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Easy Pumpkin Cookies with Creamy Frosting

Ridiculously easy pumpkin cookies that come together in a flash and are guaranteed to become a new fall favorite. Topped with a sweet, creamy frosting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 2 cups shortening makes cookies wonderfully soft and tender
  • 2 cups white sugar for that classic sweetness
  • 2 cups canned pumpkin pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
  • 2 eggs to bind everything together and give structure
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda our leavening agent
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon key for warm, cozy taste
  • 1 teaspoon salt balances sweetness and brings out flavors
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour foundation of the cookie dough
For the Frosting
  • 6 tablespoons butter creamy base for frosting
  • 8 tablespoons milk for perfect pourable consistency
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar for smooth, sweet glaze
  • 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract warmth and fragrance
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar adds depth of flavor and chewiness to frosting

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Large bowl
  • Separate Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cookie Sheet
  • Small saucepan
  • Toothpick (optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, grab your electric mixer and cream together the shortening, white sugar, and canned pumpkin until it’s nice and smooth. It might look a little soft, and that’s perfectly okay!
  2. Step 2: Add the Eggs
    Crack in your two eggs and give it another good mix until everything is well combined. You're building the base for deliciousness right here!
  3. Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk together your baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and all-purpose flour. Sifting them together can help prevent any sneaky lumps.
  4. Step 4: Bring It All Together
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to your pumpkin mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! We want tender cookies, not tough ones.
  5. Step 5: Spoon and Bake
    Now for the fun part! Drop spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. I usually go for about a tablespoon-sized scoop. Pop them into your preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for about 10 minutes. You want them to be set but not golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting
    While your cookies are baking (or just finishing up!), let's make that dreamy frosting. In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the butter, milk, and packed brown sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Don't let it boil vigorously!
  7. Step 7: Finish the Frosting
    Remove the frosting mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Once it's cooled a bit (but still warm!), stir in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious glaze.
  8. Step 8: Frost Those Warm Cookies!
    This is where the magic really happens! As soon as the cookies come out of the oven and are still warm, spoon or spread the frosting over the top. The warmth of the cookies will help the frosting melt just a little, creating that beautiful, slightly gooey finish. It’s like a hug for each cookie!

Notes

Want to jazz up these cookies or make them work with what you have on hand? For a pretty touch, once the frosting is on, you can use a toothpick to gently swirl it around. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting while it's still wet. Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the frosted cookies for an extra decadent treat.