Name: Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg yolk; ¼ cup pumpkin puree; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup cream cheese (softened); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 4 tablespoons caramel sauce; ¾ cup powdered sugar

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 1 review

If you’re on the hunt for a fall-inspired treat that tastes like a cozy hug on a chilly day, look no further than the Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies Recipe. This delightful creation combines moist, spiced pumpkin cookies with a luscious caramel cream cheese frosting, delivering a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Picture soft, tender cookies bursting with pumpkin spice, crowned by a creamy, sweet caramel topping that melts in your mouth. Each bite feels like autumn in cookie form, making this recipe a must-try for anyone enchanted by seasonal sweets or looking to impress friends and family with a truly special dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and a jar arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients. There is one bowl with white cream cheese, another with white powdered sugar, a small jar with dark caramel sauce and a spoon inside, and a bowl with light yellow butter. A bowl with orange pumpkin puree, a bowl with a single egg yolk, a bowl with dark brown sugar, and a small bowl with clear vanilla extract are also present. In the center is a larger white bowl filled with white flour. Additionally, there are small white bowls containing granulated white sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice powder. A dark brown cloth is partially seen on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients right lays the foundation for these amazing cookies. The choices here may seem simple, but each one plays a vital role—whether it’s the pumpkin puree keeping the cookies moist and tender, or the pumpkin spice adding that quintessential fall warmth.

Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Provides richness and ensures a tender cookie crumb.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds deep caramel notes and moistness.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
Egg yolk (1): Binds the ingredients and adds extra moisture and richness.
Pumpkin puree (¼ cup): The star ingredient delivering that unmistakable pumpkin flavor and a soft, chewy texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.
Flour (1 ⅔ cups): The base of the cookie giving structure without weighing it down.
Pumpkin spice (1 tablespoon): A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that defines the fall spirit.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
Cream cheese (½ cup, softened): Adds tang and creaminess to the frosting.
Butter (4 tablespoons, softened): Gives the frosting a smooth, spreadable texture.
Caramel sauce (4 tablespoons): The irresistible caramel flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
Powdered sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect swirlable consistency.

How to Make Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cream the Base

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Then, take your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar and beat them together until fluffy and light, about 5 minutes. This creaming process is key because it helps trap air, making the cookies tender and soft. Once that’s done, mix in the egg yolk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until they’re fully incorporated and silky smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Dough

In a separate bowl, sift together your flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps with even distribution of the spices and leavening agents. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or your cookies might turn out tough instead of soft and chewy.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop out dough balls about 2 tablespoons in size and place them evenly spaced on your prepared sheet. Gently flatten each one with your hands—this helps them bake evenly and creates that ideal cookie shape. Bake for 10 minutes, where the magic happens and the cookies create a delicate crust while staying tender inside. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to frosting, to avoid melting or sliding.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip up the frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, and caramel sauce until smooth and luscious. Then, slowly add the powdered sugar to thicken it, beating until the frosting is thick enough to pipe but still creamy enough to spread easily. This frosting is the pièce de résistance that sets this Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies Recipe apart.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Using a piping bag or a small spatula, beautifully swirl a generous layer of the caramel cream cheese frosting onto each cooled cookie. For a little extra flair and flavor, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon powder on top. This not only adds a hint of spice but also makes the cookies look irresistible.

How to Serve Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

Six round, light brown cookies with a slightly cracked and rough texture are spaced evenly on a sheet of white parchment paper that lines a silver baking tray. The tray rests on a white marbled surface, with a soft brown cloth partially visible in the top left corner and a white bowl with creamy batter in the bottom left corner of the image. The cookies have a soft, slightly raised middle and a rougher edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of cinnamon is a simple yet perfect garnish that brings out the pumpkin spice flavor even more. You could also use chopped pecans or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for added texture and indulgence. For a festive touch, edible gold dust or a few pumpkin seeds can add both color and crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a warm cup of chai tea or a rich latte truly elevates the experience. For a more decadent pairing, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to echo the creamy frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the plate, stack these cookies in a mason jar as a thoughtful gift or place them in decorative boxes for parties. For gatherings, arrange them on a rustic wooden platter with fresh autumn leaves or mini pumpkins to enhance their cozy charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cookies soft and moist while preserving the freshness of the caramel cream cheese frosting.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead, the dough can be frozen after shaping into balls, wrapped tightly. Bake directly from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. For baked and frosted cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

Reheating

For the freshest taste, warm your stored cookies gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or at low heat in the oven for a few minutes. This softens the frosting and revitalizes the cozy pumpkin and caramel aromas.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and helps maintain the right texture and flavor. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which contains extra sugars and spices.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

You can easily make your own blend by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Use about 1 tablespoon of this blend to replicate the warm, spiced notes.

Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly to avoid over-seasoning. Salted butter adds flavor but can vary in saltiness, so it’s best to adjust carefully.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some tweaks, yes! Substitute the butter and cream cheese with vegan versions and replace the egg yolk with a flax or chia egg. Keep in mind this will slightly change texture and taste but still yield delicious results.

How long does the frosting keep in the fridge?

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container and use within 3-4 days. Give it a quick stir before applying to keep it smooth and creamy.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to make this Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies Recipe is like inviting a bit of magic into your kitchen. From the tender, spice-kissed pumpkin cookies to the rich, dreamy caramel cream cheese frosting, every bite feels special and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies promise an unforgettable delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to bake and enjoy them as much as I do!