If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that screams comfort and warmth, look no further than soft pumpkin cookies with brown butter frosting. These cookies are not only incredibly soft and chewy, but they also burst with the rich, spicy aroma of autumn. Picture sinking your teeth into a pillowy cookie that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of pumpkin with a smooth, nutty frosting that is nothing short of divine. Fun fact: pumpkin is not just delicious; it’s packed with vitamins and fiber, making these cookies a secretly wholesome treat that everyone can enjoy.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity; you can have these delightful cookies ready in under 30 minutes! They’re a fantastic family-friendly recipe, perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cozying up at home or entertaining guests. If you enjoy cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin, you’ll surely appreciate these soft pumpkin cookies. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake a batch of goodness that will win over hearts and taste buds alike!
What are Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Frosting?
Now, let’s talk about the name: “soft pumpkin cookies with brown butter frosting.” Isn’t it a mouthful? It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds! Why “soft,” you ask? Because these aren’t your typical crunchy cookies; they’re tender pillows of pumpkin goodness! And “brown butter frosting”? Oh, that’s where the magic happens. The more you brown the butter, the richer and nuttier it becomes, elevating your cookies to a whole new level!
You might wonder how something named after a gourd can be so delectable. Just like they say, “the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach!” So why not give these cookies a whirl and treat yourself? After all, who can resist a luscious cookie topped with icing that tastes like a hug in a dessert?
Why You’ll Love These Soft Pumpkin Cookies
These soft pumpkin cookies are special for three key reasons. First off, the incredible soft and chewy texture paired with the warm spices of pumpkin creates a unique taste experience that you won’t find in your typical cookie recipes. Secondly, making these cookies at home is cost-effective! Forget store-bought cookies that can sometimes taste dry and bland; homemade cookies are not only more delicious but you can whip up a batch for a fraction of the cost. Finally, the brown butter frosting is the cherry on top (well, the drizzle on top, really)! The depth of flavor from the brown butter adds a luxurious touch that makes every bite irresistible.
If you’ve enjoyed classic sugar cookies before, you’ll find these soft pumpkin cookies a warm, inviting alternative. So why not gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of deliciousness at home? You won’t regret it!
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Frosting
Quick Overview
These soft pumpkin cookies are the epitome of easy baking! Made from simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself whipping them up in no time. The best part? The preparation takes less than 30 minutes, making them the perfect solution for sweet cravings or unexpected guests. The aroma of pumpkin and spices will fill your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around for a taste!
Key Ingredients for Soft Pumpkin Cookies
- 1 cup Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened (for cookies)
- 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon Ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove and let them cool completely.
- Make Brown Butter Frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat until bubbly and brown (but not burnt!). Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown butter with powdered sugar and a splash of milk, stirring until you achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are cool, generously frost each one with the brown butter frosting.
What to Serve Soft Pumpkin Cookies With
These cookies are not only delightful on their own, but they can be paired with various treats and drinks. For a cozy afternoon, enjoy them with a warm cup of spiced chai or a cold glass of apple cider. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, creating a gorgeous dessert to impress your family and friends. Adding a side of fresh fruit, like apple slices or pears, can provide a nice balance of flavors and textures!
Top Tips for Perfecting Soft Pumpkin Cookies
To ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time, try these tips! Firstly, make sure to measure your flour accurately; too much flour can lead to dry cookies. For the brown butter frosting, don’t rush the browning process—keep an eye on the butter as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Also, feel free to experiment with spices; a little extra nutmeg or a pinch of cloves can elevate the flavor even more. If you want to add a little crunch, consider including some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for variety.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your leftover cookies, simply place them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh for about a week. If you prefer to freeze them, make sure to wrap each cookie individually before placing them in a freezer bag; they will keep well for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or let them thaw on the counter. The taste and texture will be just as wonderful as when first baked, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor!
So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and treat yourself to these fabulous soft pumpkin cookies with brown butter frosting. Your taste buds will thank you!

Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Frosting
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1 cup Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened For cookies
- 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon Ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For the brown butter frosting
- ½ cup Unsalted butter For frosting
- 2 cups Powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons Milk Adjust for consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Add in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove and let them cool completely.
Frosting
- In a medium saucepan, melt the ½ cup of butter over medium heat until bubbly and brown (but not burnt!).
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown butter with powdered sugar and a splash of milk, stirring until you achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
- Once the cookies are cool, generously frost each one with the brown butter frosting.

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