Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies Recipe

If you adore the cozy flavors of fall and the irresistible aroma of your favorite coffeehouse treat, you are going to fall head over heels for this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the rich, bold kick of espresso, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery cookie that’s topped with a luscious espresso frosting. Whether you’re baking for friends, gifting for the holidays, or just treating yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe brings that beloved pumpkin spice latte into a delightful cookie form that you can enjoy anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for these Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies Recipe is simple, yet each component plays an important role in creating the final perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the fragrant pumpkin spice to the espresso powder that adds depth, every ingredient contributes to making these cookies truly unforgettable.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and softness to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right, keeping them tender yet light.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The soul of this recipe, bringing cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove warmth.
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder: Adds a subtle coffee kick that embodies the latte essence.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture for chewy edges and tender centers.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds natural molasses sweetness and moisture to the dough.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Helps create structure and a light crunch.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée: Brings beautiful color, moisture, and authentic pumpkin flavor.
• 1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the taste.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): The creamy base for the luscious espresso frosting.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreadability.
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with a delightful coffee boost.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds a smooth warmth to the frosting flavor.
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (for frosting): Adjusts frosting texture for easy spreading without thinning it too much.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and espresso powder in a medium bowl. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures that the spices and leavening agents disperse evenly throughout your cookie dough, giving you a consistent flavor and perfect texture every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential to incorporate air into the batter, which helps your cookies have that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, beat in the pumpkin purée, egg yolk, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture. The pumpkin adds moisture and that unmistakable autumn flavor, while the yolk brings richness and helps bind the cookie dough together.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until the dough forms and everything is combined—don’t overmix, or your cookies may turn out tough rather than soft and tender.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the fats and gives the flavors time to meld, making your cookies easier to scoop and bake with a perfect texture.

Step 6: Prepare to Bake

While your dough chills, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan effortlessly once done.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. This timing yields cookies that are chewy and tender, just like a warm pumpkin spice latte in cookie form.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief rest helps them set up perfectly without falling apart, and the wire rack cooling avoids soggy bottoms.

Step 9: Make the Espresso Frosting

Beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and milk or cream. Adjust the milk quantity until you get a smooth, spreadable consistency that will generously coat your cookies.

Step 10: Frost and Set

Spread a generous spoonful of the espresso frosting on each cooled cookie. Let the frosting set slightly before serving or storing to enjoy that creamy top layer that balances the spices and coffee flavors so beautifully.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle these cookies with a touch of cinnamon or a few chocolate shavings on top of the frosting. A dusting of finely ground espresso beans can add a gourmet vibe and enhance that coffee element.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite pumpkin spice latte, of course. If serving at a party, consider pairing with a warm chai tea or a creamy hot chocolate to complement the spices in the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special occasions, stack a few cookies tied with a rustic twine bow alongside a small jar of homemade pumpkin spice mix or espresso powder. You can also serve them on a festive platter with edible flowers or autumn leaves to embrace the season’s spirit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted and set, store your Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them at room temperature maintains their soft texture while preserving the freshness of the frosting.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully whether frosted or not. For best results, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, thaw and frost as usual, or thaw fully with frosting for an easy treat!

Reheating

If you love that just-baked warmth, gently reheat the cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes. This step revives their softness and slightly melts the frosting into a delightful glaze.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder in the Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies Recipe?

Yes, instant coffee granules can be substituted, but espresso powder is preferred for its stronger and richer flavor, which better replicates the coffee notes in a pumpkin spice latte.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand?

You can easily make your own blend by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This homemade mix works wonderfully and lets you control the spice levels to your taste.

Can these cookies be made vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil and use a plant-based milk in the frosting. Use a flax egg or another egg replacer instead of the egg yolk, and your cookies will still turn out delicious.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft and chewy?

Do not overbake the cookies—remove them once the edges are set but centers remain slightly soft. Also, chilling the dough before baking prevents spreading and helps maintain chewiness.

Is the espresso frosting necessary, or can I skip it?

The espresso frosting is the signature component that elevates these cookies to capture the essence of a pumpkin spice latte. However, you can enjoy the cookies plain or try a simple cream cheese frosting for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that tastes like autumn in every bite, this Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s the perfect way to bring those cozy, comforting flavors into your home baking, impress your loved ones, or simply enjoy a seasonal treat that feels like a warm hug. So grab your ingredients, get your oven ready, and prepare to fall absolutely in love with these delightful cookies!

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