Are you craving the cozy flavors of fall but short on time? These Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies are the perfect solution! They’re unbelievably easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet deliver maximum deliciousness. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, spontaneous baking sessions, or when you simply want a comforting, homemade treat without the fuss. Get ready to enjoy these soft, spiced cookies that capture all the warmth and magic of autumn. They're perfect for dunking in milk, sharing with friends, or simply savoring on their own.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) pumpkin cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional, for extra pumpkin flavor)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (or nuts, or your favorite mix-ins!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This small step makes a big difference in the final result!
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Don't overmix; just until everything is incorporated.
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Add Flavor Boosters (Optional): Stir in the pumpkin pie spice (if using) and your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries. Feel free to experiment!
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Overbaking will result in dry cookies, so keep a close eye on them!
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies:
- Don't Overbake: This is key to achieving soft and chewy cookies. Start checking for doneness at the 9-minute mark.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Get Creative with Mix-ins: The possibilities are endless! Try adding white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting once cooled.
Variations:
- Spiced Pumpkin Cookies: Increase the pumpkin pie spice to 1 ½ teaspoons for a more intense flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a dollop of cream cheese frosting to the center of each cookie before baking for a delightful surprise.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pumpkin cake mix to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These easy pumpkin cake mix cookies are a delightful autumn treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They're a quick, simple, and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the simple joy of homemade baking!