Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

If you’re hunting for that perfect fall treat, you’ve got to try this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies balance the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, the cinnamon brown butter frosting adds a nutty, rich twist that takes these cookies from good to wow-worthy. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just because you deserve a little seasonal indulgence, this recipe will quickly become your go-to.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen for the best flavor and texture. I love that the pumpkin butter packs so much pumpkin flavor without adding too much moisture, which helps keep these cookies soft but sturdy enough for frosting and handling.

• Salted Butter: Using salted butter brings a subtle savory balance – just make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Maple Syrup: It enhances the sweetness naturally and complements the autumn vibe.
• Pumpkin Butter: Different from pumpkin puree, it has less water content and a concentrated pumpkin taste.
• Vanilla Extract: This boosts all the flavors while adding that comforting vanilla warmth.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough while keeping the cookies tender.
• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation that gives these cookies structure without heaviness.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness and slight puffiness.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that make everything feel cozy and autumn-ready.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes to perfection.
• Confectioners Sugar: For that smooth, sweet base in the frosting.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the frosting, balancing the brown butter’s richness.
• Cinnamon: A sprinkle in the frosting and on top to tie the flavors together.
• Melted Chocolate & Cinnamon Sugar (optional): For decorating and adding a fun textural contrast.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting Recipe is. You can tweak the flavors, swap out ingredients for dietary needs, or switch up decorations to fit any occasion. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Gluten-Free Option: I swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend once and it worked wonderfully—just be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum.
• Vegan Version: Using vegan butter and a flax egg can create a similar texture, though the frosting’s flavor changes a bit without real butter.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger gives these cookies a slightly different autumnal twist.
• Decorations: Instead of chocolate leaves, I sometimes use crushed pecans or a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar for a rustic look.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugars, and Pumpkin Butter

Start by beating the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes using a stand mixer or hand mixer. This step is essential because it traps air that helps give the cookies a tender crumb. Next, add the maple syrup and beat it in before mixing in the pumpkin butter. It’s important to use pumpkin butter here instead of pumpkin puree, which can add too much liquid. I learned this trick after a few floppy-baked batches! Lastly, mix in the egg until everything is nicely combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough. Flour your work surface well, because the dough can be a little sticky thanks to the pumpkin butter. Divide the dough into two halves, flatten each into a disk, and roll them out to about 1/3 inch thick.

Step 3: Cut, Chill, and Bake Your Cookies

Cut out your cookies using cookie cutters of your choice — I tend to go classic round shapes or simple autumn designs like pumpkins or leaves. Transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes until firm — this chilling step helps the cookies keep their shape and bake evenly. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye out so they stay soft and just start to turn golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet because they’ll still be tender when warm and firm up as they cool.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting

Here’s the magic part: melt the butter gently in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it as it melts until it starts to brown slightly and smells toasty — this should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t walk away because it can go from browned to burnt really fast! Remove the skillet from heat and let the butter cool for about 5 minutes. Then whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and about a tablespoon of water at a time until the frosting is smooth and thin enough to drizzle. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash more water; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. I always recommend tasting a tiny bit — that nutty-brown butter flavor is like autumn in a spoon.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies have completely cooled, drizzle or spread the cinnamon brown butter frosting on each one. I like to use melted chocolate to draw little pumpkin leaves or designs—it’s such a cute touch that impresses guests! Then, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top for that extra sparkle and crunch. Store your finished cookies in an airtight container, where they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days.

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top—it adds a little crunch and highlights the spices. Occasionally, I add a few chopped pecans or walnuts for an unexpected texture bit, especially if I’m bringing these cookies to a fall party. And if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate makes these cookies look bakery-level gorgeous.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect with a warm drink—try pairing them with a cup of hot apple cider, chai latte, or even a creamy pumpkin spice coffee. If you want to make a spread for guests, soft cream cheese dip or even a lightly spiced whipped cream is a sweet companion to these autumn treats.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I’ve made these into cookie stacks tied with rustic twine and added sprigs of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks for a charming gift. You could also plate them on a wooden board with scattered edible flowers or set them alongside fall-themed decorations for a beautiful seasonal cookie platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover frosted cookies in an airtight container in a cool spot, and they stay tender and flavorful for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge works too, but bring them to room temperature before serving to get the best softness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked cookie dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When I’m ready, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and then roll and cut as usual. For baked cookies, you can freeze without frosting, then thaw and frost just before serving to keep them fresh.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a leftover cookie, I nuke it for about 10 seconds or pop it in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes—just enough to soften without melting the frosting too much. It tastes almost like freshly baked, and that little heat perks up the brown butter flavor perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting Recipe has quickly become one of my seasonal favorites, not just because it tastes incredible, but because it’s a joy to make and share. I love watching family and friends light up with the aroma of brown butter and pumpkin spices. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s the perfect cozy treat for chilly days and festive gatherings, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!

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