Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies Recipe

 If you delight in all things cozy and comforting, you absolutely must try these Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies. They capture everything you love about pumpkin spice and your go-to autumn latte in one warm, pillowy bite. Imagine soft, spiced cookie dough with the subtle richness of dried pumpkin, kissed with espresso notes, and crowned by luscious coffee mascarpone cream and a decadent white chocolate coffee ganache. Whether for a chilly afternoon treat or a festive gathering, these cookies sparkle with seasonal magic and are sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and classic fall colors. Each component—from the dried pumpkin’s natural moisture to the fragrant pumpkin pie spice—works together to create those perfect Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies you keep dreaming about.

• Granulated sugar: Provides a sweet crunch and forms the base of the spiced sugar coating that embraces the cookies.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant blend that brings warmth and comforting autumn notes to both the cookie and the coating.
• Canned pumpkin (dried): Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that signature pumpkin flavor without making the dough too wet.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, offering structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These work in tandem to give the cookies their lovely rise and fluffiness.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Brings richness and helps achieve that irresistibly soft texture.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and chewiness to the cookie.
• Egg yolks: Provide richness and help bind the dough while contributing to the tender texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out all the spices and pumpkin beautifully.
• Heavy cream: Used both for the coffee mascarpone cream and the white chocolate coffee ganache, lending creaminess and smoothness.
• Mascarpone cheese: Creates a silky, luscious cream filling that’s the perfect coffee-flavored partner to the cookie.
• Instant espresso powder: Infuses the cream and ganache with that signature latte kick, balancing the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the mascarpone cream while maintaining a smooth texture.
• White chocolate: Adds a creamy, sweet contrast in the coffee ganache for a truly indulgent finish.

How to Make Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies

Step 1: Make the Spiced Sugar Coating

Start by combining granulated sugar with pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl. This simple mixture will become the magical coating for your cookie dough balls, giving each bite a lightly sweet, seasoning-infused crunch. Setting this aside early lets the flavors meld beautifully ahead of cookie shaping.

Step 2: Dry the Pumpkin and Prepare Dry Ingredients

Drying the canned pumpkin is a crucial step to achieving the perfect cookie texture. Simply spread the pumpkin on a plate and gently press with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture; repeat this process several times until the pumpkin reduces to about half its original volume and feels dry to the touch. While that’s resting, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This combines all your dry ingredients evenly and readies them for the dough.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough is pale and effortlessly airy. Carefully fold in the dried pumpkin before adding your dry ingredients. Mix on low just until everything comes together. If the dough is a little sticky, pop it in the fridge for a quick chill to make shaping easier.

Step 4: Shape, Coat, and Bake the Cookies

Scoop two-tablespoon portions of dough and roll each into a perfect ball. Roll those dough balls in your spiced sugar coating to envelop them in that signature sweet-spiced crust. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, making sure to leave enough room for the cookies to puff up—about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 12 to 14 minutes until the centers look nice and puffy. When you take them out, let them rest for five minutes on the sheet before moving to a wire rack to cool completely. The best part? Watching those cookies wrinkle and settle down into their fluffy perfection.

How to Serve Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies

Garnishes

Once your cookies are cooled and ready, consider topping them with a generous swirl of coffee mascarpone cream and drizzling with white chocolate coffee ganache for an eye-catching and indulgent finish. A gentle sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant autumn touch and bursts of aroma.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own, but pairing them with a warm mug of spiced latte, hot cocoa, or even a chilled glass of milk can elevate your experience. Fresh fruit like figs or crisp apples can add contrast to the buttery, spiced richness of the cookies for a balanced fall snack platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies into a festive dessert platter by arranging them around a bowl of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon. You can also sandwich coffee mascarpone cream between two cookies for a delightful take on cookie sandwiches. For gift-giving, stack them neatly tied with a rustic twine alongside a few cinnamon sticks and a small coffee bean sachet for that perfect seasonal present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Placing a slice of bread inside helps maintain moisture, keeping the cookies irresistibly fluffy and tender.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies later, freeze them unbaked or baked. For raw dough, shape and coat as directed, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well in airtight containers for up to 2 months—perfect for storing holiday treats ahead.

Reheating

Reheat your cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness. Avoid microwaving for long as it can make the texture rubbery. This little step makes your cookies taste like they just came out of the oven again.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned in these cookies?

Fresh pumpkin has a higher moisture content, so if using it, make sure to drain it well and dry it thoroughly just like canned pumpkin. Otherwise, the dough might get too wet and affect the cookie’s texture.

Is it necessary to dry the pumpkin before mixing into the dough?

Yes, drying the pumpkin removes excess moisture, ensuring your cookies aren’t dense or overly soft. This drying process is key to achieving that coveted light and fluffy texture in the Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies.

What if I don’t have instant espresso powder? Can I use regular coffee?

Instant espresso powder dissolves quickly and offers concentrated coffee flavor without additional liquid. Using brewed coffee may change the dough’s consistency, so it’s best to stick with instant espresso or omit it if necessary.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitutions like vegan butter and dairy-free mascarpone alternatives can work for the cookie dough and cream. However, the mascarpone cream is integral to the texture and flavor, so expect a subtle difference. Choose dairy-free white chocolate or skip the ganache for full dairy-free enjoyment.

How long do these cookies stay fresh if I don’t freeze them?

Properly stored at room temperature in an airtight container, Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies will stay fresh and soft for about 2 to 3 days. After this, they may start to dry out, so enjoy them quickly or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about biting into a Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookie—a perfect balance of soft texture, warm spices, and a hint of coffee that feels like a gentle hug from the autumn season itself. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies promise to bring joy, cozy vibes, and a little extra sweetness to your day. Give this recipe a go and prepare to fall in love with pumpkin spice all over again!

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