Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are not just any cookies; they’re little bites of heaven that bring together the comforting flavors of pumpkin, warm spices, and a delightful crunch from the streusel topping. I love making these cookies during family gatherings or on busy weeknights when I want something sweet but don’t have a lot of time. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!

What makes these cookies so special is their chewy texture and the sweet vanilla icing drizzled on top. They give all the joy of pumpkin coffee cake but in an easy-to-eat cookie form! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to bake a batch every fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the flavors and textures of these cookies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night at home or a festive gathering, these cookies fit right in!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, inviting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful treat!

For the Cookie Dough

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (165 g) brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup (122 g) canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s canned pumpkin works best)
• 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Icing

• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-4 tsp whole milk

Variations

One of the best things about these cookies is their flexibility! You can easily adjust them to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to customize your Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
• Dried Fruit: Try adding raisins or cranberries for a fruity surprise.
• Different Spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg if you want to change up the flavor profile.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming together your softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps incorporate air into your mixture, giving your cookies that lovely chewy texture we all love!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout your cookie dough.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in your canned pumpkin puree, egg yolks, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture. Mix until it’s just combined; we want our dough to be thick but not overworked.

Step 4: Fold in Flour Mixture

Gradually fold in your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle here! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies; we want them soft and chewy.

Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine some brown sugar with a bit more flour and melted butter for your crunchy streusel topping. It adds such a lovely texture!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop out spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle each one with that delicious streusel topping before popping them in the oven. Bake until they’re golden brown around the edges – about 11 minutes should do it!

Step 7: Drizzle with Icing

Once cooled slightly, mix together powdered sugar with vanilla extract and milk until smooth. Drizzle this sweet icing over each cookie for that finishing touch.

And there you have it! Enjoy these delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies as they fill your home with warmth and happiness. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Making the perfect pumpkin coffee cake cookies can be simple if you keep a few key tips in mind!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter, which results in chewy, delicious cookies.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until the ingredients are combined will keep your cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture that we want to avoid.

• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances their flavor.

• Check Your Oven Temperature: Every oven is different! Use an oven thermometer to ensure yours is at the right temperature so your cookies bake evenly.

• Adjust the Spice to Taste: If you love spices, feel free to increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice for an extra kick in flavor.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These delightful cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet treat any day of the week! Here are some fun ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sprinkle Some Cinnamon Sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a delightful crunch and enhances the autumn flavors.

• Add a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: For an indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cookies before serving—they’ll look and taste amazing!

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea pairs perfectly with these cookies, enhancing their rich flavors and making for a cozy experience.

• Apple Cider: The tartness of apple cider complements the sweetness of pumpkin nicely, creating a harmonious fall-themed treat.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: For those who enjoy a sweet dessert duo, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pears or apples adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies.

Enjoy every bite as you savor this seasonal favorite! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their scrumptious flavor:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you while making these delightful cookies!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-cooked and drained of excess moisture for the best results.

What makes these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies different from regular pumpkin cookies?

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are uniquely chewy with a crunchy brown sugar streusel topping and a drizzle of vanilla icing, bringing all the flavors of coffee cake into cookie form.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are done baking?

The edges should be slightly golden, and the centers will look set but soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I substitute other spices for pumpkin pie spice?

Absolutely! You can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if you prefer or have those spices on hand.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies! Their warm flavors bring comfort during fall, making them perfect for cozy gatherings or simply enjoying with your favorite cup of coffee. Whether you’re sharing them or indulging solo, I believe you’ll love every bite. Happy baking!