Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their chewy texture and the delicious combination of pumpkin and spices, these cookies capture the essence of your favorite coffee cake in a convenient cookie form. Topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel and drizzled with sweet vanilla icing, they are sure to impress family and friends during gatherings or simply as a cozy snack with your afternoon coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up with ease.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or just as an everyday snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Chewy Texture: The soft, chewy consistency makes each bite satisfying and enjoyable.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or add-ins to make them your own!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for even baking of your cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.
• Whisk: Helps mix dry ingredients evenly for better flavor distribution.

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. These bakery-style cookies are just like pumpkin coffee cake, but in cookie form!

• 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
• 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). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
1. Add in pumpkin puree, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
2. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Form Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop generous portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 5: Prepare Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together additional brown sugar with softened butter and some flour until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture generously over each cookie dough ball before baking.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 11 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 7: Drizzle Vanilla Icing

In another bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough whole milk to achieve a drizzle consistency. Once cookies have cooled completely, drizzle icing over each cookie as desired.

Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container for later!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Pumpkin coffee cake cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be served to please everyone.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a classic combination that enhances their flavors.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy them alongside rich hot chocolate for a sweet treat during colder months.
• Tea: Herbal or spiced tea complements the pumpkin spices beautifully and offers a cozy experience.

As Dessert Bites

• Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a fun twist.
• With Whipped Cream: Top them with whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.

For Special Occasions

• Gift Bags: Package them in decorative bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during holidays.
• Party Favors: Include these cookies as party favors at gatherings to leave your guests with a sweet memory.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

To achieve the best pumpkin coffee cake cookies, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cookies are chewy, flavorful, and visually appealing.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh canned pumpkin puree and high-quality spices for maximum flavor.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dryness.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of chewy.
• Chill the Dough: Allow the dough to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This step helps maintain their shape.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Bake until edges are golden but centers are still soft. They continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven.
• Drizzle Icing While Warm: For a better glaze, drizzle the vanilla icing while the cookies are still warm, allowing it to melt slightly into each cookie.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These pumpkin coffee cake cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some delicious options:

1. Cream Cheese Frosting: A smooth and tangy addition that complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and a savory contrast to the soft cookie texture.
3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies.
4. Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an unexpected flavor combination.
5. Chai Latte: The warming spices in chai elevate the cookie experience, making it perfect for fall afternoons.
6. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce provides an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors.
7. Vanilla Yogurt Dip: Serve with a yogurt dip that adds creaminess and balances sweetness perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking pumpkin coffee cake cookies, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense texture. Always let your butter soften and your eggs reach room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a softer cookie.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the container can pack it down, leading to too much flour. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurement.
• Skipping the chilling time: If you skip chilling the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes for better shape.
• Using old spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Check expiration dates on your pumpkin pie spice to ensure maximum taste.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; make sure to label with the date.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes. This helps restore freshness.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on high power. This gives a soft texture but be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, flipping halfway through for even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes pumpkin coffee cake cookies unique?

These cookies combine the flavors of traditional pumpkin coffee cake with a chewy cookie texture, making them perfect for any occasion.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s well-drained and has a similar consistency to canned puree.

How do I customize my pumpkin coffee cake cookies?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture according to your preference!

How should I store leftover cookies?

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

Conclusion

Pumpkin coffee cake cookies are a delightful treat that combines chewy goodness with a rich flavor profile. Their versatility allows you to customize them easily with nuts or chocolate chips. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and enjoy these delicious cookies with family and friends!