Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

If you adore the cozy flavors of fall and enjoy a little sweet treat alongside your morning brew, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These cookies perfectly capture the tender crumb and spiced warmth of a classic pumpkin coffee cake, all wrapped up in a handheld delight. With a golden streusel topping that adds just the right crunch, every bite feels like a hug from your favorite season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from creating the soft, pumpkin-spiced base to delivering that irresistible crumbly topping. They are simple staples, yet each one contributes to the rich texture, warm aroma, and inviting color that make these cookies unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor without overpowering the spices.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings a subtle molasses note and moisture to the dough.
• Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for softness.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Pure pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient for moistness and that comforting pumpkin flavor.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Forms the structure of the cookies ensuring a perfect balance between cakey and chewy.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise to the perfect fluffiness.
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Aids in leavening, adding lightness to the texture.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a classic fall spice punch.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity.
• Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a hint of zing to the spice blend.
• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a deep, aromatic note.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and accentuates those lovely spices.
• All-purpose flour for streusel (1/2 cup): Creates the crumbly texture of the topping.
• Light brown sugar for streusel (1/2 cup, packed): Adds sweet, caramel-like crunch.
• Ground cinnamon for streusel (1 teaspoon): Infuses the topping with spicy warmth.
• Unsalted butter for streusel (1/4 cup, melted): Binds the streusel components into perfect crumbs.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies cook evenly and clean up is a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process adds air to the dough, giving your cookies a tender, cakey texture that’s simply irresistible.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and a sweet aroma that enhances the pumpkin and spices beautifully.

Step 4: Mix in the Pumpkin Puree

Stir in the pure pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This ingredient is the heart of the cookies, providing moisture, color, and that signature pumpkin flavor we all love.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. This spice blend marries perfectly with the pumpkin, creating that cozy fall flavor sensation.

Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients into the Wet

Gradually add your dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your cookies to stay soft and tender.

Step 7: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. This topping is the magic touch that gives these cookies their delightful crunch and extra layer of flavor.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies on the Sheet

Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread evenly as they bake.

Step 9: Add the Streusel

Sprinkle approximately one tablespoon of the streusel topping over each cookie dough mound. It’s important to cover each cookie generously so every bite has that sweet, crumbly topping.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a slight golden brown. The centers should remain soft for that perfect coffee cake feel.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the cookies set while keeping them tender and delicious.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Adding toppings like a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze can lift these cookies to something truly special. The glaze adds a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or even a pumpkin spice tea for a perfectly cozy snack. Fresh fruit like crisp apples or pears also balance the richness of the cookies wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing a stack of these pumpkin coffee cake cookies on a rustic wooden board, garnished with whole cinnamon sticks and autumn leaves for an inviting fall dessert display that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed will preserve their softness and prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This little step revives their soft texture and enhances the pumpkin spice aroma.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste and texture of the cookies.

What can I substitute for unsalted butter?

If you only have salted butter, you can use it but reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly to balance the flavors.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to see how they turn out.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, and chocolate chips bring a delightful sweetness that complements the spices.

How long will cookies keep their best flavor?

For optimal freshness, enjoy these pumpkin coffee cake cookies within 3 days of baking. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to lock in that flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe because it truly captures the essence of fall in such an easy, delightful treat. Whether for breakfast, a midday snack, or a cozy dessert, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any moment. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and savor the delicious memories you’ll create together.

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