Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Name: Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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

Posted on September 8, 2025

Desserts & Sweets

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These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices in a chewy cookie form. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive holiday dessert, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional coffee cake. With their crunchy brown sugar streusel topping and sweet vanilla icing, they will surely impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that everyone will adore.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze!
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them with coffee in the morning or as an after-dinner dessert; they fit any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to be a hit at gatherings, making them perfect for sharing.
Bakery-Style Goodness: Get that bakery-quality flavor and texture right at home without any fuss.

Tools and Preparation

To successfully prepare Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies, having the right kitchen tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together for a smooth batter.
Baking sheet: Provides the perfect surface for even baking of your cookies.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

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!

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 Batter

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

Step 3: Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together remaining brown sugar with softened butter until crumbly. Add in extra flour if needed to achieve desired crumb texture.

Step 5: Add Topping & Bake

Sprinkle the streusel topping over each cookie before placing them in the oven.
Bake for about 11 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.

Step 6: Prepare Icing

While cookies cool slightly on wire racks, mix powdered sugar with milk and additional vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These delightful pumpkin coffee cake cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon at home or hosting a gathering, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

Coffee: Pair these cookies with a fresh cup of coffee to complement their flavor.
Tea: A soothing herbal or chai tea can enhance the spices in the cookies.
Hot Chocolate: For a sweet treat, serve with rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

At a Gathering

Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a platter with other treats for an inviting dessert table.
Gift Bags: Pack cookies in cute bags as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Brunch Spread: Include cookies as part of a brunch buffet alongside muffins and pastries.

With Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic choice that pairs well with the spiced flavors of the cookies.
Cinnamon Ice Cream: Adds an extra layer of warmth and spice to your dessert.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

To achieve the ultimate texture and flavor in your pumpkin coffee cake cookies, follow these tips for perfection.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh canned pumpkin puree and ensure your baking powder and baking soda are not expired for best results.
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to create a smooth batter and perfectly chewy cookies.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to maintain a soft, tender cookie texture.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps prevent spreading during baking.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

While these pumpkin coffee cake cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast.
Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory counterpoint to sweet flavors.
Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup enhances the fall theme and provides a comforting touch.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and richness that pairs well with soft cookies.
Caramel Sauce Dip: A warm caramel sauce can turn cookie enjoyment into an indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use softened butter and let eggs sit at room temperature for best results.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain that chewy texture.
Not measuring flour correctly: Scoop directly from the bag leads to compacted flour. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
Skipping the streusel topping: The crunch adds great flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for that coffee cake experience!
Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake and check for a golden edge to ensure they’re perfectly done.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5–7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, checking for warmth.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies?

To make these delicious cookies, combine softened butter and brown sugar, mix in pumpkin puree, and dry ingredients like flour and spices. Form into balls, top with streusel, then bake.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. You can also adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

What makes these cookies chewy?

The combination of brown sugar and pumpkin puree contributes to their chewy texture, while proper mixing ensures they remain soft.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper!

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the best flavors of fall in a convenient cookie form. They are perfect for any occasion and easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!