If you’re ready to embrace the cozy flavors of fall in a delightful and unexpected way, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat to bake and share. Imagine the soft, tender crumb of pumpkin-infused cookie dough, bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, all topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that adds the perfect crunchy contrast. These cookies capture all the charm of a classic pumpkin coffee cake but with the convenience of a handheld bite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe over and over for your family, friends, or even just a little personal indulgence.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe is wonderfully simple to put together, relying on pantry staples that blend seamlessly to create unbeatable flavor and delightful texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role: the pumpkin puree keeps the cookies moist while imparting rich color, the warm spices add that signature autumn vibe, and the buttery streusel topping offers a heavenly crunch.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for both the cookie dough and the crumbly topping, providing structure and softness.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise to tender perfection.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: Warm spices that bring that classic pumpkin-spiced aroma and depth.
Unsalted butter (softened and cold cubes): Adds richness to the dough and creates the crumbly texture in the streusel topping.
Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar lends moisture and caramel notes while granulated sugar gives a clean sweetness.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that keeps the cookies moist and gives them a vibrant, festive color.
Large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet undertone to complement the spices perfectly.

How to Make Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step ensures the cookies bake evenly and are easy to remove once done.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the trio of warming spices—cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This dry mix forms the flavorful base of your cookie dough and ensures all elements are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and beautifully combined. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture and enhanced sweetness.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar. This is where the magic begins as the pumpkin adds moisture and richness, and the vanilla deepens the cookie’s flavor profile.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a tough cookie; you want just enough folding to bring the dough together.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture turns crumbly and resembles coarse sand. This streusel topping is what gives the cookies that signature crunch and sweetness on top.

Step 7: Portion the Cookies

Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one to allow for slight spreading during baking.

Step 8: Add Streusel Topping

Generously sprinkle the crumbly streusel mixture over each mound of cookie dough. Don’t be shy here—this topping is what makes these cookies truly irresistible.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool, so avoid overbaking.

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they hold together well and develop their full flavor and texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream can elevate these cookies to something truly special. Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking also provides a lovely crunchy contrast if you like.

Side Dishes

Pair these pumpkin coffee cake cookies with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte to fully immerse yourself in those autumn flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside makes for a luxurious dessert treat as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden board amidst fall leaves for a cozy party spread, or stack them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. For brunch gatherings, present them alongside mini pumpkin spice muffins for a festive themed treat table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any cooled leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for 3 to 4 days, perfect for satisfying an afternoon craving.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you want a little seasonal indulgence.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, reheat them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for 5 minutes. The warmth will revive the soft texture and bring out the delicious pumpkin aroma.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the most common choice. Just make sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

No worries! Cinnamon alone will give you that warm, comforting base, but if you have ginger or nutmeg, adding even a little will enhance the flavor. Feel free to adjust according to your pantry.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

As written, this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, with the right gluten-free flour blend, you could experiment to make a gluten-free version.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent drying out.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from falling off?

Press the streusel topping gently onto the cookie dough before baking so it adheres well. Baking immediately after applying the topping also helps it set nicely during the cooking process.

Final Thoughts

I sincerely hope you enjoy making and eating this Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe as much as I do sharing it with friends. It’s a simple yet stunning way to bring those iconic fall flavors into a fun, portable cookie form that never fails to impress. Whether you bake them for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite. So go ahead, warm up your kitchen, get those spices ready, and dive into this irresistibly delicious recipe!