Name: Soft Pumpkin Cookies 7 Irresistible Reasons You’ll Love This
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon

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Soft Pumpkin Cookies are the cozy bite-sized treat you need when fall flavors call your name. Hi, I’m Jack recipe developer, food enthusiast, and the heart behind Cooks Foody. I started this blog to share my passion for creating recipes that bring people together, and these Soft Pumpkin Cookies are one of my proudest seasonal creations. If you’ve ever baked pumpkin treats that turned out dry or bland, you’ll love how moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced these cookies are. In this post, you’ll learn why they work so well, how to prepare them step-by-step, flavor variations, and answers to the most common baking questions.

Why This Soft Pumpkin Cookies Recipe Works

Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients you probably already have at home.
Ready in under 30 minutes no chilling required.
Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, thanks to their moist texture and warm spice.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Best Base for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Using real pumpkin purée gives these cookies their soft, pillowy texture. Skip pumpkin pie filling it has added sugar and spices that can throw off the balance.

Buying Tips for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Look for pure canned pumpkin with no additives. If you’re using fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender, then purée until smooth.

Substitutions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Swap half the pumpkin purée for mashed sweet potato if you want a denser texture and a slightly different sweetness.

Ingredients & Prep for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Cookies Prep Essentials

1 cup pure pumpkin purée
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt

Cinnamon Frosting Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp milk

Pantry Staples for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Keep vanilla extract, extra spices, and powdered sugar on hand for flavor depth and finishing touches.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Pre-Cooking Prep for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in pumpkin and egg.

Baking Method for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combine wet and dry mixtures until just blended. Drop rounded tablespoons onto the prepared sheet.

Doneness Check for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.

Resting for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Avoiding Dry Cookies for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Don’t overbake — the residual heat will finish cooking them.

Tool Recommendations for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Use a cookie scoop for even portions and a silicone spatula for easy mixing.

Storage & Reheating for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Flavor Variations for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Variation	How to Make It
Spicy Twist	Add 1/4 tsp cayenne or extra ginger to the dough.
Gluten-Free	Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Maple Glaze	Replace milk in frosting with pure maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Pair with a warm chai latte or hot cocoa.
Serve alongside fresh fruit for a lighter dessert plate.

FAQs for Soft Pumpkin Cookies

Can I freeze Soft Pumpkin Cookies? Yes freeze baked, unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then store in bags for up to 2 months.

Why are my Soft Pumpkin Cookies flat? Overmixing or using too little flour can cause spreading.

Can I make Soft Pumpkin Cookies without frosting? Absolutely they’re delicious plain or rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Conclusion

Fire up your oven and make a batch of Soft Pumpkin Cookies today join the thousands of readers who’ve fallen in love with this recipe! And when you’re done, try my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl next for another cozy fall favorite.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies 7 Irresistible Reasons You’ll Love This