Frosted Soft Pumpkin Cookies

$- Pumpkin puree: Use 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree. This gives the cookies their soft texture and rich flavor. Canned pumpkin works well, but fresh is great too if you have it. - Sugar types: You need 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. The granulated sugar makes them sweet, while brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. - Butter and egg details: You’ll want 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. This helps the cookies mix well. Add 1 large egg for binding and richness. - Powdered sugar: Use 1 cup of powdered sugar for the frosting. It gives a sweet and smooth texture that pairs well with the cookies. - Butter and milk requirements: You need 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of milk. This combo makes the frosting creamy. Add more milk if you like a thinner consistency. - Vanilla extract specifics: Include 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. It enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the frosting. These simple ingredients create a wonderful balance of flavors. They make each cookie soft, sweet, and perfect for sharing! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Mix until it becomes fluffy. This process adds air, making your cookies light. Now, add in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until everything blends well. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor. In another bowl, whisk together these dry ingredients: 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisking helps mix and aerate the flour. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough. Now, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. The centers should feel soft but not gooey. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set nicely. While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened butter, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the frosting generously on top of each one. You can use a knife or a spatula for this. For a fun touch, sprinkle extra cinnamon or add chocolate chips on top. This makes them look festive and inviting. To get soft cookies, mixing matters a lot. When you cream the butter and sugars, aim for a light and fluffy texture. This step adds air and keeps the cookies soft. Avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined to keep that soft bite. Baking time is key. You want the edges to turn light golden and the centers to feel soft. Bake for 10-12 minutes. If you see cracks on top, that’s a good sign they are done. Don’t let them get too brown. For a fun twist on frosting, try adding toppings. Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add great flavor and texture. You can also use colored sprinkles for a festive touch. To present your cookies nicely, arrange them on a colorful plate. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few mini chocolate chips on top makes it look fancy. This adds a nice touch for parties or gatherings. One big mistake is overmixing the dough. This can make the cookies tough instead of soft. Remember, mix just until combined. Another mistake is miscalculating the baking time. If your cookies stay in the oven too long, they will dry out. Keep an eye on them, and trust your senses for that perfect bake. {{image_2}} If you want to make these cookies gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum. This will help mimic the texture of all-purpose flour. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but be cautious. These flours absorb moisture differently, so you may need to change the liquid amounts in the recipe. When baking gluten-free cookies, keep an eye on the baking time. They may need a minute or two less, so check them a little earlier. The cookies should feel soft but not wet when done. To make these cookies vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter. For the egg, use a flaxseed egg. To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. For the frosting, swap the regular butter for vegan butter. Use plant milk like almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk. This way, you can enjoy tasty cookies that fit a vegan diet. Spices can add a new twist to your cookies. Consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice for a bolder flavor. You might also want to try adding some cocoa powder for a chocolatey taste. For texture and crunch, chop up some nuts like walnuts or pecans and mix them into the dough. You can even fold in chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in each bite. Each variation brings a fresh take on these delightful treats! To keep your frosted soft pumpkin cookies soft, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper for extra protection. This helps keep moisture in and air out, ensuring they stay fresh. You can stack the cookies carefully, but avoid squishing them. For long-term storage, you can freeze both cookies and frosting. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. For frosting, store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze the frosting in ice cube trays for easy portions. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies in the fridge overnight. For the frosting, let it sit at room temperature until soft. If it’s too thick, add a bit of milk to reach the right consistency. Frosted soft pumpkin cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature. In the fridge, they last about two weeks. Look for signs like a change in texture or an off smell. If they feel hard or dry, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your cookies at their peak freshness! You can adjust the sugar in the recipe. If you want sweeter cookies, add more sugar. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar. Just remember, sugar adds moisture and affects texture, too. If you cut it too much, your cookies may turn out dry. Aim for balance to keep the cookies soft and tasty. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Start by cooking your fresh pumpkin. Cut it in half and remove the seeds. Bake it until soft, then scoop out the flesh. Blend it until smooth. You will need about one cup for this recipe. Fresh pumpkin gives a bright flavor, but it can be more watery. Drain any extra liquid if needed. You can use several options if you need a flour substitute. Gluten-free flour is a great choice. Almond flour or coconut flour can work, too. If you use these, adjust the amount. Almond flour needs less liquid, while coconut flour needs more. Experiment to find the right mix for your taste. Absolutely! Chocolate chips can add a nice touch. Just fold in about a cup of chocolate chips after mixing the dough. Keep in mind that this will change the texture a bit. The cookies may spread more, so space them out on the baking sheet. Enjoy the extra flavor in each bite! In this post, you learned how to make soft pumpkin cookies with frosting. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for success. Remember to watch your mixing and baking times for the best results. Explore variations like gluten-free and vegan options to fit your needs. Proper storage keeps your cookies fresh longer. Enjoy making these delicious cookies, and don’t shy away from adding your personal touch! Baking should be fun and creative, so get started and delight your taste buds!$

Indulge in the fall flavors with our delightful frosted soft pumpkin cookies! Made with rich pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices, these cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings. With a creamy frosting that takes them to the next level, they’re sure to be a hit! Ready to impress your friends and family? Click through to explore the step-by-step recipe and create your own batch of deliciousness today!

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Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon milk (more if needed)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

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

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.

Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

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

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful to not overmix.

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should feel soft but not gooey.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by whisking together the powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust with more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Once cookies are completely cool, spread the frosting generously on top of each cookie.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: Approximately 24 cookies

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the frosted cookies on a festive platter, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few chocolate chips on top for an appealing look.