Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of fall flavors and crave a comforting treat that’s both soft and spiced, these Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are perfect for you! Combining the delightful taste of pumpkin, warm spices, and a buttery streusel topping, these cookies capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply want a delicious homemade dessert, this recipe will soon become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistibly tasty cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are the ideal blend of a soft, moist cookie and the crunchy sweetness of a streusel topping, drizzled with a vanilla glaze for the ultimate finish. Perfect for pumpkin lovers, they are easy to prepare and versatile enough to be enjoyed with coffee, tea, or as a stand-alone treat. Plus, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!

Ingredients for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

For the Streusel

• 6 tablespoons 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 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt

For the Pumpkin Cookies

• 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 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup (130 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 teaspoons whole milk

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. How to Prepare the Streusel Topping

Start by making the streusel. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on high speed until well combined and creamy. Add in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt, and mix until the mixture resembles large crumbs. You may need to use your hands to bring it together completely. Place the streusel in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cookie dough.

2. How to Make the Pumpkin Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Drying the Pumpkin: This step is crucial! Spread the canned pumpkin puree on a plate and use a paper towel to gently press out the excess liquid. Repeat this process at least four times until the pumpkin reduces to about a 1/4 cup (~42 g). Properly dried pumpkin ensures the cookies bake correctly without becoming too moist.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Creaming the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on high speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, and continue mixing on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about another 1-2 minutes. Next, add the dried pumpkin puree and mix on medium-low speed until fully incorporated.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before proceeding.

3. Baking the Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough, rolling each scoop into a ball. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each dough ball to create a slight indent. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of the chilled streusel topping onto each cookie dough ball and lightly press down to adhere.

Bake in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes. Once out of the oven, use a large, round cookie cutter to scoot around each cookie to achieve a perfectly circular shape. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Preparing the Vanilla Glaze for Finishing Touch

While the cookies cool, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons of milk. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon or a piping bag. Let the glaze set before serving.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies

How to Dry Your Pumpkin Properly

Drying your pumpkin puree is a non-negotiable step. Wet pumpkin can make your cookies spread too much and lose their shape. Be sure to press out the liquid multiple times with a paper towel until it’s dry and dense.

Achieving the Ideal Cookie Texture

To get a cookie that is soft in the center with a slightly crispy streusel top, make sure not to overmix the dough once the flour has been added. Chilling the dough for a few minutes before baking also helps in achieving the best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding Wet Cookie Dough

If your dough feels too sticky or wet, it’s likely because the pumpkin wasn’t dried enough. Be patient during the drying process, and if the dough is still too moist, try refrigerating it for 10-15 minutes before baking.

Overbaking or Underbaking Tips

Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should look slightly underbaked in the center when removed from the oven – they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, serve them on a decorative plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or additional pumpkin pie spice.

Garnishing and Plating Ideas

Consider garnishing with a few roasted pumpkin seeds or a dusting of cinnamon. For a festive touch, you could add a few small pumpkin candies on the side.

Variations and Substitutions

Alternative Ingredients You Can Use

You can swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup.

Adding Your Unique Twist to the Recipe

Feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist!

Storing Your Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Best Methods for Keeping Cookies Fresh

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their freshness, place a slice of bread in the container – it will absorb excess moisture and keep your cookies soft.

How to Freeze for Longer Shelf Life

To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

These cookies are perfect with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a spiced herbal tea. The warm spices complement the flavors beautifully, making for a comforting treat any time of day.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. Then, follow the drying process to remove excess moisture.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies should be slightly firm around the edges and soft in the center. They may look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance. You can also bake the cookies a day or two ahead and glaze them just before serving.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make these delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies, it’s time to get baking! They’re the perfect autumn treat that everyone will love. Enjoy them warm, with a cup of your favorite hot beverage, or share them with friends and family for a cozy gathering.

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