3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

Nothing says fall quite like the aroma of pumpkin spice filling your home, and there’s no easier way to enjoy it than by making 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies. This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, offering you all the rich flavors of autumn with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, looking for a quick dessert, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are the perfect solution. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make these treats step-by-step, ensuring that your results are both delicious and perfectly baked every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful cookies:

• 15.25 oz Box of Super Moist Vanilla Cake Mix
  The cake mix serves as the base of your cookies, providing structure and sweetness. Choose a high-quality brand to ensure a tender, moist texture.
• 2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
  This spice blend combines cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to deliver that signature autumn flavor we all crave.
• 15 oz Can Pumpkin Puree
  Make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree gives your cookies their rich, pumpkin flavor and keeps them soft and moist.

Optional Add-ins

• ¾ cup Chopped Pecans
  For extra crunch and nuttiness, stir in chopped pecans. They complement the softness of the cookies with a satisfying texture.
• 16 oz Tub of Vanilla Frosting
  Spread this over cooled cookies for a layer of sweet creaminess that pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin base.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the dough is. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

2. Combine Cake Mix and Spices

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake mix. This step is critical for consistent flavor in every bite.

3. Mix in the Pumpkin Puree

Add the 15 oz can of pumpkin puree to the dry mix. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir everything together until a smooth, even dough forms. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and binds the ingredients together, making the dough soft and pliable.

4. Fold in Optional Add-ins

If you’re adding pecans or any other mix-ins like chocolate chips, this is the time to fold them in. Stir gently to avoid overmixing, ensuring that each cookie has a bit of added texture and flavor.

5. Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop 2-tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

6. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes. The cookies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to ensure that your cookies stay soft and tender.

7. Cool Completely

Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step helps the cookies set and develop their chewy texture.

8. Frost the Cookies (Optional)

If you’re opting for the extra layer of sweetness, spread a generous amount of vanilla frosting over the cooled cookies. This creamy topping adds a rich, sweet contrast to the spiced pumpkin base, making each bite even more indulgent.