Pecan Shortbread Crusted Browned Butter Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

I’m doing it. I’m getting one more pumpkin recipe in before it’s officially December, and therefore, officially wintertime.

I don’t know why there’s some kind of weird cultural taboo on pumpkin desserts after Thanksgiving, but I’m totally against it. I barely bake enough with pumpkin during autumn, to heck if I’m going to miss prime opportunities for treats that are warm and spicy and flavored with pumpkin.

I made these cupcakes a little more acceptable for this time of year. The “not quite winter but no longer fall” time. The “do I get a pumpkin spice or gingerbread latte?” time. The “my hands are too cold without gloves but too sweaty with them” time. You guys know what I’m talking about right? Anyone? Anyone? (“Bueller? Bueller?”)

Salted Caramel and Pumpkin Smashing S'mores

I’m sorry. I’ve been slacking lately. And I wish I could tell you why.

I’m normally a very punctual person. Possibly annoyingly so. I’m 10 minutes early to work, I’m always waiting on my friends to be ready to leave, I sit in the front of class by choice – getting there before majority of my classmates to pick my ideal seat (all pathetic and all true). 

And this treat right here? I’ve only been wanting to share it with y’all since the spring! Like, I thought of it in May during my history class (notes? Who takes notes?) and patiently waited until fall to bust it out. I mean, it’s pumpkin, caramel, spicy goodness. Basically the epitome of this glorious season.

And yet, I sat on this recipe. I stalled and waited and put it off and waited some more. I managed to share a pic on Instagram weeks ago, but that’s as far as I got…that, and eating all of these lovelies in 2.6 days. I am shamefully late in sharing these Salted Caramel Pumpkin Smashing S’mores. I kept the beautiful combination of pumpkin graham crackers, salted caramel swirled marshmallows, and sweet white chocolate coating all to myself. And for that, I am sorry.