If you’re searching for a treat that perfectly balances cozy fall flavors with a wholesome twist, you’ve just found it: this Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe is pure magic. Imagine soft, tender pumpkin cookies with warm spices folded right in, topped with a luscious, slightly salty maple frosting that elevates every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet nourishing, making it a favorite for cozy afternoons or sharing with loved ones during the season. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of autumn without any guilt!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients that work in perfect harmony to create amazing texture, flavor, and richness. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to keep these cookies soft and flavorful while enhancing their natural sweetness and depth.
- Pumpkin purée (1 cup): The star ingredient, adding moistness, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable fall flavor.
- Coconut oil (1/4 cup, melted and cooled): Offers a subtle tropical twist and helps keep the cookies tender without heaviness.
- Maple syrup (1/3 cup): A natural sweetener that contributes to that deep, warm sweetness in both dough and frosting.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder that holds everything together and adds extra richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookies with a welcoming aromatic depth.
- White whole wheat flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides a wholesome yet light base with a mild nutty flavor.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon) and baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Leaveners that ensure the cookies rise beautifully and stay soft.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon), nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon), and ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Classic pumpkin spice trio that fills the cookies with aromatic warmth.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): The buttery base of the salted maple frosting for creaminess.
- Plain Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons): Adds tanginess and lightness to the frosting, making it irresistibly smooth.
- Fine sea salt (1/8 teaspoon): A pinch added into the frosting to bring out the maple notes.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 to 3/4 cup): Adjust to get your preferred frosting consistency, sweet and silky.
How to Make Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, glossy mixture. This blend is where all the moisture and sweet warmth begin their magic.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, thoroughly whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This combination of spices and leaveners will give your cookies their classic autumn flavor and tender texture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are just fine and will keep the cookies soft.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them well to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges look set and the tops spring back lightly when tapped.
Step 6: Cool Before Frosting
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for the frosting to set properly.
Step 7: Make the Salted Maple Frosting
Beat together the softened butter, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach a thick yet spreadable consistency.
Step 8: Frost to Finish
Once your cookies are fully cool, generously spread the salted maple frosting on each one. Optionally, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top to add a final burst of flavor contrast that will keep everyone reaching for more.
How to Serve Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkling of flaky sea salt or a few chopped toasted pecans on top of the frosting adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sophistication. You can also dust the cookies with a little extra cinnamon for an inviting aroma as you serve.
Side Dishes
Serve these pumpkin gems alongside a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy latte to create a cozy fall-inspired snack or dessert experience that feels like a warm hug.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, stack the cookies in a rustic basket lined with a fall-themed cloth napkin. You can also arrange them on a wooden board accompanied by small bowls of chopped nuts, cranberries, or even a drizzle of additional maple syrup for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Freezing
If you want to save these fall delights for later, freeze un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw and frost the cookies fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To revive your cookies, warm them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens them back up beautifully without melting the frosting too much, giving you that fresh-baked feel all over again.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cookie’s soft texture.
Is there a vegan version of this Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe?
Yes! Swap the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and yogurt in the frosting for a delicious vegan alternative that everyone will adore.
How sweet are these cookies?
These cookies are lightly sweetened to highlight the natural sweetness of pumpkin and maple syrup without being overpowering, making them perfect for those who prefer a more balanced dessert.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?
Fresh pumpkin can work, but you’ll need to cook and puree it until smooth, then drain off any excess moisture to match the consistency of canned pumpkin. This ensures the cookie dough isn’t too wet.
Why is the frosting called “salted” maple frosting?
The salted maple frosting includes a pinch of fine sea salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the maple flavor, giving it a sophisticated blend of sweet and savory that’s truly irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into one of these Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe creations — soft, fragrant, and perfectly sweet with a hint of salt that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just yourself, this recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate fall flavors in a wholesome, joyful way. Give it a try and watch it become your seasonal favorite!
Print
Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting are a delightful fall treat that combines the moistness of pumpkin purée with warm spices and a light sweetness. Perfectly soft and lightly sweetened, these cookies are topped with a creamy maple frosting balanced with a hint of sea salt, making them an irresistible dessert for the season.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted and cooled)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops spring back lightly when gently touched, indicating they are done.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preparing them for frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, adjusting the amount until the frosting reaches a thick and spreadable consistency suitable for topping the cookies.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread the maple frosting evenly over each cookie. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- For a dairy-free version of the frosting, substitute the butter and Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives.
- These cookies are lightly sweetened and have a soft texture similar to muffin tops, making them great for a wholesome snack.
