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If you are craving a fall-inspired treat that offers both tenderness and a delightful burst of flavor, this Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are a perfect harmony of soft, spiced pumpkin goodness with a smooth, sweet icing on top that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to enjoy a cozy afternoon moment, these pumpkin cookies create a comforting experience guaranteed to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is simple and rewarding. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing out the cake-like softness, the warm autumn spices, and the sugary sweetness that makes these cookies truly irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and perfect base for a soft texture.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give your cookies a gentle rise and tender crumb.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: These spices create that signature pumpkin flavor that warms every bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, softness, and the beloved pumpkin taste essential for autumn treats.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The duo brings sweetness plus a subtle caramel depth and chewiness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies tender and perfectly moist without heaviness.
- Egg: Binds all ingredients together while contributing to a soft bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic note.
- Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (for icing): Combine to create a silky, sweet glaze that complements the spicy cookie beautifully.
How to Make Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This creates a perfectly spiced, well-blended base for your cookie dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. This combination ensures your cookies stay moist and flavorful throughout baking.
Step 4: Bring it All Together
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this helps maintain those soft, tender crumbs that make these cookies so special.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to give plenty of room for spreading as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the centers spring back when touched. This timing ensures your cookies are perfectly soft, not dry or crumbly.
Step 7: Cool Before Icing
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key to making sure your icing doesn’t melt away.
Step 8: Prepare and Apply the Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth icing. Adjust the thickness by adding a little more milk or powdered sugar as needed. Once your cookies are completely cool, generously drizzle or spread the icing over each one and allow it to set before serving.
How to Serve Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on the icing can elevate your cookies with a delightful crunch and extra warmth. These simple touches not only look inviting but offer an additional layer of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. The creamy drinks balance the spices and sweetness, making every bite feel like a mini celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by autumn leaves or small pumpkins. You can also stack them in a layered cake or gift them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift that will impress everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies retain their soft texture beautifully, and the icing stays sweet and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the un-iced cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw and add the icing fresh for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds or heat in a low oven for a few minutes. The warmth brings out the pumpkin aroma and softens the icing perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin well to get a smooth consistency similar to canned pumpkin for the best results in the cookie dough.
What makes these cookies soft instead of crunchy?
The combination of vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and careful mixing ensures these cookies remain soft and tender rather than hard or crisp.
Can I substitute the spices with pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, pumpkin pie spice is a convenient blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and other warm spices and will work perfectly here. Use about 2 teaspoons in place of individual spices.
Is there a way to make the icing less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a tiny pinch of salt or lemon juice to balance out the sweetness while keeping the glaze smooth.
How should I store decorated cookies if I’m gifting them?
Place the iced cookies in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper inside an airtight container. Store at room temperature and avoid stacking to keep the icing intact.
Final Thoughts
Making this Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, flavorful hug. The soft texture combined with the spiced pumpkin notes and luscious icing delivers a genuinely joyful eating experience. I encourage you to dive into this recipe and create your own batch of autumn magic — it’s one treat you will want to make again and again.
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Print
Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Soft Iced Pumpkin Cookies are tender, flavorful fall treats made with a blend of warm spices and pumpkin puree, topped with a smooth vanilla icing. These cookies are perfect for cozy autumn afternoons and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Dry Mix: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping them spaced about 2 inches apart as they will spread during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges lighten to a subtle brown and the centers spring back when lightly pressed. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Icing: While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk for thinner icing or powdered sugar for thicker icing.
- Ice Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, drizzle or spread the vanilla icing over each cookie. Let the icing set before serving to enjoy the perfect soft, sweet bite.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or homemade for fresher flavor.
- Do not over-mix the dough to maintain a soft texture.
- Spacing dough 2 inches apart prevents cookies from merging while baking.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before icing to prevent melting.
- Adjust icing consistency based on personal preference.
- Store iced cookies in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to 3 days.
