If you’re craving a sweet treat that feels like fall wrapped up in a cozy hug, look no further than this delightful 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies with Spice Cake Mix Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender, soft texture and the warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin and autumn spices, all with minimal effort and ingredients. Whether you’re a baking beginner or just need a quick fix for your seasonal cookie cravings, this recipe delivers a scrumptious harvest of joy from your oven to your plate in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just three simple ingredients come together to create these irresistible autumn bites. Each one plays a crucial role: the spice cake mix provides that rich foundation of flavor and texture, the pumpkin puree adds moistness and that unmistakable fall vibe, and the eggs bind everything perfectly while enhancing the cookie’s soft chewiness.
- Spice cake mix: This is your flavorful base, packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices that make pumpkin cookies sing.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and a gorgeous autumnal color, along with that subtle earthy sweetness.
- Eggs: Help hold everything together while lending a tender crumb.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies with Spice Cake Mix Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s ready when your cookie dough is mixed and you’re set for baking perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the entire box of spice cake mix, the pumpkin puree, and the two eggs. Stir until all ingredients are fully blended and you have a uniform dough. You’ll notice the dough is slightly sticky but perfectly scoopable—this is exactly what you want for soft, chewy cookies.
Step 3: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them a couple of inches apart because these cookies spread just a bit, forming lovely soft rounds.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake in your preheated oven for about 9 minutes. The cookies will puff up and set around the edges but remain tender in the center. Keep an eye on them as ovens vary, but avoid overbaking to maintain that chewy texture we love.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. These 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies with Spice Cake Mix Recipe taste amazing warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies with Spice Cake Mix Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the cookies once cooled. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a lovely contrast to the warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy latte. If you’re serving them at a gathering, consider offering a bowl of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting on the side for dipping or spreading.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by sandwiching two cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or mascarpone for a luscious dessert bite. You can also cut the cookies into smaller shapes and serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible autumn treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your pumpkin cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw them at room temperature for an hour or warm briefly in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
To bring that fresh-baked warmth back, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This simple step rejuvenates their soft, comforting texture and aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with something else?
Pumpkin puree gives these cookies their signature flavor and moisture, but you could experiment with sweet potato puree or canned butternut squash for a slightly different twist. Keep in mind flavor and texture may vary.
Why use spice cake mix instead of plain cake mix?
Spice cake mix already includes warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that perfectly complement the pumpkin. Using plain cake mix would require additional spices to replicate that classic pumpkin cookie flavor.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Toss in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips to elevate the cookies’ texture and taste. Start with about ½ cup and gently fold them into your dough before baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Traditional spice cake mixes contain gluten, so these cookies are not naturally gluten-free. However, if you find a gluten-free spice cake mix, you can use it to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How thick are these cookies once baked?
These cookies stay relatively soft and cake-like, usually around ½ inch thick. They have a tender crumb that makes every bite melt in your mouth while still holding their shape beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies with Spice Cake Mix Recipe is one of those magical finds that reminds me how satisfying simple baking can be—minimal ingredients, quick prep, and maximum warm, cozy flavor. If you want to brighten a chilly afternoon or impress friends with little fuss, these cookies should be your go-to this season. Trust me, once you try them, this easy fall favorite will have a permanent spot in your baking rotation!
Print
3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies with Spice Cake Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies are a quick and easy fall-inspired treat made with a spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and eggs. They are soft, moist, and perfect for a cozy snack or dessert. The recipe also includes a luscious cream cheese frosting for a rich finishing touch.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 15.25 oz box spice cake mix (Duncan Hines recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix everything together until well blended and a dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 9 minutes or until the cookies are set and edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and half of the ground cinnamon, beating until the frosting is well combined and fluffy.
- Frost the cookies: Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cookie. Sprinkle the remaining ground cinnamon lightly over the frosted cookies for added flavor and decoration.
- Serve and enjoy: Your pumpkin cookies are now ready to be served. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for a smooth frosting consistency.
- You can substitute the spice cake mix with a yellow or white cake mix plus pumpkin pie spice if preferred.
- If you want a dairy-free version, consider using vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be soft and slightly chewy.
- These cookies freeze well – freeze unfrosted cookies and frost them when ready to serve.
