The essence of autumn comes alive in these Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies. Their soft, tender texture perfectly complements the warm, spiced pumpkin flavor, while the luscious caramel drizzle adds a touch of decadence that will have everyone coming back for more.
These cookies are the perfect addition to any fall gathering, holiday party, or simply a cozy night in with a warm beverage. With just the right balance of sweetness and spice, they capture the heart of seasonal baking in every bite. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed solo, they’re a guaranteed hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup caramel sauce, for drizzling
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly puffed.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of each cookie. Let it set before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
History and Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Pumpkin-flavored treats are synonymous with fall, and these cookies capture the cozy essence of the season. Inspired by Crumbl Cookies’ innovative take on dessert, this recipe blends the nostalgic flavors of pumpkin spice with the decadence of caramel drizzle. The result is a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with autumnal warmth.
Ingredients Spotlight
- Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient, lending moisture and a rich, earthy sweetness to the cookies. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best results.
- Caramel Sauce: Adds a gooey finish and elevates the cookies to dessert-worthy status. A store-bought caramel works perfectly, but a homemade version makes it extra special.
- Pumpkin Spice Trio: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combine to create that unmistakable pumpkin spice flavor we all love.
- Cornstarch: This secret ingredient ensures the cookies stay tender and soft, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a fall gathering, a Thanksgiving dessert table, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are versatile and irresistible.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just 27 minutes from start to finish, they’re ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable: You can add extras like white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough for More Flavor: For an even richer taste, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step isn’t necessary but can make a noticeable difference.
- Control the Caramel: Drizzle the caramel just before serving to avoid it soaking into the cookies if you’re preparing them ahead of time.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet and transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
- Reheating: If you’ve refrigerated the cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness and gooey caramel goodness.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with:
- A warm mug of spiced chai latte for the ultimate cozy experience.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a decadent fall dessert.
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce alongside the caramel for an extra indulgent twist.
The Appeal of Crumbl-Style Cookies
Crumbl Cookies have taken the baking world by storm with their oversized, bakery-style creations that are both visually stunning and delicious. These Crumbl-inspired caramel pumpkin cookies mimic that same indulgent experience, offering thick, soft cookies that are generously drizzled with caramel for a truly decadent treat. Their unique combination of comforting pumpkin spice flavors and rich caramel makes them a standout dessert.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
- Seasonal Flavor: The warm spices and pumpkin puree capture the essence of fall, making these cookies a seasonal favorite.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The use of cornstarch ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Caramel Drizzle: The glossy caramel topping not only enhances the flavor but also adds a gourmet touch to the presentation.
- Homemade Touch: Unlike store-bought cookies, these are made from scratch, allowing you to control the quality of ingredients and personalize the recipe.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap out the butter for plant-based margarine and use coconut or almond milk caramel sauce.
- Extra Indulgence: Stir in white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of toffee bits into the cookie dough for added flavor and crunch.
Popular Uses for the Recipe
- Holiday Treats: These cookies are a hit at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. They make a great addition to dessert spreads or cookie exchanges.
- Gifting: Wrap these cookies in decorative packaging for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Baking with Kids: The caramel drizzle is a fun step for kids to help with, making this a family-friendly recipe.
Fun Facts About Pumpkin and Caramel
- Pumpkin Love: Pumpkin puree is not only flavorful but also a healthy ingredient, packed with vitamins A and C, making it a sneaky way to add some nutrition to dessert.
- Caramel’s Versatility: Caramel pairs beautifully with pumpkin, adding a rich, buttery contrast to the earthy spice notes.
How to Serve These Cookies
- For an extra special presentation, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle just before serving to balance the sweetness.
- Serve the cookies slightly warm, as the caramel drizzle will be gooey and irresistible.
- Pair them with a spiced latte, hot apple cider, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert experience.
Why Readers Should Try This Recipe
These Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies are an absolute must-try for cookie lovers and fall enthusiasts alike. They’re easy to make, bursting with seasonal flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re looking to recreate the magic of Crumbl Cookies at home or simply want a dessert that embodies the coziness of autumn, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Conclusion
These Crumbl Caramel Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect blend of cozy fall flavors and bakery-style indulgence. With their soft, chewy texture and rich caramel drizzle, they’re guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, gifting homemade treats, or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth, this recipe is a standout choice.
Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer the flexibility to adapt and customize to your liking. Pair them with a warm beverage or serve them as the grand finale to a festive meal, and you’ll have a dessert that everyone will rave about.
Once you try these cookies, they’ll quickly become a staple in your fall baking repertoire, bringing warmth, flavor, and joy to your kitchen. Happy baking!