Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for any fall gathering or cozy night in. With a chewy pumpkin base, crunchy brown sugar streusel on top, and a sweet vanilla icing drizzle, these cookies capture the essence of traditional pumpkin coffee cake in a fun, portable form. Whether you’re celebrating the season or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that evokes the spirit of fall.
• Quick and easy: With just 45 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.
• Perfect for sharing: With 18 cookies per batch, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or as thoughtful gifts.
• Versatile treat: Enjoy them with coffee in the morning or as a sweet dessert after dinner.
• Beautiful presentation: The drizzled icing and crunchy topping make these cookies look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your kitchen tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will make the process enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without any spills.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring all cookies bake uniformly.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for the perfect texture.

Ingredients

For these delightful Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies, you will need:

For the Cookie Base

• 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

For the Topping and Icing

• 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). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Mixture

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the pumpkin puree and mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
1. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
2. Set aside while you prepare the topping.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl:
1. Combine softened butter with brown sugar and flour.
2. Mix until crumbly; set aside.

Step 5: Assemble Cookies for Baking

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet:
1. Top each cookie with a generous sprinkle of streusel topping.
2. Bake in your preheated oven for about 11 minutes or until golden around the edges.

Step 6: Prepare Vanilla Icing

While cookies are cooling:
1. In another bowl, mix powdered sugar with vanilla extract.
2. Gradually add milk until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Drizzle Icing on Cookies

Once cooled:
1. Drizzle vanilla icing over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag.

Now enjoy your deliciously chewy Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These delightful pumpkin coffee cake cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee to complement their flavors and create a cozy atmosphere.
• Tea: A soothing herbal tea, like chai or cinnamon, enhances the spices in the cookies and makes for a comforting treat.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Include other types of cookies alongside these pumpkin delights for variety.
• Brownies: Adding fudgy brownies can create a rich texture contrast that everyone will love.

During Seasonal Celebrations

• Thanksgiving Gatherings: Serve these cookies as a festive dessert option that showcases fall flavors.
• Halloween Parties: Decorate with sprinkles or themed icing to add some spooky fun!

How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

For the best results when making your pumpkin coffee cake cookies, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rise and texture.
• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature; this helps create the perfect dough consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
• Check Doneness: Bake until edges are slightly golden; they will continue cooking once removed from the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These pumpkin coffee cake cookies pair well with several side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here’s a list of some great options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds richness and balances the warm spices in the cookies.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream can be dolloped on top for an extra indulgent treat.
3. Apple Crisp: The warm, sweet flavors of apple crisp complement pumpkin perfectly, making it a great pairing.
4. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast that works beautifully with sweet flavors.
5. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness and freshness that pairs nicely with the dense texture of the cookies.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it on the side for dipping!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking pumpkin coffee cake cookies can be delightful, but there are common mistakes to steer clear of for the best results.

• Bold measurement errors: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent texture. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups.
• Bold overmixing batter: Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a tender cookie.
• Bold using cold butter: Cold butter does not cream well, affecting the texture. Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature.
• Bold skipping the chill time: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Allow your dough to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Bold ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different; using an oven thermometer ensures your cookies bake evenly. Preheat to the correct temperature before placing your cookies inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Bold Microwave: Heat a cookie on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
• Bold Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies?

Pumpkin coffee cake cookies are chewy cookies that combine the flavors of pumpkin spice and coffee cake, topped with streusel and drizzled with icing.

How do I make my Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier cookies, ensure you use enough brown sugar and avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

How long does it take to bake Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies?

These delicious cookies bake quickly, usually around 11 minutes, allowing you to enjoy them in no time!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s well cooked and blended until smooth before adding it to your dough.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin coffee cake cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their chewy texture, topped with crunchy streusel and sweet icing, makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with nuts or chocolate chips for extra flair. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful treats!