Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to cozy up your baking routine with something irresistibly tender, warmly spiced, and packed with autumn vibes, you’ve got to try the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful marriage of rich pumpkin flavor and that classic coffee cake crumb topping, creating a treat that feels both familiar and festive. Soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, each bite brings the essence of fall right into your kitchen, making it an instant favorite for sharing or savoring with your favorite cup of coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the key to making this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe both easy and delicious. Each item plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color you’ll love.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups + 1/2 cup): Provides structure and ensures a tender crumb for both the cookie base and the streusel topping.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Adds a gentle rise, keeping the cookies light and fluffy.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with the acidic pumpkin to help the cookies rise and brown nicely.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and balances the spices perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp total): Delivers warm, fragrant notes that are essential for that classic coffee cake flavor.
• Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle zing that complements the pumpkin’s sweetness.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Provides a cozy, nutty hint to elevate the spice profile.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened + 1/4 cup cold cubed): Brings richness to the cookie dough and creates the crumbly streusel topping.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup + 1/3 cup): Imparts moisture and a wonderful caramel undertone in both dough and topping.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with cookie spread and texture.
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient that lends moisture, color, and classic fall flavor.
• Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, ensuring your cookies hold together beautifully.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a hint of mellow sweetness and depth.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and slide off effortlessly once cool.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients for the Cookie Base

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This mixture is where the magic of flavor and structure begins, ensuring every cookie is perfectly spiced and tender.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a lovely lift and soft texture.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The pumpkin adds moisture and flavor, while the egg helps hold everything together, creating a luscious cookie dough.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix your dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as you want to keep the cookies tender, not tough.

Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms crumbly clusters. This topping will add that signature coffee cake crunch and sweetness.

Step 7: Scoop and Top the Dough

Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow gentle spreading. Then, generously sprinkle the streusel topping on each cookie, giving them a beautiful, crumbly finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden and the centers look set. This timing ensures the cookies stay moist inside while the topping crisps up nicely.

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time allows them to firm up enough to handle without falling apart, making them perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, dust your Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. A few toasted pumpkin seeds scattered on top can add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or cider, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert. For a heartier option, serve alongside a warm bowl of spiced pumpkin soup or creamy vanilla yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with seasonal decor like mini pumpkins and autumn leaves to bring out their cozy vibe. You can also sandwich a dollop of cinnamon cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a tasty twist that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

To enjoy later, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This restores that just-baked softness and melts the streusel topping ever so slightly.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?

Yes! You can use canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains sugars and spices that might alter the recipe balance.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

Try substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water). Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, while chocolate chips bring a touch of indulgence that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin and spices.

Why is my streusel topping melting into the cookies?

Make sure your butter is cold when mixing the streusel, and sprinkle it on right before baking. If it’s too warm or mixed too thoroughly, the topping can lose its crumbly texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be mindful of any changes in texture and adjust liquid or dry ingredients as needed for the best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe that makes it a standout treat for any pumpkin lover. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies bring warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and make this recipe your own seasonal favorite!

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