Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies: Your Ultimate Fall Treat

Looking for a fall treat that’s soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced? These pumpkin coffee cake cookies are everything you’ve been craving this season.

I baked a batch yesterday, and they didn’t last long. The pumpkin and cinnamon flavors blend together so beautifully, and the streusel topping is the perfect touch.

These cookies are perfect for fall gatherings, cozy mornings with coffee, or just when you want to enjoy a little slice of autumn. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!

Ready to bake these pumpkin coffee cake cookies? Let’s get started—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: With pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this recipe embraces all the cozy flavors of the season.
• Soft & Moist: These cookies are tender and soft, just like your favorite coffee cake.
• A Flavorful Twist: Combining the warmth of pumpkin and the sweetness of brown sugar, this treat is a true autumn delight.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for gatherings, family moments, or a cozy treat at home.
• Perfect with Coffee: These cookies pair beautifully with your favorite hot beverage, making them a delightful snack.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes about 24 cookies—enough for a small family or gathering.

Difficulty:

Simple enough for beginners but enjoyable for seasoned bakers too.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, gather these kitchen tools:

• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silpat: To line the baking sheets and prevent sticking.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: For mixing the cookie dough easily.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To measure out your ingredients accurately.
• Cooling Rack: To cool your cookies after baking.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these soft and delicious pumpkin cookies (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Pumpkin Cookies:

• Canned Pumpkin Puree: The heart of the cookie, providing moisture and flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the dough.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them the perfect texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds that classic fall flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the cookies a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Egg Yolks: Adds tenderness to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: For a subtle, sweet background flavor.

For the Crumb Topping:

• Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy mixing.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the topping.
• Flour: To form the crumbly texture.
• Cinnamon: A sprinkle of fall spice to make the topping extra tasty.

For the Glaze (Optional):

• Powdered Sugar: To create a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: To add a little extra sweetness and flavor.
• Milk: To thin the glaze and make it drizzle-able.

Variations for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a little crunch.
• Make it Vegan: Replace the egg yolks with a flaxseed egg and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent treat, mix in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a spicy twist.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
• In a separate mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and brown sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
• Stir in canned pumpkin puree, making sure everything is well mixed.

2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

3. Form the Cookie Dough

• Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
• To make the cookies extra special, top each cookie with a generous spoonful of the crumb topping (recipe below).

4. Make the Crumb Topping

• In a small bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
• Sprinkle the crumbs generously over each cookie.

5. Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you take them out.

6. Cool the Cookies

• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

These cookies are perfect for all sorts of occasions, from a cozy fall afternoon to a festive holiday gathering. Here’s how you can serve and enjoy them:

• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with your favorite warm beverage—coffee, tea, or even a spiced cider for the perfect autumn treat.
• As a Dessert: These cookies make a great light dessert after a hearty meal. They can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a little extra indulgence.
• At Parties: Serve them on a cookie platter alongside other fall favorites like caramel apples or pecan pie.
• Gift Them: These cookies make a lovely homemade gift, perfect for giving to friends and family wrapped in parchment paper or placed in a gift box.

Storing Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay soft and fresh, ready to enjoy whenever you need a sweet snack.
• In the Freezer: To freeze the cookies, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
• With Glaze: If you’ve added the glaze, store the cookies separately from the glaze to prevent it from becoming soggy. You can drizzle the glaze on right before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure the butter and egg yolks are at room temperature before mixing.
• Perfect Crumb Topping: Be sure to use softened butter for the crumb topping to create the perfect texture. If the butter is too hard, the crumbs may not form properly.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice according to your preference. Add more for a spicier flavor or less if you prefer a more subtle hint of spice.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content per cookie:

Nutrition	Per Cookie
Calories	170
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	14g
Protein	1g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	65mg

FAQs for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-drained and smooth. Canned pumpkin puree is thicker and more consistent, which helps with the texture of the cookies.

2. How do I make these cookies spicier?
If you love a little extra spice, add more pumpkin pie spice or sprinkle some cinnamon and ginger into the dough. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves for a deeper spice profile.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just scoop and bake when you’re ready. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw before baking.

4. Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.

5. How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are the perfect fall treat, combining the comfort of pumpkin coffee cake with the convenience of a cookie. With the soft texture, warm spices, and crumbly topping, they will quickly become your go-to autumn snack. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee, sharing them with friends, or gifting them to family, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!