Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This pumpkin cookie recipe, utilizing a cake mix shortcut, is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking adventures. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists; these cookies are quick, simple, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. They're perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or a simple pick-me-up any day of the week. Let's dive into this easy recipe for delicious homemade pumpkin cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (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. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms. Don't overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
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Add Mix-ins: Stir in your choice of mix-ins. Chocolate chips are a classic, but feel free to experiment with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for a twist!
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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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. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal mixing and texture, use room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Get creative with your additions! Try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting to the top of each cookie before baking for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Pumpkin Cookies: Add an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the batter for a more intense pumpkin flavor.
- Mini Pumpkin Cookies: Use a smaller cookie scoop for bite-sized pumpkin cookies, perfect for parties or snacking.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Fat: Around 10-12g
- Protein: Around 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-35g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This easy pumpkin cookie recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It’s a delicious and quick way to enjoy the flavors of autumn, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy!