumpkin puree + warm spices = comfort in every bite.
- 🎃 Soft & Moist Texture: Melt-in-your-mouth cookies that stay fresh for days.
- 🍬 Creamy Cinnamon Frosting: Sweet, spiced, and irresistible.
- 🌿 Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or make them gluten-free.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Frosting:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
💡 Pro Tip: Use pure pumpkin puree — not pumpkin pie filling — for the best flavor and texture.
👩🍳 How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie bottoms.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. This step adds air for soft cookies.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Egg
Mix in the pumpkin puree and egg until well combined. Your batter should look smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually combine both mixtures until just combined. Don’t overmix — this keeps your cookies tender.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Frosting
While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Frost and Enjoy
Once cooled, frost each cookie generously. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for a bakery-style finish!
🎯 Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with soft butter and room-temp egg for smooth mixing.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaked cookies stay soft and moist.
- Add Texture: Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Frost on Cool Cookies: Warm cookies will melt the frosting — patience pays off!
🧡 Delicious Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| 🍫 Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies | Add 1 cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist. |
| 🌾 Gluten-Free Version | Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. |
| 🌱 Vegan Pumpkin Cookies | Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water). |
| 🧈 Maple Glaze Version | Swap frosting for a maple glaze for richer flavor. |
🍪 How to Store and Freeze
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- To refresh cookies, warm them for 10 seconds in the microwave — they’ll taste freshly baked!
☕ Serving Ideas
Serve these cookies with:
- A warm cup of pumpkin spice latte ☕
- Hot apple cider for cozy fall evenings 🍎
- Or as part of your Thanksgiving dessert table 🦃
For a beautiful presentation, arrange them on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and small pumpkins — perfect for fall gatherings and Instagram photos!
❓FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes! Just cook, puree, and drain it well to remove excess water.
Can I make the frosting thicker?
Add more powdered sugar for a thicker texture, or a touch of cream cheese for tang.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These cookies are crowd-pleasers — double the batch for parties or gifts.
🧁 Nutritional Info (per cookie)
| Calories | Sugar | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 10g | 6g | 2g | 22g |
🧡 Final Thoughts
Baking these Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting is more than just making dessert — it’s creating cozy memories. Each soft bite bursts with pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend foodie, these cookies bring joy, comfort, and that irresistible scent of autumn right into your kitchen.
So preheat your oven, grab your whisk, and let’s make this fall your sweetest yet!
