Welcome to our kitchen! If you’re looking for a deliciously soft and comforting fall treat, you’ve come to the right place. These Pumpkin Streusel Cookies are the perfect balance of warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and a crumbly cinnamon topping. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy snack, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how you can make these delightful cookies at home.
Introduction
Pumpkin season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with these Soft Pumpkin Cookies with a Cinnamon Crumble? The moist texture of pumpkin combined with the buttery, spiced streusel makes these cookies irresistible. Inspired by traditional pumpkin pie flavors, this cookie recipe offers a modern twist that will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try for fall baking enthusiasts.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Pumpkin Streusel Cookies recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold
Feel free to make substitutions based on dietary needs, such as using gluten-free flour or a vegan butter alternative. These changes might affect the texture slightly but will still result in a delicious treat.
How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Cookies
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Pumpkin Streusel Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will ensure all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for getting that soft cookie texture.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the pumpkin puree, mixing until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
- To make the streusel, combine the flour, sugars, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Scoop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Press a bit of the streusel topping onto each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are set and slightly golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough a bit sticky, try chilling it for about 30 minutes before scooping. This will make it easier to handle and result in cookies that spread less during baking.
- Use fresh spices: For the best flavor, make sure your cinnamon and nutmeg are fresh. Ground spices lose potency over time.
- Butter temperature: It’s important to use softened butter for the dough to ensure it creams well with the sugar. Cold butter can result in denser cookies.
Cooking Tips
For the perfect Pumpkin Streusel Cookies, consider these extra tips:
- Equipment: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are uniform in size. This helps them bake evenly.
- Alternative spices: You can experiment with adding ground ginger or cloves for an extra spice kick.
- Extra crispy streusel: If you love a crispier streusel topping, you can broil the cookies for the last minute or so, watching them carefully to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot apple cider. Serve them as a sweet snack or dessert at your next gathering, and for an extra touch, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
For a festive presentation, arrange them on a fall-themed platter, and garnish with a few cinnamon sticks or small pumpkins to set the mood.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief overview of the nutritional content for one serving (one cookie):
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Potassium: 40mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 13g
- Vitamin A: 2000IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
These cookies are a great source of vitamin A thanks to the pumpkin puree, making them a slightly healthier indulgence compared to other sweet treats.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheat: If you prefer your cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. They’ll be soft and delicious as if fresh out of the oven!
Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure to drain it well as it tends to be more watery than canned.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but keep in mind the texture may differ slightly.
What if I don’t have nutmeg?
You can replace it with an equal amount of additional cinnamon or a pinch of allspice.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these Pumpkin Streusel Cookies, you might also love these comforting fall recipes from our blog: