The Best and Easy Vegan Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

Craving the Perfect Fall Treat? These Vegan Frosted Pumpkin Cookies Are It!

Imagine biting into a soft, perfectly spiced pumpkin cookie, topped with a creamy, dreamy vegan frosting. Sounds amazing, right? Well, you don’t have to just imagine it! This recipe for Vegan Frosted Pumpkin Cookies is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. Prepare to wow your friends and family with these impressive, plant-based goodies!

Why You’ll Love It

• The cookies are incredibly soft and chewy, not cakey or dry.
• They are bursting with warm fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
• The vegan cream cheese frosting is tangy and perfectly sweet, complementing the pumpkin perfectly.
• This recipe is surprisingly quick and easy, even for beginner bakers.
• These cookies are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
• They are easily customizable with different toppings and variations.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe stands out because of its focus on achieving the perfect texture in a vegan pumpkin cookie. We use a combination of pumpkin puree, a touch of molasses, and precise measurement of the wet and dry ingredients to ensure a soft and chewy cookie, unlike some that end up being cakey. The vegan cream cheese frosting is also specifically crafted to have the right tang and consistency without being overly sweet, striking a wonderful balance with the spiced cookies.

Ingredient List

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) vegan butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• For the frosting: 4 ounces vegan cream cheese, softened
• For the frosting: 1/4 cup vegan butter, softened
• For the frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar
• For the frosting: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pumpkin puree: Provides moisture and that classic pumpkin flavor.
• Molasses: Adds depth of flavor and helps create that perfect chewy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and molasses.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and spreadable.
11. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost each one generously with the vegan cream cheese frosting.
12. Optionally, sprinkle with extra spices or chopped nuts before the frosting sets.
13. Let the frosting set for about 15-20 minutes and enjoy!

Optional Toppings/Variations

Get creative with your cookies! Here are a few ideas:

• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting for a touch of extra sweetness.
• Decorate with chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
• Drizzle melted vegan white or dark chocolate over the frosted cookies.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to the frosting for a sweet-salty twist.
• Use different sprinkles or edible glitter for festive occasions.

Expert Tips

• Make sure your vegan butter and cream cheese are softened for easy creaming and a smooth frosting.
• Don’t overbake the cookies, or they will become dry. Bake just until the edges are set.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting, or the frosting may melt.
• For extra flavor, lightly toast the spices in a dry skillet before adding them to the dough.
• If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of plant-based milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour? Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for this recipe. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum.
• Can I use maple syrup instead of molasses? Maple syrup can be used as a substitute, but molasses provides a deeper flavor. Use equal amounts, but note that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• How do I store these cookies? Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Can I freeze the cookies? Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies (unfrosted) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to mix things up? Try these ideas:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Fold in 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips to the dough.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dough for a subtle coffee flavor.
• Spiced Brown Butter Cookies: Brown your vegan butter before adding it to the sugars for a richer flavor.
• Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies: Stuff a small caramel piece inside each cookie dough ball before baking.
• Mini Pumpkin Cookies: Make smaller sized cookies for easier snacking.

Serving Suggestions

These vegan frosted pumpkin cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or a glass of plant-based milk. They make a fantastic addition to any dessert table, potluck, or holiday gathering. They’re also perfect for a cozy afternoon treat when you need something sweet and comforting.

Conclusion

These Vegan Frosted Pumpkin Cookies are not only easy and delicious but also a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. The soft, chewy cookies combined with the creamy, tangy frosting will have everyone asking for seconds! So, go ahead, bake a batch and share the joy. Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag us! We’d love to see your creations! Happy baking!