Crumbl Pumpkin Cake Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat

Crumbl pumpkin cake cookies: Prepare to be utterly captivated by a symphony of autumnal flavors and textures! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, pillowy cookie, bursting with the warm spice of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all perfectly balanced by the sweet, earthy notes of pumpkin. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a miniature celebration of fall, inspired by the iconic Crumbl bakery sensation.

Pumpkin spice, as a flavor profile, has a surprisingly rich history, evolving from simple spice blends used in pumpkin pies to a cultural phenomenon that signals the arrival of sweater weather. While the exact origins of pumpkin spice are debated, its association with comfort and nostalgia is undeniable. It’s a flavor that evokes memories of cozy gatherings, crackling fireplaces, and the vibrant colors of changing leaves.

What makes these Crumbl pumpkin cake cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of a cake-like texture, the comforting warmth of pumpkin spice, and the convenience of a handheld treat. People adore them for their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, their ability to satisfy a sweet craving without being overly sugary, and their undeniable connection to the beloved flavors of autumn. Get ready to recreate this bakery favorite in your own kitchen and experience the magic for yourself!

Ingredients:

• For the Pumpkin Cake Cookie:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for desired consistency)
• Optional Toppings:
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Caramel drizzle
• Sprinkles (fall-themed)

Preparing the Pumpkin Cake Cookie Dough

Alright, let’s get started on these amazing Crumbl-inspired pumpkin cake cookies! First things first, we need to create that delicious, spiced pumpkin cookie dough. This is where the magic happens!

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for a tender cookie. You want the mixture to be pale and almost doubled in volume. Scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally ensures everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy at this point.
3. Incorporate the Pumpkin Puree: Add the pumpkin puree and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. The batter will look a little curdled at this stage, but don’t worry, it will all come together in the end.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed, which is essential for proper leavening.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. This chilling time is important because it allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also helps the flavors meld together. You can even chill it overnight for an even better flavor!

Baking the Pumpkin Cake Cookies

Now that our dough is nicely chilled, it’s time to bake these beauties! Get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing!

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Scoop the Dough: Use a large cookie scoop (about ¼ cup) to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. These cookies will spread a bit, so don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use a spoon, but try to keep the cookies uniform in size for even baking.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. You want them to be soft and cakey, not crispy.
4. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they are still warm and soft.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, let’s whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting! This frosting is the perfect complement to the spiced pumpkin flavor of the cookies.

1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best results. This will prevent lumps in your frosting.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, or you’ll end up with a cloud of sugar in your kitchen!
3. Add the Vanilla Extract and Milk: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want the frosting to be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.
4. Whip the Frosting: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip the frosting for 2-3 minutes, or until it is light and fluffy. This step is important for creating a smooth and airy frosting.

Frosting and Decorating the Cookies

The final step! Now for the fun part – frosting and decorating these delicious pumpkin cake cookies!

1. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife, spatula, or piping bag to apply the frosting. If you want to get fancy, you can pipe the frosting into a swirl pattern.
2. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the frosted cookies with chopped pecans or walnuts, drizzle with caramel sauce, or add some fall-themed sprinkles. Get creative and have fun with it!
3. Let the Frosting Set: Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving. This will help prevent the frosting from smearing.
4. Enjoy! These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can refrigerate them, but the frosting may become slightly firmer.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! I truly believe this recipe for Crumbl pumpkin cake cookies is an absolute must-try this season. The combination of warm spices, moist cake-like texture, and that decadent cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. It’s a flavor explosion that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, and honestly, who can resist a good pumpkin spice treat?

But beyond just the incredible taste, what makes these cookies so special is how surprisingly easy they are to make. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe is designed to be straightforward and manageable, even for beginner bakers. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch of these bakery-worthy cookies right in your own home. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they’re baking is pure bliss!

Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it delivers all the deliciousness of a Crumbl cookie without the Crumbl price tag! You get that same soft, chewy texture, that intense pumpkin flavor, and that signature frosting swirl, all made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s a win-win!

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. These cookies are fantastic on their own, of course, but you can also elevate them even further. Imagine serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the contrast of temperatures and textures is divine! Or, crumble them over a pumpkin spice latte for an extra dose of pumpkin goodness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Crumble over a pumpkin spice latte.
• Pair with a glass of cold milk.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an even more decadent treat.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle with orange and black sprinkles.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different variations? You could try adding chocolate chips to the dough, or swapping out the cream cheese frosting for a maple buttercream. The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on this recipe.

Don’t be afraid to experiment!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these Crumbl pumpkin cake cookies for yourself. I poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe you’re going to love it.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these incredible cookies. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me a picture of your creations. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy baking! I hope you enjoy this Crumbl pumpkin cake cookies recipe as much as I do!