If you love autumn flavors and the thrill of chewy, gooey cookies, Pumpkin Caramel Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a plush pumpkin-spiced cookie topped with cloud-like cinnamon cream cheese frosting, drizzled with homemade salted caramel, and crowned with a buttery streusel crumble. Each bite is a festival of sweet, salty, and spiced magic—the kind of treat that turns an ordinary afternoon into a celebration. Whether you’re hoping to impress at the next fall party or want a cozy weekend baking project, Pumpkin Caramel Cookies have you covered.

Pumpkin Caramel Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part? The ingredients for Pumpkin Caramel Cookies are simple, but each one plays a vital role—either boosting flavor, creating irresistible texture, or delivering that come-back-for-seconds finish. Let’s take a stroll through your shopping list and uncover the magic in each element.

Granulated Sugar: The base for both caramel and dough, bringing the essential sweetness and structure.

Light Corn Syrup: Prevents crystallization in the caramel for silky results every time.
Heavy Cream: Adds deep richness to the caramel sauce—don’t skip warming it before mixing!

Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cookies, caramel, and frosting with warm, aromatic goodness.
Kosher Salt: Balances out the sweetness and sharpens every flavor note, especially in caramel.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of both the cookies and the streusel topping.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor and more chew to cookies and streusel alike.
Ground Cinnamon: Delivers cozy warmth—it’s the definitive fall spice here.

Unsalted Butter: Used in three layers for ultimate flavor, texture, and creamy frosting.
Egg Yolk & Whole Egg: The combo makes cookies soft and rich without turning dense.
Pumpkin Puree: Lends moisture, color, and that signature pumpkin flavor (fresh or canned both work well).

Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of classic spices that cranks up the autumn factor.
Baking Powder: Gives the cookies a lift for a plush, cake-like bite.
Cream Cheese: The tangy star of the frosting, making it dreamy and decadent.

Powdered Sugar: Keeps the frosting fluffy with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Flaky Sea Salt: Adds that irresistible finishing touch, making all the flavors pop.

How to Make Pumpkin Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Start with this magical sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir just enough to moisten the sugar, then leave the mixture alone over medium heat. The magic happens undisturbed: your syrup will transform into a mesmerizing amber hue in about 5–10 minutes. While that bubbles away, gently warm your heavy cream. As soon as your syrup hits rich copper, carefully whisk in the cream—the mixture will expand and sizzle, so stand back! Stir in vanilla and salt, and let your caramel cool; it’ll thicken beautifully as it stands. This sauce is swoon-worthy and will put the “caramel” in Pumpkin Caramel Cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Streusel Topping

Streusel time! Preheat your oven and line a sheet pan. In a bowl, mix flour, both sugars, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Drizzle in melted butter, then work the mixture until you have chunky, sandy clusters (don’t overmix). Bake until golden—these crisp bits bring a buttery crunch and gorgeous cinnamon aroma that perfectly crowns your Pumpkin Caramel Cookies.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

Let’s make the stars of the show! In a stand mixer, cream the cold butter with granulated and brown sugar until super fluffy. Add the egg yolk and egg, mixing until just combined. Next up: pumpkin puree and vanilla for color, moisture, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor. The final dry ingredients—flour, salt, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon—go in together on low, just until the dough forms. Scoop large dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet, making sure there’s room for spreading. Bake until edges are set but centers are still a touch soft—they’ll finish up as they cool for that perfect Pumpkin Caramel Cookie chew.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool, whip up dreamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In your mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter until pillowy. Add powdered sugar slowly, along with vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Beat until extra fluffy—if the frosting feels loose, a quick chill will help set it up for perfect piping on your Pumpkin Caramel Cookies.

Step 5: Assemble the Pumpkin Caramel Cookies

Make sure your cookies are completely cool. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cookie, then drizzle ribbons of homemade salted caramel over the top. Sprinkle streusel clusters over the frosting and finish with a touch of flaky sea salt. The combination is eye-catching, decadent, and absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Pumpkin Caramel Cookies

Garnishes

The right garnish turns your Pumpkin Caramel Cookies from “yum” to “wow!” After assembly, add an extra pinch of flaky sea salt for sparkle and balance. For a beautiful finish, try dusting with a light shower of cinnamon or tossing a few extra caramel drizzles in crosshatch patterns.

Side Dishes

To complete a fall dessert table, pair Pumpkin Caramel Cookies with apple cider, spiced chai, or coffee. If you’re feeling decadent, a little scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream on the side is pure heaven. These cookies also love the company of roasted nuts or a fresh fruit salad for a lighter touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Pumpkin Caramel Cookies on a rustic wood platter for homey charm, or nestle them in cupcake wrappers for grab-and-go treats. For parties, arrange them in a tiered display and tuck mini pumpkins or cinnamon sticks around for adorable fall vibes. Individually wrap each cookie for an unbeatable edible gift that will make anyone’s day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve dazzled your friends and family, stash leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the cream cheese frosting and fresh caramel, these cookies stay best for up to 5 days chilled. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften the frosting just right.

Freezing

If you want to save Pumpkin Caramel Cookies for a later treat, you can freeze them—either fully assembled or unfrosted, for up to 2 months. Individually wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Defrost overnight in the fridge before bringing to room temp and finishing with garnishes if needed.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked flavor, bring the chilled or thawed cookies to room temperature, then microwave for just 10–15 seconds. If serving straight from the freezer, let them thaw completely first to maintain the lovely layers and texture of your Pumpkin Caramel Cookies.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade salted caramel adds incredible depth and a gourmet touch, a high-quality store-bought caramel will work beautifully if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s thick and rich for the best result with your Pumpkin Caramel Cookies.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the fridge, then bring to room temperature for easier scooping. This is a handy tip if you like to spread out your baking projects or plan for special occasions.

Is canned pumpkin or homemade puree better?

Both work! Canned pumpkin is convenient and consistent, making it a great choice for these cookies. If you’re a pumpkin purist with fresh puree, just be sure to drain any excess moisture for the perfect dough texture.

Can I make Pumpkin Caramel Cookies gluten-free?

You sure can! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend 1:1 for the flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the cookies soft and chewy. Taste and texture will still be amazing!

How do I keep streusel topping crispy?

Let the streusel cool completely before pressing it onto the frosting, and make sure cookies are cool before assembly. If you love extra crunch, store any extra streusel separately and sprinkle it on right before serving.

Final Thoughts

Get ready to wow your friends, family, or just yourself—these Pumpkin Caramel Cookies are as fun to bake as they are to eat. With their cozy spice, dreamy frosting, and gorgeous presentation, each bite delivers pure fall joy. Roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to the season’s most irresistible cookie adventure. You’ll be coming back for seconds, I promise!

Pumpkin Caramel Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Makes 18 large cookies 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Pumpkin Caramel Cookies are a delightful fall treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and salted caramel in a soft and chewy cookie topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting and crunchy streusel.

Instructions

Salted Caramel Sauce Instructions – In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Cook until amber, then whisk in warm cream, vanilla, and salt. Cool and refrigerate.

Cinnamon Streusel Instructions – Mix flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter to form clumps. Bake, cool, and break into pieces.
For The Cookies – Cream butter and sugars, add eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients. Bake and cool.
Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions – Beat butter and cream cheese, then add sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Beat until fluffy.

Assembly – Frost cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting, drizzle with salted caramel, top with streusel, and sprinkle with sea salt.

Notes

Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting.
Adjust frosting consistency by chilling if needed.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie

Calories: 320
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 200mg

Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g

Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Pumpkin Caramel Cookies, Fall Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting, Salted Caramel, Pumpkin Spice