Name: Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup pumpkin butter; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 egg, at room temperature; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar; 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Fall sprinkles (for decorating)

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that’s soft, sweet, and packed with the warm flavors of fall, you have to try this Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how tender these cookies turn out, with just the right touch of pumpkin and cinnamon that makes them perfect for any autumn day. Plus, the creamy frosting on top takes them from everyday snack to party-worthy delight. Stick around, because I’m going to share everything you need to know so your batch comes out perfect every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Soft Texture: These cookies stay tender and soft, perfect for a comforting fall treat.
Perfect Pumpkin Flavor: The pumpkin butter adds rich autumn flavor without making the dough wet or heavy.
Easy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is smooth, tangy, and just sweet enough to complement the spices.
Fun to Decorate: Topping with sprinkles makes these cookies extra festive and perfect for sharing!

The image shows seven round cookies with a light brown base topped with a thick, creamy layer of white frosting spread unevenly on each cookie. On top of the frosting, there are various small sprinkles in orange, white, and gold, some shaped like mini pumpkins and others like tiny rods or balls, all scattered across the surface. The cookies are placed on a black wire cooling rack, and there are two small decorative pumpkins with dark orange and brown hues positioned among the cookies. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, pumpkin sugar cookies, soft fall cookies, pumpkin dessert recipes, easy pumpkin cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a role—beyond just flavor, they help create that soft, tender bite you’ll crave. Don’t worry if you don’t have pumpkin butter on hand, I’ve got a tip to make a quick substitute in a pinch!

Flat lay of creamy pumpkin butter swirled in a small glass jar, rich brown sugar crystals piled high, warm cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg pods, smooth cream cheese block, soft golden sticks of salted butter, a heap of fine powdered sugar dusted lightly nearby, and colorful fall-themed sprinkles scattered artfully, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, pumpkin sugar cookies, soft fall cookies, pumpkin dessert recipes, easy pumpkin cookies

Salted Butter: Using room temperature butter helps with creamy mixing and better cookie texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and that lovely caramel note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Pumpkin Butter: This is the star ingredient giving pumpkin flavor without extra liquid; you can sub with canned pumpkin plus a bit of sugar if needed.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the warmth and depth of flavor.
Egg: Helps bind everything and contributes to softness—make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough; measure carefully to avoid dryness or toughness.
Baking Soda: Gives a little lift so cookies are fluffy, not dense.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic fall spices that bring out pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
Cinnamon Sugar: Coats the cookies before baking for that extra delightful crunch and spice on the outside.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting—softened for perfect blending and tangy creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting without graininess.
Fall Sprinkles: Optional but adds a festive and colorful touch that everyone loves.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe to match the season or my mood. You’ll find these cookies are super forgiving and easy to adapt if you have dietary preferences or want to experiment a bit.

Pumpkin Puree Swap: If you don’t have pumpkin butter, I’ve used canned pumpkin mixed with a bit of cinnamon and brown sugar, and it works nicely for flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut oil for butter and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting; results are just as tasty!
Spice Variations: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for an extra autumn spice kick that my family adores.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make these accessible to everyone without losing softness.

How to Make Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dreamy Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little prep saves you so much cleanup later! In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until you get a fluffy, cloud-like mix. Then, add the pumpkin butter and egg, mixing until combined. You’ll want to scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure everything comes together evenly. Finally, sift in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt—beat until the dough just comes together. If it feels a little sticky, chill it for 15 minutes; I’ve found that helps with rolling.

Step 2: Roll, Coat, and Bake

Grab tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. This is the fun part—you get to coat each ball generously in cinnamon sugar before placing them 3 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. I learned the hard way that leaving space is key—otherwise, these soft cookies spread too close and stick together. Bake for 8 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake an additional 3-4 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers still look soft. Let the cookies cool right on the sheet—they keep their tenderness this way.

Step 3: Whip Up That Perfect Frosting

While your cookies cool, mix together the frosting. Beat room temperature cream cheese and butter until creamy and without lumps. Then add vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar and continue beating until your frosting is light, fluffy, and dreamy. It’s hard not to sneak a taste right here—you’ll find it’s just the right balance of sweet and tangy!

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Spread or pipe a generous dollop of frosting on each cooled cookie. Then have fun with fall-themed sprinkles or edible decorations—my family loves when I go all out with orange, brown, and yellow sprinkles. These cookies are as pretty as they are tasty, and I promise they’ll be the first to disappear at any gathering.

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Pro Tips for Making Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This makes mixing smoother and helps you achieve that soft, tender dough you’re aiming for.
Don’t Overbake: Watch the edges and remove cookies right as they start to set to keep them soft and chewy in the center.
Roll Dough Balls Evenly: Making uniform cookies ensures they bake at the same rate, preventing some from drying out while others remain doughy.
Frost After Cooling Completely: If your cookies are warm, frosting will melt and slide off, so patience pays off here!

How to Serve Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows a group of round cookies, each with one thick, creamy white frosting layer on top. The frosting is smooth and spread evenly, decorated with small orange, white, and gold sprinkles scattered on the surface. One cookie is lifted slightly, showing the soft brown cookie base beneath the frosting. The cookies rest on a black wire cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Around the cookies, there are a few small, shiny dark orange mini pumpkins adding a warm autumn feel. Bright sunlight shines on the scene, creating strong shadows and highlighting the textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies, pumpkin sugar cookies, soft fall cookies, pumpkin dessert recipes, easy pumpkin cookies

Garnishes

I usually go for a simple sprinkle of fall-themed jimmies or nonpareils in warm colors like orange, gold, and brown. They add that cute, festive flair without overpowering the cookie’s flavor. Sometimes I’ve even sprinkled chopped pecans or a dash of edible glitter for special occasions—your call!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai, pumpkin latte, or even a cold glass of milk for the kiddos. They’re also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent fall dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these to a party or gifting them, try stacking the cookies with parchment paper between each layer in a pretty tin or box. I once arranged them on a rustic wooden tray topped with a little pumpkin centerpiece—everyone loved the cozy vibe it set!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store these frosted soft pumpkin sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep the frosting from sticking or ruining the cookies, I place parchment paper between layers. They stay soft and just as delicious as the first day, which is always a win.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option! I like to freeze the unfrosted cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When I’m ready to bake, I pop them straight from frozen into the oven, adding a couple extra minutes to bake time. You can also freeze fully baked cookies without frosting, then thaw and frost before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your leftover cookies warm, just microwave them for 8-10 seconds or oven-warm for a couple of minutes at 300°F. I avoid reheating once frosted because the frosting can melt, but if you reheat frosting-free cookies, let them cool before adding your frosting.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute canned pumpkin for pumpkin butter, but since canned pumpkin is less sweet and more watery, add a teaspoon or two of brown sugar and reduce any other liquid slightly to keep the dough from becoming too moist.
How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?

Make sure not to overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges begin to set but centers look a little soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet to retain moisture, then store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

You can! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might be slightly different but still very enjoyable.
How long does the frosting stay fresh?

Frosting will stay fresh for up to 4 days stored in the refrigerator. For best texture, let cookies return to room temperature before eating.

Final Thoughts

I truly think this Frosted Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those fall finds you’ll come back to year after year. It’s easy, satisfying, and always impresses guests without requiring a ton of effort. I remember the first time I made these—it was a chilly afternoon, and my kitchen filled with that warm pumpkin spice aroma that just feels like home. Sharing these with friends and family has become a delightful tradition, and I’m confident you’ll love the results as much as we do. So go ahead, treat yourself, and bake a batch—you won’t regret it!