Name: Delicious Pumpkin Streusel Crumble Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: For the Streusel Crumble:; 6 tablespoons butter, softened; ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp custom spice mix (see below); Pinch of salt; Spice Mix:; 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional but unique); ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; Pinch of allspice; For the Pumpkin Cookies:; ½ cup canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s preferred); 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon of the same spice mix above; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 egg yolks, room temperature; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the Maple Glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon maple extract; 2 – 4 teaspoons whole milk

Autumn is the season for everything pumpkin, and what could be better than indulging in delightful Pumpkin Streusel Crumble Cookies topped with a velvety maple glaze? These cookies are a true celebration of fall flavors, boasting a rich pumpkin base combined with a wonderfully spiced streusel topping. With a crispy outer layer and a soft, chewy center, each bite offers a cozy and comforting experience that is perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings. Not only do these cookies smell divine as they bake, but they also bring a wonderful flavor profile that satisfies both sweet and spicy cravings.

Making Pumpkin Streusel Crumble Cookies is a straightforward process, and their charm lies in the balance between the moist pumpkin and the crunchy streusel. Plus, the addition of maple glaze elevates them to a delightful dessert you won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re an avid baker looking for your next recipe or simply someone who loves to enjoy homemade treats, these cookies will not disappoint. Let’s dive into how you can create these delicious cookies in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Streusel Crumble Cookies

Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices and sweet pumpkin creates a comforting flavor that feels like a warm hug.
Texture Magic: Enjoy the delight of soft cookies topped with a crumbly streusel for a perfect textural contrast.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip these cookies together in no time.
Perfect for Sharing: Yielding 24 cookies, they are ideal for family gatherings, parties, or just bringing a batch to work!
Icing on the Cake: The smooth maple glaze adds an irresistible sweetness and aesthetic appeal to the cookies.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before jumping into baking, it’s essential to prep your kitchen space to ensure that everything flows smoothly. Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out, as this will speed up the process and keep things organized. You will need baking sheets lined with parchment paper and mixing bowls for both the streusel and the cookie dough.

In terms of tools, a good whisk will help you incorporate the ingredients efficiently, while a cookie scoop (2-tablespoon size) ensures that your cookies are uniform in size. Having a rubber spatula on hand makes it easy to mix and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Don’t forget to have a cooling rack ready, as these cookies need to cool slightly before decorating with glaze. With everything prepared, you’ll be ready to bake up a storm!

Ingredients

For the Streusel Crumble:
6 tablespoons butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp custom spice mix (see below)
Pinch of salt
Spice Mix:
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional but unique)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of allspice
For the Pumpkin Cookies:
½ cup canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s preferred)
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon of the same spice mix above
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled slightly
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 egg yolks, room temperature
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon maple extract
2 – 4 teaspoons whole milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with the light brown sugar. Beat together until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Next, add the flour, your pre-made spice mix, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Stir together until you achieve a crumbly texture that holds together in clumps. This texture is essential for creating those delightful crispy bits on top of your cookies. Once the streusel is done, transfer the bowl to the fridge while you prepare the cookie dough – this will help it firm up a bit before use.

Step 2: Prep the Pumpkin

To ensure the best flavor and texture for your cookies, you’ll want to concentrate the pumpkin puree. Spread the canned pumpkin onto a plate, and using paper towels, blot it to remove excess moisture. You’ll want to keep blotting until only about ¼ cup of concentrated pumpkin remains. This process is key to achieving the perfect soft and chewy cookie texture. Set the prepared pumpkin aside for later use.

Step 3: Make the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, the remaining spice mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In a large mixing bowl, add the browned butter and light brown sugar, beating them together until the mixture turns light and fluffy – this usually takes around 1 to 2 minutes. The browning of the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

Next, slowly add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until creamy. Fold in the concentrated pumpkin you prepared earlier, being careful not to overmix. Finally, gently add the dry ingredients from your mixing bowl to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. If the dough becomes too sticky to handle, just chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to make it easier to work with.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough and roll it into balls. Place six cookies on each prepared baking sheet and gently flatten the tops with your hand. Now for the best part – take some of that chilled streusel and press a heaping tablespoon onto the top of each cookie dough ball; this adds that crumbly topping that we all love. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 11 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look soft. For perfectly shaped cookies, you can use a round cutter to gently nudge the cookies into a perfect circle right after baking. Allow them to cool on the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Variations

Protein: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin.
Vegetables: For a twist, mix in some finely grated zucchini for added moisture and nutrients.
Spices: Experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat or switch up with some pumpkin spice for an extra boost.

Cooking Notes

To ensure good baking results, make sure your butter is properly browned but not burnt.
Chilling the cookie dough helps prevent spreading, resulting in fluffier cookies.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Pair them with a cup of hot apple cider for a cozy autumn treat.

Tips

Use quality pumpkin puree for optimal flavor; Libby’s is highly recommended.
If you want a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk added to the powdered sugar.
Consider sprinkling some sea salt on top of the cookies after glazing for a sweet-salty flavor contrast.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 120 per cookie
Protein: 1.5g
Sodium: 95mg

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but be sure to cook and puree it before using, and remember to blot out the moisture just like with canned pumpkin.

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookies, and they will stay fresh for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

What other glazes could I try?

You could experiment with a cream cheese glaze, caramel sauce, or chocolate drizzle to change things up!

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Pumpkin Streusel Crumble Cookies with Maple Glaze are not just a treat; they’re a festive way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their blend of spices, delightful streusel topping, and smooth glaze, they bring comfort and joy with each bite. Whether enjoyed with family, friends, or just as a personal indulgence, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. We encourage you to share your experiences with this recipe or any variations you come up with in the comments below. Happy baking!