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Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting

Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting
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These Healthy Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Maple Frosting offer a perfect autumn treat combining wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavors. Soft, moist cookies infused with warm spices are topped with a luscious, slightly salty maple frosting. Ideal as a cozy snack, festive dessert, or thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe balances nutrition and deliciousness effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or applesauce

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Salted Maple Frosting

  • 1/4 cup softened butter or coconut oil
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil or butter, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt or applesauce. Whisk gently until smooth and fully blended to create a moist base that keeps your cookies soft.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and the warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and spices for consistent flavor and texture.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir carefully just until combined to preserve a tender crumb—avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
  4. Portion and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each scoop about two inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.
  5. Prepare the Salted Maple Frosting: Whip softened butter or coconut oil with powdered sugar and pure maple syrup until creamy and smooth. Add a pinch of sea salt to amplify the maple’s natural sweetness and provide a signature salted contrast.
  6. Frost and Serve: Spread or pipe the salted maple frosting onto cooled cookies. For a decorative touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt or a dash of cinnamon on top before serving.

Notes

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even blending and consistent dough texture.
  • Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies as soon as edges firm to keep them soft and chewy.
  • Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, more uniform cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Frost When Completely Cool: Prevents frosting from melting and losing shape.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste frosting as you go, varying powdered sugar to balance maple syrup sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin cookies, healthy cookies, salted maple frosting, fall dessert, soft cookies, wholesome baking, autumn treat

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/healthy-soft-pumpkin-cookies-with-salted-maple-frosting/