As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s a moment when the rich aroma of baking fills the house, signaling the arrival of fall. I first stumbled upon the joy of making Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies during an impromptu baking session, desperately seeking a remedy for an afternoon craving. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, these cookies quickly transformed into a delightful treat that felt like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Infused with creamy pumpkin puree and crowned with a luscious cinnamon frosting, each bite is a celebration of seasonal flavors—completely plant-based and totally irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with a steaming cup of tea, these cookies bring both comfort and joy. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s bound to become a fall favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love These Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
Irresistible flavors: Each bite combines sweet pumpkin and warm spices for a cozy, autumnal treat.
Quick and easy: With minimal hands-on time, you’ll have these cookies baking in no time!
Vegan and gluten-free option: Inclusive of all diets, making them perfect for any guest.
Crowd-pleasing appeal: These cookies are sure to impress at gatherings, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.
Freezable dough: Save time during busy weeks by making the cookie dough ahead and freezing it for later use!
Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies Ingredients
• Everything you need for perfection!
For the Cookies
- Vegan Butter – Provides softness and richness; you can substitute with neutral coconut oil at room temperature.
- Pumpkin Purée – Adds moisture and earthy sweetness; homemade works wonders, just ensure it isn’t too watery.
- Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and moisture; use coconut sugar for a reduced sugar option.
- Granulated Sugar – Balances flavor and aids in creating the perfect cookie texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor, making every bite delicious.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies; substitute with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Provides that warm, spiced flavor; mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if needed.
- Cornstarch – Lightens the texture of the cookies, ensuring they’re tender.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
For the Frosting
- Powdered Sugar – Used for the frosting, providing the sweetness and smooth texture you crave.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and flavor to the frosting, making it truly irresistible.
With this gathering of delightful ingredients, you’re one step closer to creating these Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies that will be the highlight of your autumn gatherings!
How to Make Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
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Prepare the Dough: In a stand mixer, beat together softened vegan butter, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This will create a creamy base packed with flavor.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and leavening agents.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Aim for a dough that is soft but not sticky; avoid over-mixing for the best texture.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the texture, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
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Preheat and Shape: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Portion the chilled dough into 2-inch balls and gently flatten them. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for them to spread slightly.
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Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool down, giving you that perfect chewy texture.
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Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together vegan butter, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This frosting adds a delightful finish to your warm cookies.
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Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe the frosting onto them from the center outward in swirls. Optionally, dust with extra pumpkin pie spice for an appealing look.
Optional: Sprinkle with chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the fall season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them in the oven for an extra minute or two. The creamy frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; however, avoid frosting the cookies until right before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. With these prep tips, you’ll enjoy delightful cookies with minimal effort on your busy days!
What to Serve with Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies?
These delightful cookies not only shine on their own but also pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments for a full sensory experience.
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Hot Apple Cider: The sweet, spiced notes of warm cider enhance the pumpkin flavors, creating a quintessential fall duo.
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Creamy Coconut Milk Latte: Rich coconut milk adds a velvety touch while the coffee’s warmth complements the cookies’ spices perfectly.
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Vanilla Almond Milk: A chilled glass of this nutty beverage offers a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the cookies.
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Berry Compote: A refreshing tart counterpoint that adds a burst of color and flavor, elevating the cookie’s warm tones.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cookies for a sophisticated twist; the bittersweet notes harmonize wonderfully with pumpkin spice.
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Mixed Nut Medley: A bowl of roasted nuts provides a crunchy contrast, enhancing the tender texture of the cookies and adding an extra layer of flavor.
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Spiced Tea: Opt for chai or herbal teas; their warming spices will echo the comforting notes in the cookies, making each bite even more enjoyable.
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Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce: For a fun, interactive treat, offer maple syrup for dipping and watch everyone savor the added sweetness!
With these delightful pairings, you’ll create a cozy table that celebrates the essence of fall while showcasing your delicious Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies!
Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies Variations
Embrace the joy of personalizing these cookies and make them uniquely yours!
- Butternut Squash: Swap pumpkin purée for butternut squash purée for a slightly nuttier flavor experience.
- Apple Pie Spice: Use apple pie spice instead of pumpkin pie spice for a comforting twist on traditional flavors.
- Coconut Maple Frosting: Mix maple syrup into your frosting for an added depth of sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Chopped Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch. The nuttiness enhances the texture and adds a pleasing surprise with every bite!
- Chocolate Chip Boost: Fold in vegan chocolate chips for a delightful contrast of rich chocolate and warm spices that will delight chocolate lovers.
- Lavender Infusion: Add a hint of culinary lavender to the frosting for a floral note that elevates these cookies to a new level of sophistication. Just a small amount goes a long way!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising hint of heat that beautifully balances the sweetness.
- Zest of Citrus: Enhance the flavor profile with a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the frosting. This will brighten the cookies, making them refreshing and unique.
Expert Tips for Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
- Watch the Purée: Ensure your pumpkin purée isn’t too watery; excess moisture can lead to overly soft cookies.
- Chill for Texture: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It helps maintain cookie softness and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and losing its shape.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour when measuring to avoid dense cookies; too much flour can make them tough.
- Taste Your Frosting: Adjust the spices in your frosting to your liking; adding more cinnamon can enhance the overall flavor of these Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies!
Storage Tips for Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
Room Temperature: Store frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough rounds for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
Reheating: For warm cookies, gently microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds before serving; this will revive their softness beautifully.
Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin purée should I use?
Absolutely! It’s best to use pumpkin purée that isn’t too watery, as excess moisture can lead to overly soft cookies. You can either buy canned pumpkin purée or make your own by steaming or roasting fresh pumpkin and puréeing it until smooth. Just make sure it’s thick and creamy for optimal results!
How should I store the cookies?
To maintain their deliciousness, store your frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to place parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Very! You can freeze unbaked cookie dough rounds for up to 2 months. Simply form the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra minute to the baking time if baking straight from frozen.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too thin, don’t fret! This usually happens if the dough is too warm or if the vegan butter was too soft when mixed. Ensure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking—this step is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape. Refrigerating your dough overnight can also work wonders for thick cookies!
Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Make sure to keep an eye on the dough consistency, as gluten-free flours can vary in absorbency. Enjoy these treats without any gluten concerns!
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The frosting can be prepared and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick mix before using, or set it out for a few minutes to soften. This will save you time on busy baking days, so you can focus on enjoying your Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies!
Soft Spiced Vegan Pumpkin Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a stand mixer, beat together softened vegan butter, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Portion the chilled dough into 2-inch balls and gently flatten them.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- In a bowl, beat together vegan butter, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe the frosting onto them from the center outward in swirls.