Crumbl Pumpkin Cake Cookies

If you’re craving something soft, cozy, and packed with fall flavor, these Crumbl Pumpkin Cake Cookies are your answer. Imagine biting into a thick, fluffy cookie that tastes like a pumpkin spice dream, crowned with a silky swirl of cream cheese frosting. They’re the kind of treat that makes chilly evenings feel warmer and any gathering a little sweeter.

Behind the Recipe

I first had these cookies during a crisp autumn evening when my neighbor dropped off a Crumbl box as a thank-you gift. One bite into their pumpkin cake cookie and I was hooked. That fluffy, almost cake-like texture paired with rich pumpkin flavor and tangy cream cheese frosting was unforgettable. Naturally, I had to recreate them at home, and let me tell you, this version may just outshine the original.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pumpkin-based baked goods have deep roots in American autumn traditions, thanks to the widespread use of canned pumpkin and the nostalgic draw of pumpkin pie. Crumbl, the cookie shop known for its rotating flavors, made waves when they introduced their pumpkin cake cookie. With its soft base and generous frosting, it quickly became a fall staple. What sets it apart is that cake-like texture that melts in your mouth while still holding all the cozy spices we love.

Why You’ll Love Crumbl Pumpkin Cake Cookies

These cookies don’t just taste amazing, they check every box for the perfect seasonal bake:

Versatile: Great for casual snacks, dessert platters, or festive gatherings.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: No fancy techniques, just mix, bake, and frost.

Customizable: Add a touch of maple, swap spices, or use a different frosting.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves pumpkin spice, especially when it’s in cookie form.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the cookies and frosting store well.

Great for Leftovers: They stay soft and moist even days later.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

For bakery-quality cookies right at home, keep these in mind:

1. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and even baking.
2. Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour to keep that tender, cake-like crumb.
3. Slightly underbake the cookies for ultimate softness—they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
4. Cool completely before frosting so your cream cheese swirl stays firm and picture-perfect.
5. Chill the frosting briefly before piping for cleaner, more stable swirls.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need much to pull these off, just a few reliable basics:

Mixing Bowls: For separating wet and dry ingredients.

Hand or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and frosting smoothly.

Baking Sheet: A sturdy one lined with parchment ensures even baking.

Cookie Scoop: Helps portion out consistent, thick cookies.

Piping Bag or Zip-Top Bag: For a clean, beautiful swirl of frosting.

Ingredients in Crumbl Pumpkin Cake Cookies

These ingredients work together like a perfect autumn harmony, balancing spice, sweetness, and fluffiness in each bite.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups – The structure behind our cookies without making them dry.
2. Pumpkin Puree: 3/4 cup – Adds that signature pumpkin flavor and natural moisture.
3. Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup – Helps with sweetness and texture.
4. Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup – Brings depth and that warm, caramel-like sweetness.
5. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, softened – Adds richness and softness.
6. Eggs: 1 large – Binds everything together while adding moisture.
7. Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon – Helps lift the cookies to give that cake-like fluff.
8. Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon – Works alongside the pumpkin to create a soft rise.
9. Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – The dominant spice note that defines fall flavor.
10. Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon – Adds warmth and complexity.
11. Ground Cloves: 1/8 teaspoon – A little goes a long way for deep spice.
12. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Balances all the sweetness.
13. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances every other flavor in the cookie.
14. Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened – The creamy tang in the frosting.
15. Powdered Sugar: 2 1/2 cups – Gives that smooth, sweet finish to the frosting.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to tweak it a bit to match what’s in your pantry.

Pumpkin Puree: Mashed sweet potato or butternut squash.

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.

Cream Cheese: Vegan cream cheese works well if dairy-free.

Unsalted Butter: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

Egg: A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) can substitute in a pinch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pumpkin Puree: This creamy, orange hero is what gives the cookies their moisture and signature flavor. Opt for pure pumpkin without added spices.

Cream Cheese: The tangy counterpoint to all that sweetness. Whipped until silky, it makes each bite feel decadent.

Instructions for Making Crumbl Pumpkin Cake Cookies

Let’s get into the fun part. These come together easily, and frosting them feels just a bit fancy.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. In another large bowl, beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Using a cookie scoop, drop large rounds of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Gently flatten the dough balls slightly with your palm to get a domed cookie shape.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are set and centers look puffed but soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While cookies cool, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled cookies and dust with a little extra cinnamon if desired.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   These are best enjoyed at room temperature when the flavors are boldest and the frosting is silky.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The beauty of these cookies lies in contrast. You get a pillow-soft, cake-like base that crumbles delicately when bitten. The cream cheese frosting brings a rich, tangy contrast to the warmly spiced cookie, while the touch of cinnamon on top teases your taste buds with every bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

You’re almost there. Here’s how to make these cookies go from great to unforgettable:

• For extra-thick cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Store-bought frosting won’t give you the same creamy depth—make it fresh.

What to Avoid

Even the best bakers can miss a step. Here’s how to steer clear of common hiccups:

• Overbaking leads to dry cookies—remove them while they still look soft.
• Using melted butter will make the dough too runny.
• Frosting warm cookies will cause a melted mess—let them cool first.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies are perfect for prepping ahead. You can store the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Baked cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days. Frosted cookies should be kept chilled for best results.

How to Serve Crumbl Pumpkin Cake Cookies

Set them on a rustic wooden board for a casual autumn vibe or plate them with a few cinnamon sticks and a dusting of powdered sugar for a more elegant touch. Pair with hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got a few cookies left? Crumble them into:

• A parfait with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers.
• A base for mini pumpkin cheesecakes.
• A topping over vanilla ice cream for a quick fall sundae.

Additional Tips

• Want a bakery-style swirl? Use a star tip when piping the frosting.
• Sprinkle some crushed pecans or graham cracker crumbs for extra texture.
• Chill the frosting briefly if it’s too soft to pipe neatly.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation is everything. Line cookies in a circle on a round plate with a swirl of frosting in the center. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon sugar or edible gold dust for that wow factor.

Variations to Try

• Maple Frosted Version: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the frosting.
• Nutty Pumpkin: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough.
• Mini Cookies: Use a smaller scoop for bite-sized treats.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Spice Boost: Add a dash of cardamom for an exotic twist.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make these without cream cheese frosting?

Yes, but they won’t have that signature Crumbl flavor. Try a maple glaze instead.

Q2: Can I freeze the frosted cookies?

You can, but freeze them in a single layer first to preserve the frosting’s shape.

Q3: How do I know when they’re done baking?

The edges should be set, and the center should still look slightly soft.

Q4: What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?

Canned 100% pure pumpkin works best. Avoid pumpkin pie mix.

Q5: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely, refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Q6: What piping tip is best for the swirl?

A large open star tip gives that classic Crumbl look.

Q7: Are these cookies very sweet?

The cookie itself is mildly sweet, balanced by the rich, sweet frosting.

Q8: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

Q9: Should I store them in the fridge?

Only if they’re frosted. Unfrosted cookies are fine at room temperature.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?

Of course. Just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.

Conclusion

These Crumbl Pumpkin Cake Cookies are everything you want in a fall dessert. Soft, fluffy, and filled with warm spice, each bite is a hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a party, trust me, these cookies are worth every bite.

Print