Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic coffee cake! With their chewy texture, crunchy brown sugar streusel topping, and a drizzle of sweet vanilla icing, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies bring all the flavors of pumpkin spice to life in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or just a cozy fall snack; they fit every occasion!
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices and pumpkin puree create a comforting flavor that everyone loves.
• Chewy Texture: Unlike traditional cookies, these have a delightful chewiness reminiscent of coffee cake.
• Streusel Topping: The crunchy brown sugar streusel adds a perfect contrast to the soft cookie base.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your baking experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies perfectly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making cleanup easier and ensuring even cooking.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly for that perfect batter consistency.

Ingredients

These are the best pumpkin coffee cake cookies! They are super chewy pumpkin cookies, topped with crunchy brown sugar streusel and drizzled with vanilla icing.

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)

For the Streusel Topping

• 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

For the Icing

• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-4 tsp whole milk

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together 6 tbsp unsalted butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar.
2. Add in the pumpkin puree, followed by the first measurements of flour, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In another bowl, combine the remaining measurements of flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cut in the softened butter until crumbly, then mix in the remaining brown sugar.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cookies

1. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle each cookie generously with the streusel topping.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Drizzle with Icing

While cooling, mix together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies! Perfect for sharing or savoring solo with a warm drink!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These delightful pumpkin coffee cake cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies can be served in various ways to enhance their flavors and appeal.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The classic pairing! Enjoy these cookies with your favorite brew to complement the pumpkin flavors.
• Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate balances the spices in the cookies, making for a comforting treat.
• Herbal Tea: Opt for a soothing herbal tea like chamomile or chai to bring out the cookie’s warmth.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Include other cookie varieties to create a colorful platter that appeals to everyone’s taste buds.
• Mini Muffins: Pair with mini pumpkin muffins for an extra dose of fall flavor.
• Fruit Slices: Fresh fruit like apples and pears adds brightness and freshness alongside the sweet cookies.

For Celebrations

• Holiday Parties: These cookies make an excellent addition to any festive spread, delighting guests at Thanksgiving or Halloween gatherings.
• Gift Packaging: Wrap them up in cute boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family during the fall season.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor for your pumpkin coffee cake cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring butter and eggs to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies chewy and tender.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating dough for at least 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking.
• Check Your Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as this can affect cookie outcomes.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjusting pumpkin pie spice amounts allows you to customize the flavor profile according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin coffee cake cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to warm, chewy cookies.
2. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that pairs well with the dense cookie.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon sugar offer a refreshing crunch alongside the soft cookies.
4. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite enhances the pumpkin flavor while providing a warm beverage option.
5. Candied Pecans: Sweet and crunchy candied pecans provide an excellent textural contrast when enjoyed together with these cookies.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce on top creates an indulgent dessert experience that is hard to resist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin coffee cake cookies can be delightful, but avoiding common errors will ensure your cookies are perfect.

• Bold ingredient measuring: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the texture. Always use the spoon and level method for flour to get it just right.
• Bold overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a chewy texture.
• Bold skipping the cooling time: Not letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet can result in breakage. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
• Bold not checking oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Bold forgetting the streusel topping: Skipping this step means missing out on that crunchy texture. Don’t forget to prepare and sprinkle it generously before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin coffee cake cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Bold Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Bold Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping gently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pumpkin coffee cake cookies.

What makes pumpkin coffee cake cookies different from regular cookies?

Pumpkin coffee cake cookies combine the flavors of traditional pumpkin coffee cake with a chewy cookie texture, making them uniquely delicious!

Can I make pumpkin coffee cake cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for optimal results.

How do I store leftover pumpkin coffee cake cookies?

Store any leftover pumpkin coffee cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I customize my pumpkin coffee cake cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits like cranberries for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin coffee cake cookies offer a delightful twist on classic flavors, perfect for any season. Their chewy texture and sweet streusel topping make them irresistible. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite add-ins or spices to make this recipe your own! Enjoy sharing these cozy treats with friends and family.