Discover the irresistible taste of Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, perfect for fall baking with a soft, sweet, and spiced delight. These cookies blend the warm flavors of pumpkin and cozy spices with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, finished with a luscious frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re craving a seasonal treat or want to impress friends and family, these cookies bring the essence of autumn right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Soft Texture: These cookies remain tender and moist, thanks to the pumpkin puree enriching the dough.
Seasonal Spice Blend: Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that quintessential fall flavor that’s comforting and inviting.
Sweet Frosting Finish: The creamy, lightly sweet frosting complements rather than overpowers the pumpkin and spice base.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel, these cookies adapt beautifully.
Great for Sharing: These cookies make wonderful gifts or party treats that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The simplicity of the ingredients is key here—they strike a beautiful balance to build flavor, softness, and that gorgeous autumnal color without overwhelming you. Each element plays a role in creating the perfect pumpkin sugar cookie base and the rich frosting you’ll adore.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them soft.
Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and that lovely orange hue.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps achieve the right texture.
Butter: Softened butter enriches the dough and ensures a tender crumb.
Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to softness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: Infuse the cookies with cozy fall spices.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the cookies rise and remain light.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all flavors.
Powdered Sugar (for frosting): Creates a smooth, creamy sweetness.
Cream Cheese or Butter (for frosting): Adds richness and a velvety texture for the frosting.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Adjusts the frosting consistency to perfection.

Variations for Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Feel free to make this recipe your own—whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or want to try something fun, these variations keep the essence of the cookie while adding your personal twist.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe and delicious alternative.
Vegan Friendly: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free milk to enjoy these cookies without animal products.
Chocolate Chip Addition: Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for an extra indulgent bite.
Maple Frosting Swap: Replace vanilla frosting with a maple-flavored one to enhance autumn vibes.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch that complements the softness.

Why Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Delight

How to Make Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine softened butter and sugar, beating until creamy and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While cookies cool, prepare the frosting by whisking together softened cream cheese (or butter), powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or cream until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Frost and Serve

Once cookies have cooled completely, generously spread or pipe frosting on top. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or crushed nuts before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and pumpkin puree are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients just until incorporated to keep cookies tender.
Chill the Dough: This prevents spreading and keeps the cookies thick and soft.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg make a noticeable flavor difference.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm cookies will melt the frosting, causing it to slide off.
Test Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer ensures accurate baking for perfectly baked cookies.

How to Serve Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even edible glitter enhances the visual appeal and adds a hint of extra flavor to your frosted soft pumpkin sugar cookies.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cozy cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or warm apple cider for a complete fall-inspired treat that warms both heart and hands.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins as decor. For parties, consider individually wrapping each cookie with a colorful ribbon for a festive touch your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover frosted soft pumpkin sugar cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw and frost for fresh-tasting treats anytime.

Reheating

Warm cookies slightly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to soften them before serving, but avoid reheating frosted cookies for too long to prevent melting.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and provides consistent moisture and flavor for these cookies.

How long do Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days and up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to enjoy the cookies without gluten.

Is it okay to freeze the frosted cookies?

It’s best to freeze the cookies without frosting to maintain texture, then frost them fresh after thawing.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You can use softened butter or a vegan cream cheese alternative depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavors of fall and crave a soft, sweet treat, Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are an absolute must-try. Easy to make, easy to customize, and full of comforting spices, these cookies will quickly become a seasonal favorite you’ll want to bake again and again. So grab your ingredients, enjoy the cozy process, and share these little bites of autumn warmth with those you love!

Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Print Recipe

Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are a delightful fall treat featuring a tender, moist cookie base enriched with pumpkin puree and warm spices, topped with a creamy, lightly sweetened frosting. Perfectly soft with cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies are easy to customize and ideal for seasonal gatherings or gifting.

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup (1 stick) softened butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup pumpkin puree

Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened (or softened butter)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine softened butter and sugar, beating until creamy and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Make the Frosting: While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by whisking together softened cream cheese (or butter), powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Frost and Serve: Once the cookies have cooled completely, generously spread or pipe the frosting on top. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or crushed nuts before serving for an extra touch.

Notes

Ensure butter, eggs, and pumpkin puree are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
Chilling the dough prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick and soft.
Use fresh ground spices for the best flavor.
Cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperature.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pumpkin sugar cookies, fall cookies, frosted cookies, soft pumpkin cookies, autumn dessert