Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies offer the ultimate autumn indulgence with their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, rich pumpkin flavor, and a generous layer of creamy, sweet frosting. These cookies perfectly capture the essence of fall celebrations by balancing a warm spice blend with sugary softness. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or packed for a seasonal gathering, these cookies bring comfort and joy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect balance of flavors: The pumpkin and sugar harmonize beautifully with fall spices for a cozy treat.
Soft and chewy texture: Each cookie stays tender, making it a delight from the first bite to the last.
Easy to frost: The cookies hold their shape well, providing a smooth surface for creamy frosting toppings.
Versatile and festive: Great for holiday parties, afternoon snacks, or gifting to loved ones.
Simple ingredients: Accessible pantry staples come together for a homemade treat that feels special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies is all about the right simple ingredients that add flavor, softness, and seasonal vibes. From creamy pumpkin puree for moisture to warm spices and powdered sugar for luscious frosting, each component plays a key role.

Pumpkin puree: Use canned or fresh pumpkin for natural moisture and vibrant color.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: Classic warm spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor.
Butter: Softened butter adds richness and keeps the cookies moist.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the soft texture.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly without becoming cakey.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the overall flavor.
Powdered sugar: Essential for silky frosting that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
Cream cheese or butter for frosting: Adds creamy richness to the frosting topping.

Variations for Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Adjusting flavors or ingredients is easy and can cater to dietary needs or specific tastes. Try these ideas for exciting twists on the classic.

Spice it up: Add ginger or cardamom for a unique spice profile that enhances pumpkin.
Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend at a 1:1 ratio without losing softness.
Dairy-free frosting: Use coconut cream and powdered sugar to create a luscious vegan-friendly frosting.
Nutty addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra autumn flair.
Chocolate drizzle: Add melted dark chocolate over the frosting for an indulgent, complementary flavor.

Why Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Delight

How to Make Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, followed by the pumpkin puree. Combine the flour, baking soda, and spices in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 2: Chill for better texture

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and ensure the cookies bake evenly with a soft center.

Step 3: Shape and bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges start to set but centers remain soft.

Step 4: Prepare the frosting

While cookies cool, whip together softened cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy for a creamy topping.

Step 5: Frost and serve

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the frosting generously on each one. Let them set briefly before indulging or serving to friends and family.

Pro Tips for Making Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly, creating a tender dough.
Don’t over-mix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
Chill the dough: It prevents spreading and keeps cookies thick and soft.
Cool completely before frosting: Warm cookies can melt your frosting, so patience is key.
Store properly: Keep cookies airtight to maintain softness for days.

How to Serve Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon, finely chopped nuts, or festive colored sugar on top of your frosting to add visual appeal and an extra hint of texture.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with hot apple cider, pumpkin spice latte, or a creamy chai tea to elevate your autumn snack experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board or in decorative tins with autumn leaves for a beautiful fall-inspired display that’s great for gift giving or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your frosted soft pumpkin sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either frosted or unfrosted by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and sealing in a freezer bag; they stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm frozen cookies briefly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave unfrosted cookies for about 10 seconds to refresh their softness before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely, just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin properly to achieve the same consistency as canned pumpkin for the best results.

How long do Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay soft and delicious for about 4 days at room temperature and up to one week refrigerated.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and make frosting with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream.

What is the best way to frost these cookies?

The cookies should be completely cooled before frosting; use a spatula or piping bag for an even layer of frosting that won’t melt or slide off.

Are these cookies suitable for holiday gifting?

Definitely! Their soft texture, festive flavors, and attractive frosting make Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies a wonderful homemade gift idea for friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Nothing quite captures the spirit of autumn like Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies. Their soft texture, warm spices, and smooth frosting create a truly comforting and irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this recipe is a delicious way to celebrate the season. So grab your baking ingredients and give these cookies a try—you’re going to love how they brighten your fall days.

Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Print Recipe

Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies bursting with rich pumpkin flavor and warm fall spices, topped with a creamy, sweet frosting. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies capture the cozy essence of autumn, making them ideal for seasonal gatherings, holiday parties, or a comforting snack paired with your favorite warm beverage.

Author: Mary
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

1 cup canned or fresh pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup (1 stick) softened butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting

4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup softened butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, then add the pumpkin puree. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Chill for better texture: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping cookies bake evenly with a soft center.
Shape and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to set but the centers remain soft.
Prepare the frosting: While cookies cool, beat softened cream cheese or butter with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy to create a creamy frosting.
Frost and serve: After cookies have completely cooled, spread the frosting generously on each cookie. Allow the frosting to set briefly before enjoying or serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better blending and tender dough.
Mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
Chilling the dough prevents excessive spreading and helps maintain softness.
Cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: pumpkin cookies, soft sugar cookies, fall cookies, pumpkin spice cookies, frosted cookies, autumn desserts, gluten-free pumpkin cookies