Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies—Soft, Crumbly, and Fall-Ready with Streusel on Top
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are the sweet, spiced fusion of two fall favorites: soft pumpkin cookies and buttery coffee cake. These cookies are thick, pillow-soft, and loaded with warm pumpkin flavor, but what really takes them over the top is the golden-brown streusel crumble baked right on top. Drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze, they taste like a warm slice of pumpkin coffee cake but in handheld cookie form. They’re perfect for chilly mornings, fall potlucks, cozy brunch spreads, or afternoon coffee breaks. Each bite is rich with cinnamon, soft from the pumpkin, and finished with that melt-in-your-mouth crumble that brings comfort and indulgence together in one treat.
Why These Cookies Are So Addictive
They have the texture of soft-baked pumpkin muffins with the sweet crumble of your favorite coffee cake. The pumpkin keeps the cookies incredibly moist, while the brown sugar crumble bakes into a golden layer of crunch. You can serve them warm, chilled, or even frozen, and they’ll still taste like autumn wrapped in a sweet little circle. Plus, they’re easy to make—no chill time, no mixers, just one bowl and a quick streusel topping.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
For the Streusel Topping
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp cold butter, cubed
For the Glaze
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Mix in pumpkin purée, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Cut in cold butter with a fork until crumbly.
- Sprinkle streusel generously over each cookie, pressing it lightly into the tops so it sticks.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the cookies are set around the edges and the streusel is golden.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.
Tips for the Best Texture
Blot the pumpkin purée slightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for firmer cookies. Don’t skip the egg yolk—it adds richness and structure. For extra crumble, double the streusel recipe and pile it on high. Let cookies cool fully before glazing or the icing will melt.
Fun Additions
Add chopped pecans to the streusel for a nutty crunch. Mix in white chocolate chips or cinnamon chips to the dough. Use maple extract in the glaze for extra autumn flavor. Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top for a salty-sweet finish.
Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5. They can be frozen (glazed or unglazed) for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Cookies are the cozy fall treat you didn’t know you needed—soft, crumbly, glazed, and absolutely irresistible. With warm spices, buttery streusel, and pumpkin goodness in every bite, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or your next seasonal bake.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
