Instant espresso powder gives these soft, cakey cookies a subtle yet recognizable coffee flavor. Spread with cream cheese frosting (with more pumpkin pie spice flavors) and sprinkle with cinnamon to finish.
To make these cookies kid-friendly, simply omit the espresso powder.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
Active Time: 55 minutes Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Serves 1- 3 cups white whole-wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can unseasoned pumpkin purée
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup grapeseed or canola oil (or substitute)
- 3 tablespoons milk, divided
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice plus 1 teaspoon, divided
- 3 teaspoons instant espresso powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), softened
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Beat eggs, pumpkin, brown sugar, and oil in a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer until well combined, about 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice, 2 teaspoons espresso powder, and vanilla and beat until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the flour mixture in 3 parts, mixing until just combined after each addition.
Using 2 tablespoons per cookie, drop mounds of the dough onto the prepared pans, at least 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies until firm and dry to the touch, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool on the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Beat cream cheese, butter, and confectioners’ sugar in a stand mixer or with an electric hand mixer until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon milk and 1 teaspoon each pumpkin pie spice and espresso powder in a small bowl; beat until combined, about 30 seconds. Spread the frosting on the cookies.
Tasty Tip
To make ahead, refrigerate for up to three days.
Recipe nutrition per serving: 127 Calories, Total Fat: 7 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 13 mg, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Fiber: 1 g, Total Sugars: 11 g, Added Sugars: 10 g, Protein: 2 g, Sodium: 101 mg, Potassium: 42 mg, Iron: 1 mg, Folate: 3 mcg, Calcium: 17 mg, Vitamin A: 1403 IU, Vitamin C: 0 mg.
EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at EatingWell.com. Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
