Description
These Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies combine the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm pumpkin spice with a soft, fluffy cookie base. Topped with a luscious caramel cream cheese frosting, they offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them an ideal treat for autumn or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Frosting
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 tablespoons caramel sauce
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy, approximately 5 minutes. Then add in the egg yolk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated to avoid overmixing and maintain a soft texture.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Gently flatten each dough ball with your hands to shape. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, and caramel sauce together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting thickens and is spreadable. Transfer frosting to a piping bag for easy application.
- Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, pipe a thick swirl of the caramel cream cheese frosting onto each cookie. Finish by lightly sprinkling cinnamon powder on top for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use softened butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing and a creamy frosting texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- For a stronger caramel flavor, use a high-quality caramel sauce or homemade caramel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
