Pumpkin Caramel Cookie Skillet

Imagine breaking through the golden crust of a freshly baked cookie skillet, still warm from the oven. The aroma of cinnamon, brown sugar, and pumpkin wafts through the kitchen, hinting at gooey melted chocolate and pockets of rich caramel hiding within. Every bite is soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with warm fall flavors. This pumpkin caramel cookie skillet is everything cozy and comforting, made for sharing straight from the pan.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of those crisp October nights when all you want is a warm dessert to dig into while curled up on the couch. I had a leftover can of pumpkin puree and a craving for something rich and decadent. Instead of pie, I leaned into the magic of skillet cookies, added a touch of spice, and swirled in caramel for that extra cozy twist. It was love at first bite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Skillet cookies, often called “pizookies,” originated as a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Served in cast iron pans, they offer that crisp edge and gooey center in one glorious dessert. By adding pumpkin and caramel, this version takes inspiration from American autumn traditions, bringing the essence of pumpkin pie into cookie form.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Caramel Cookie Skillet

There’s something instantly satisfying about diving into a giant, warm cookie. But this version? It’s packed with little surprises and layers of flavor that’ll win you over from the first spoonful.

Versatile: Serve it straight from the pan or topped with ice cream for a full dessert moment.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, and canned pumpkin.

Quick and Easy: Mix, bake, and serve in under an hour.

Customizable: Add nuts, swap chocolates, or drizzle more caramel on top.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy family nights.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat slices for a next-day treat that still feels indulgent.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get that golden, gooey center every time, keep these tips in mind.

1. Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until the ingredients come together to keep the cookie soft and tender.
2. Use room temperature butter: This helps create a smooth, creamy base for the dough.
3. Chill the dough (if you have time): A short chill helps deepen the flavors and prevent spreading.
4. Drizzle caramel strategically: Swirl into the top layer so it stays visible and gooey while baking.
5. Slightly underbake: The cookie continues cooking in the hot skillet after you pull it from the oven.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much to pull off this dessert, and that’s part of the magic.

Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters in baking.

Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For folding everything together gently.

Cast Iron Skillet (8 to 10 inches): Essential for that crispy edge and gooey center.

Wire Rack: To cool the skillet slightly before serving.

Ingredients in Pumpkin Caramel Cookie Skillet

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and chew, thanks to these all-star ingredients.

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 3/4 cups. Provides the structure for the cookie dough.
2. Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon. Helps the cookie rise and spread just right.
3. Ground Cinnamon: 1 1/2 teaspoons. Infuses the cookie with cozy, fall spice.
4. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances all the sweet and warm flavors.
5. Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened. Creates a rich and tender crumb.
6. Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. Adds moisture and deep caramel-like sweetness.
7. Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup. Balances the brown sugar for a classic cookie base.
8. Egg: 1 large. Binds the dough and adds richness.
9. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
10. Pumpkin Puree: 1/2 cup. Adds moisture and that signature fall flavor.
11. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 3/4 cup. Melty, rich chocolate in every bite.
12. Caramel Sauce: 1/3 cup. Swirled into the dough for gooey, buttery ribbons of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing something. Here are a few easy swaps.

All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a GF option.

Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.

Pumpkin Puree: Mashed sweet potato works in a pinch.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Swap in white chocolate or chopped dark chocolate.

Caramel Sauce: Dulce de leche is a delicious alternative.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pumpkin Puree: Not only does it give the cookie its seasonal flair, but it also adds moisture and softness without needing too much fat.

Brown Sugar: This key ingredient deepens the flavor and helps create that chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.

Instructions for Making Pumpkin Caramel Cookie Skillet

Let’s get baking! This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, and the results are magical.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your skillet if it’s not well-seasoned.
2. Combine Ingredients: In one bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In another, cream the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and pumpkin puree. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Make sure your skillet is clean and prepped with a light coating of oil or butter.
4. Assemble the Dish: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the skillet. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and gently swirl with a knife.
5. Cook to Perfection: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
6. Finishing Touches: Let the skillet cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Scoop directly from the skillet with spoons or serve slices topped with vanilla ice cream.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This cookie skillet is all about contrast. The edges crisp up thanks to the cast iron heat, while the center stays soft and gooey from the pumpkin and caramel. Chocolate chips melt into pools of richness, while warm spices bring everything together in a cozy blend of fall flavors.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to make your cookie skillet even better.

• Bake until just golden. Overbaking dries it out quickly.
• Serve warm for the ultimate gooey texture.
• Top with flaky salt for an elevated sweet-salty contrast.
• Want it extra caramelized? Add a thin layer of caramel to the bottom of the skillet too.

What to Avoid

Here’s how to sidestep common pitfalls.

• Overmixing the dough. This can make the cookie tough instead of tender.
• Using pumpkin pie filling. It has added sugars and spices which will throw off the balance.
• Skipping the rest time. Cooling helps set the center just right.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 390

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it right in the skillet. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. You can also freeze the baked skillet, just wrap it well and thaw before reheating.

How to Serve Pumpkin Caramel Cookie Skillet

Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic feel. Add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. For a fancier touch, top with whipped cream and crushed pecans.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Don’t let a single bite go to waste.

• Crumble it over vanilla yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet breakfast twist.
• Chop and mix into vanilla ice cream to create your own cookie chunk dessert.
• Layer with whipped cream and fruit in a parfait glass for a fun trifle-style treat.

Additional Tips

• Let the cookie cool slightly before serving for neater slices.
• Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor payoff.
• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds extra sparkle.

Make It a Showstopper

For extra wow factor, serve it in mini skillets for individual portions. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce for that bakery-style finish. A scoop of pumpkin or cinnamon ice cream really seals the deal.

Variations to Try

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for crunch.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a deeper spice profile.
• Stuffed Center: Hide a few pieces of caramel candy in the center before baking.
• Chocolate Overload: Use a mix of milk, dark, and white chocolate chips.
• S’mores Style: Top with mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

A1: Yes, just make sure it’s pureed smoothly and strained to remove excess moisture.

Q2: Do I need a cast iron skillet?

A2: It’s ideal, but an oven-safe 9-inch baking dish can work too.

Q3: Can I make it vegan?

A3: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg, and use dairy-free chocolate.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?

A4: Absolutely. Just use a larger skillet or bake in two batches.

Q5: How do I know when it’s done?

A5: The edges should be golden and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Q6: Is this freezer-friendly?

A6: Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q7: Can I use store-bought caramel?

A7: Definitely. Just make sure it’s thick enough to swirl without disappearing into the dough.

Q8: Can I add oats?

A8: You can. Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with old-fashioned oats for added texture.

Q9: Will it be too sweet with both sugars and caramel?

A9: The salt and spice help balance it, but you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly if preferred.

Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?

A10: Pop a slice in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat the whole skillet in a low oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

This pumpkin caramel cookie skillet is the kind of dessert that brings everyone running to the table, spoons in hand. It’s warm, rich, and full of cozy charm, making it perfect for chilly nights or any time you crave something extra special. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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