Iced Pumpkin Cookies are spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg & vanilla for a soft & sweet pumpkin dessert! Iced with a smooth vanilla icing, these cookies are perfect for pumpkin lovers.
These pumpkin cookies are an easy drop cookie made with very simple ingredients. Topped off with a fast DIY powdered sugar frosting, these cookies are well spiced and not overly sweet! With every bite of this spiced pumpkin cookie, you’re going to be filled with the comforting feeling of Autumn.
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Pumpkin Spice Cookie Ingredients
Flour: 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour creates a good base for the cookie dough.
Baking Soda: This leavening agent will help the cookies to rise so they’re nice and fluffy.
Salt: ½ tsp salt helps enhance the other flavors in the dough.
Spices: Create the flavor and aroma of Fall by adding 1 tsp of cinnamon and ½ tsp of nutmeg.
Butter: Use ½ cup (one stick) of softened butter to make these cookies.
Sugar: 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar make deliciously sweet cookies.
Pumpkin: Add 1 cup of fresh or canned pumpkin puree for natural pumpkin flavor.
Egg: 1 egg in this dough will help bind the ingredients so the cookies don’t crumble and fall apart.
Extract: Vanilla extract will enhance other flavors and create a base for them to branch off of.
Nuts or Chocolate Chips: These are optional add-ins that you can use to create unique cookie flavors.
Icing Ingredients: Powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla extract make a simple glaze that will taste great on top of these cookies.
What is the recommended pumpkin puree type for making pumpkin cookies?
For pumpkin cookies, the recommended type is plain canned pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin). Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, since that already contains sugar and spices, which will throw off the recipe’s flavor and texture.
If you prefer, you can also use homemade pumpkin puree—just make sure it’s well-drained so your cookies don’t turn out too soft or cakey.
How long are soft pumpkin cookies good for?
After the cookies completely set, place them in an airtight container at room temperature and they can last up to 1 week and still taste great!
Can I freeze pumpkin cookies?
Absolutely! Simply let the cookies cool and set completely before either flash freezing on a baking sheet or layering in an airtight container with wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Iced Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Iced Pumpkin Cookies are spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg & vanilla for a soft & sweet pumpkin dessert. Iced with a smooth vanilla topping, these are perfect for pumpkin lovers!
Mix the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium sized bowl until thoroughly combined and then set aside.
In a separate bowl whisk the butter, sugar, pumpkin, eggs, vanilla extract, and optional add-ins. It may look lumpy, but that's okay!
Slowly add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture in 2-3 batches, stir to incorporate fully.
Using a measured cookie scoop or a spoon, drop the cookie dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet or parchment paper lined sheet. Make sure to place the cookies at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 15 minutes before placing the cookies on a wire cooling rack.
Set the cooling rack on top of the cookie sheet before adding the glaze. This will prevent a sticky mess on your counter when adding the glaze.
Make the glaze by mixing all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. If the mixture is too thick, add in a little more milk until it becomes the consistency that you want. Spoon over cookies and allow to set and dry. Enjoy!
Notes
These pumpkin spice cookies will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature.Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What variations can be made to the iced pumpkin cookie recipe for different flavors?
You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. Chocolate chips or dried fruit, such as raisins, also work well.
Adjust spices to include ginger or cloves to deepen the fall flavor.
How can I ensure my pumpkin cookies are soft and not too dry?
Use the right amount of pumpkin puree to retain moisture. Avoid overbaking; 15 minutes at 350°F is typically sufficient.
Softened butter and proper mixing help maintain a tender texture.
Can the icing be flavored or colored for a festive presentation?
Yes, you can add extracts like almond or maple to the icing for different flavor profiles.
Food coloring can be mixed into the glaze to match holiday or seasonal themes.
Are there any dairy-free alternatives to use in this cookie recipe?
Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil in equal amounts.
Use non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk for the icing to keep it dairy-free.
More Fall inspired cookie recipes that you’re sure to enjoy!
Try these Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies made with Nutella and crunchy hazelnuts. A decadent cookie perfect for Ferrero Rocher fans!
Fall Cut Out Sugar Cookies are buttery, pumpkin-spiced cookies shaped into festive autumn designs. Soft, flavorful, and perfect for celebrating the cozy flavors of the season!
These Cheesecake Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies feature soft, spiced pumpkin cookie dough filled with a creamy cheesecake center. A rich, indulgent fall treat with the perfect balance of cozy spice and sweetness!
Apple Cider Snickerdoodle Cream Pies are spiced sandwich cookies layered with a tangy apple cider cream cheese frosting. Bursting with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, these fall-inspired treats are cozy, creamy, and irresistible!
Our recipe for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies are a fall-inspired take on the classic treat. Sandwiched with fluffy cream cheese frosting, they’re the perfect blend of cozy flavor and creamy sweetness!
Iced Pumpkin Cookies are soft, spiced treats made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then finished with a sweet powdered sugar glaze. A simple, cozy homemade cookie perfect for fall!
ABOUT US
I began Family Cookie Recipes to delve deeper into my fascination with food! I love cooking easy, delicious recipes and trying out new products. Welcome and I hope you stick around! Meet Jessica & Nellie...
Gina says
These cookies are so good all year long!
wilhelmina says
Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced! Love these super easy cookies!
Ptak says
Tou said the cookies could be frozen ; could the unbaked dough also be frozen to bake later ?
Nellie says
Absolutely. I would just freeze the dough in balls – it’s much easier to work with that way!