Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re a fan of everything pecan pie but want to enjoy it in a fun, handheld way, you’re going to love this Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe twist—just kidding! Actually, today I’m sharing something equally delish but with a pecan pie cookie that’s absolutely addictive. These Crumbl-style pecan pie cookies are soft, buttery, and loaded with gooey pecan pie filling. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be coming back for more. Ready? Let’s get baking!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for classic cookie ingredients combined with a luscious pecan pie topping. You’ll want to aim for good-quality butter and fresh pecans, as these truly make a difference. Also, using room temperature eggs will help everything blend smoothly.

• Butter: Use unsalted, softened butter for the cookie base and more for the filling to get that rich, creamy texture.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: Adds moisture without overpowering the flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with the cookie’s structure.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps create a tender crumb in the dough.
• Egg: Makes the dough cohesive and helps with rise.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Flour: The backbone of your cookie—makes sure to spoon and level for accuracy.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance flavor.
• Baking Powder: Leavens the dough to make it soft and fluffy.
• Brown Sugar: In the filling for that deep caramelized flavor.
• Chopped Pecans: Use fresh for the best crunch and flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to the filling.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warming spices to echo fall flavors.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own sometimes, and I encourage you to add your personal spin on it too! Whether you want it gluten-free or love a little extra spice, these cookies are super adaptable.

• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend before, and they turned out tender and delicious.
• Less Sweet: If you’re watching sugar intake, try cutting down the brown sugar in the filling by a couple tablespoons—still super tasty!
• Spice It Up: Adding a little ground ginger or cloves to the filling brings festive spice that my family raves about every year.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cookie Dough Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl or your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy and smooth. This step is key for creating that perfect soft texture. Adding the egg and vanilla next, beat until everything is well combined—you’ll notice the dough comes together beautifully here.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Shape Cookies

Mix in the flour, salt, and baking powder gently until a soft dough forms. Using a large cookie scoop, portion out nine equal cookie balls and place them on your baking sheet, leaving enough space around each. Gently flatten each ball to about 1-inch thickness with your fingers, then press down the center with a ¼ cup measure to create a small well—that’s where the luscious pecan pie filling will go.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8-9 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still feel slightly soft. This prevents the cookies from drying out, and they’ll firm up as they cool. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet while you make the filling.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Keep stirring occasionally as the mixture bubbles for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all pecans are coated in that sweet buttery mixture. Whisk in the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. This filling is where all that gooey pecan pie flavor comes from—trust me, it’s worth the little extra effort.

Step 5: Assemble and Cool

Top each cookie with a generous spoonful of the warm pecan pie filling, spreading it evenly in the cavity you pressed earlier. Let the cookies cool for 20-30 minutes so the filling sets slightly but remains wonderfully gooey when you bite in.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the pecan filling right before serving—it really balances the sweetness and adds a nice texture contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a festive touch when I’m serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of strong coffee or a warm chai tea latte for a cozy treat. If you want to go bigger, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes it over the top — hello, dessert heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve arranged them on a pretty platter lined with autumn leaves and served alongside mini pumpkin spice lattes. If you want a crowd-pleaser, stacking the cookies in a tiered dessert stand makes a beautiful centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the cookies completely, then store them layered with parchment paper between each one in an airtight container. I usually keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

Frozen cookies work wonderfully for this recipe. I cool the baked cookies fully (without filling), freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed container. When ready to enjoy, I thaw at room temperature and add the pecan filling freshly made or warmed slightly.

Reheating

I heat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that gooey filling without drying out the cookie. You can also pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes if you prefer a slight crisp around the edges.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely adore this Crumbl pecan pie cookie recipe because it’s the perfect balance of simple and indulgent. I remember making them for a family gathering, and everyone was hooked — it felt like sharing a slice of southern hospitality in every bite! I really hope you’ll give these a try and enjoy them as much as I do. Whether it’s fall vibes you’re craving or just a new cookie to obsess over, these are where it’s at. Happy baking, friend!

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