Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel Frosting Recipe
Delight in these soft and moist Pumpkin Cookies topped with a rich, homemade Caramel Frosting. Featuring warm spices and a creamy caramel glaze, these cookies are perfect for autumn gatherings or festive treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Caramel Frosting
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: With an electric mixer, beat together the granulated sugar and oil until well combined.
- Add Wet Components: Incorporate the egg, milk, canned pumpkin, and vanilla extract into the sugar and oil mixture, blending thoroughly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Finish Cookie Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare and Bake Cookies: Drop the batter by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Caramel Frosting Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, heavy whipping cream, light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the mixture boils.
- Cool and Adjust Frosting: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Let cool to room temperature, then gradually add remaining powdered sugar until a spreadable consistency is achieved.
- Frost Cookies: Spread the caramel frosting over the cooled cookies evenly.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute canned pumpkin with homemade pumpkin puree for a fresher taste.
- Adjust cinnamon or add nutmeg for enhanced spice flavor as desired.
- Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with vegan alternatives.