How To Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Cinnamon Frosting Easily
Introduction: A Crisp Autumn Day and a Soft Pumpkin Surprise
It all started last October, on a chilly Sunday afternoon. I had just returned from the pumpkin patch with arms full of fresh pumpkins and zero baking plans. But as the golden leaves danced across the sidewalk and the scent of cinnamon wafted from my neighbor’s porch, I couldn’t resist. I pulled out my trusty air fryer and decided to create something cozy, sweet, and unexpected Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting.
Not only did the kitchen smell like fall, but what came out of that air fryer was nothing short of magic. Tender, cake-like pumpkin cookies with just the right amount of cinnamon warmth, topped with velvety frosting that melted slightly on the warm cookie tops. From that day on, they’ve become my go-to for fall treats baking, Halloween fall desserts, and cozy evenings by the fire.
Let’s dive into the full recipe, step-by-step tips, and baking tricks to make your own perfect batch of Pumpkin Cookies With Frosting in your air fryer!
Looking for more fall inspiration? Discover great ideas like these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Muffins.
Table of Contents
Why Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting Are a Must-Try
What Makes These Cookies “Soft Pumpkin” Perfection?
The star here is the pumpkin puree it adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that familiar autumn flavor. But what really makes these soft pumpkin cookies shine is the texture. Light, airy, and cake-like, they’re different from traditional chewy cookies.
The Role of Cinnamon in Pumpkin Bakery Recipes
Cinnamon isn’t just a spice it’s the cozy warmth of fall captured in a spoonful. In these cookies, cinnamon pairs beautifully with pumpkin to create a nostalgic flavor that instantly transports you to crisp autumn mornings and hayrides.
Check out how we used cinnamon in Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.
Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting (Air Fryer)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
Ingredients
Pumpkin Cookie Dough
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cinnamon Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- vanilla extract splash
Instructions
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually combine with wet ingredients.
- Preheat air fryer to 325°F. Line basket with parchment or a silicone mat. Scoop dough using tablespoon-sized scoops and flatten slightly.
- Air fry in batches for 8–10 minutes. Cookies should be soft but set. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- To make frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost cookies when slightly warm for a glossy finish or after fully cooled for a firmer layer.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients: Building Blocks of Fall Flavor
Base Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
These create the ideal foundation for cinnamon pumpkin cookies that hold together well in the air fryer.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Essentials
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Splash of vanilla extract
This Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting isn’t overly sweet it enhances the cookies instead of overpowering them.
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies in the Air Fryer
Mixing the Dough: Texture Is Everything
Start by creaming the butter and sugars. Add in pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients. The dough will be sticky and thick just right for air frying.
Air Fryer Technique: Avoiding Overbake
Preheat your air fryer to 325°F. Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Scoop dough using a tablespoon and flatten slightly. Air fry in batches for 8-10 minutes, checking doneness at the 8-minute mark.
Frosting and Final Touches
When to Frost Your Pumpkin Cookies
Let the cookies cool slightly before adding the frosting. If you frost while warm, the cinnamon cream melts just enough to become glossy and slightly sticky.
Optional Add-Ons
- Crushed pecans
- Drizzle of maple syrup
- Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
Want more cozy fall flavors? Try our Air Fryer Banana Bread as another moist, seasonal treat.
Variations to Try for Every Fall Occasion
Halloween Fall Desserts Version
Add chocolate chips and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Pipe jack-o’-lantern faces onto the frosting using black icing for festive flair.
Fall Cinnamon Cookies Remix
Swap cream cheese frosting for cinnamon glaze. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for extra crunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to a week.
Reheat in Air Fryer
Pop them back into the air fryer at 300°F for 1-2 minutes. The frosting will soften and the cookie will regain that pillowy texture.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Carrot Cake Cookies which follow a similar soft-bake technique.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Drinks That Pair Well
- Hot apple cider
- Pumpkin spice latte
- Vanilla chai tea
Serve for Any Occasion
These Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting are ideal for fall bake sales, Thanksgiving platters, or just a weekday snack.
Conclusion: Cozy Up with the Ultimate Fall Treat
There’s nothing like the joy of biting into soft pumpkin cookies with cinnamon frosting fresh from the air fryer. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, craving pumpkin bakery recipes, or just soaking in autumn’s charm, this recipe brings fall to your kitchen in every bite.
Discover great fall flavors like our Peach Muffins for another seasonal spin on sweets.
FAQs About Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but strain to remove excess moisture.
How do I keep the frosting from melting in storage?
Refrigeration is key. Chill the frosted cookies and layer with parchment paper.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Bake at 350°F in a conventional oven for 12-15 minutes.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop dough onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag. Air fry from frozen by adding 1-2 extra minutes.
Don’t miss our Air Fryer Mini Cheesecake for another delicate dessert idea.
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