Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies have officially become my go-to fall treat, and I’m so excited to share them with you! There’s something magical about that first bite – the warm, spiced pumpkin flavor melting in your mouth, with a hint of cozy sweetness. I remember making these for the first time last autumn; the aroma filled my kitchen, and my whole family came running, eager for a taste. They are truly the easiest pumpkin cake mix cookies I’ve ever whipped up, proving you don’t need a fancy recipe to get delicious results. These simple pumpkin cookies from cake mix are perfect for last-minute baking or just when a craving strikes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

• Incredible spiced pumpkin flavor that screams fall!
• Unbeatable taste with a perfectly chewy texture.
• Seriously quick prep time – you can mix them up in minutes.
• These are incredibly easy pumpkin cake mix cookies, perfect for beginners.
• Budget-friendly ingredients, as most are pantry staples.
• A guaranteed family-pleaser that kids and adults adore.
• These easy pumpkin cake mix cookies are perfect for bake sales or potlucks.
• They’re delightfully versatile, great for any fall or holiday gathering.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

Crafting this pumpkin cake mix cookie recipe is a breeze because you probably have most everything on hand! The magic really comes from the combination of a simple cake mix and pure pumpkin. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – this forms the base, giving our cookies structure and sweetness.
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree – make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for that authentic pumpkin flavor.
• 2 large eggs – at room temperature, they incorporate better into the dough.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil – this helps create wonderfully moist and tender cookies.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – essential for that warm, cozy fall aroma and taste.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors in the cookie.
• Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts – for added texture and flavor, if you like!

How to Make Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

Get ready to whip up some incredibly delicious cookies with this straightforward guide on how to make pumpkin cake mix cookies. These are so easy, you’ll be asking yourself why you haven’t made them sooner!

1. Step 1: First things first, let’s get that oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This little step ensures your cookies won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Step 2: Grab a large bowl. This is where the magic happens! Add your yellow cake mix, the entire can of pumpkin puree (that’s 15 oz of pure pumpkin goodness!), the 2 large eggs, and the 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
3. Step 3: Now, sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These spices are what give these cookies that signature cozy fall flavor.
4. Step 4: Mix everything together until it’s just combined and you have a soft dough. Don’t overmix! You want to keep that tender texture. If you’re adding optional ingredients like chocolate chips or chopped nuts, gently stir them in now.
5. Step 5: It’s time to form the cookies! Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. I like to use a cookie scoop for even sizes, but spoons work perfectly too.
6. Step 6: Bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden brown, and the centers should look set, not wet. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is just divine – a sure sign you know how to make pumpkin cake mix cookies that smell amazing!
7. Step 7: Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade delights!

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

Want to elevate your cookie game? These little tricks will ensure your pumpkin cake mix cookies are absolutely perfect every time. I’ve learned a few things over the years that make a big difference!

• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the dough; it can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it seems too soft to handle.
• Bake one batch at a time for even heat distribution.

What’s the secret to perfect Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies?

The secret to truly amazing, gooey pumpkin cake mix cookies is using pure pumpkin puree and not overbaking them. Letting them cool on the pan for a few minutes after baking helps them set up perfectly without getting dry.

Can I make Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature for about 15 minutes before dropping and baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies?

Avoid using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin. Also, resist the urge to overbake; the cookies continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven.

Best Ways to Serve Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

These delightful cookies are wonderful on their own, but I love dressing them up a bit! For a truly decadent treat, try them with a swirl of homemade cream cheese frosted pumpkin cake mix cookies. The tangy, creamy frosting is the perfect complement to the warm spice. They also pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For a more festive presentation, arrange them on a platter alongside other fall desserts like apple crumble or spiced cider.

Nutrition Facts for Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

When you’re enjoying these delightful pumpkin cake mix cookies, it’s helpful to know their nutritional breakdown. These numbers are based on a single cookie, and the values can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use and any add-ins.

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Fall Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

Keeping your delicious pumpkin cake mix cookies fresh is super easy, and I’ve got the best methods to ensure they stay tasty for days. First, always let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Warm cookies can create condensation in storage containers, making them soggy. Once they’re totally cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. These are perfect for making ahead for holiday gatherings or just to have a sweet treat on hand.

When you’re craving that homemade goodness again, reheating is simple. If your cookies are slightly stale, you can pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for just 3-5 minutes to refresh them. If they’re frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a couple of hours before enjoying. You can also gently warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm cookie experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

What are pumpkin cake mix cookies?

Pumpkin cake mix cookies are a delightful and incredibly simple cookie recipe that uses a box of cake mix as its base. They offer all the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin without the fuss of traditional baking. They’re a fantastic shortcut for creating delicious homemade treats, perfect for anyone looking for an easy dessert.

Why use cake mix for pumpkin cookies?

Using cake mix for pumpkin cookies is all about convenience and consistent results. The mix already contains the flour, leavening agents, and sugar, so it simplifies the recipe significantly. This makes it incredibly easy to achieve a tender, flavorful cookie every time, especially for those new to baking or short on time.

Can I use different types of cake mix for pumpkin cookies?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is a classic choice for these easy pumpkin cake mix cookies, you can experiment. Spice cake mix will enhance the fall flavors even further, and white cake mix will give you a slightly different base that still works wonderfully with pumpkin. Just be mindful that different mixes might slightly alter the sweetness or spice level.

How do I make my pumpkin cake mix cookies softer?

To ensure your cookies are soft and chewy, avoid overbaking them. Pull them out of the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft. Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes can also help them finish cooking gently, resulting in a wonderfully soft texture. Adding a touch more pumpkin puree can also increase moisture.

Variations of Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies You Can Try

Ready to get creative with your baking? These cake mix pumpkin cookie variations are fantastic ways to switch things up and discover new favorite flavors. They’re all built on the same easy foundation, so you can’t go wrong!

• Chocolate Chip Dream: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or dark) into the dough. These chocolate chip pumpkin cake mix cookies are a classic for a reason – the chocolate and pumpkin are a match made in heaven!
• White Chocolate Cranberry: Swap the chocolate chips for 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. This combination offers a lovely tartness and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them!
• Spiced Cake Mix Boost: For an extra kick of warmth, use a spice cake mix instead of yellow. This amplifies the cozy fall flavors and makes for incredibly aromatic cookies.

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