Sometimes the best treats are the simplest, and these Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix are proof. Soft, spiced, and wonderfully tender, they come together in minutes with just a handful of pantry ingredients. Perfect for fall baking, these cookies deliver warm flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg in every bite — with optional add-ins like white chocolate chips or pecans for extra flair.
🍪 Ingredients (Makes ~24 cookies)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or spice cake mix
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt (omit if cake mix already contains salt)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or white chocolate chips
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prep the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt (if using) until well blended. - Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a thick, uniform dough forms. Fold in pecans or white chocolate chips if desired. - Shape the Cookies
Scoop dough by rounded tablespoons (or use a small cookie scoop) and drop onto prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies. - Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just set and centers look slightly soft. Don’t overbake — they’ll firm up as they cool. - Cool
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Extra Spice: Swap yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for an even stronger autumn flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of white for a richer cookie.
- Glazed Finish: Drizzle cooled cookies with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and add dried cranberries for a chewy contrast.
🍂 Perfect For
- Fall parties and potlucks
- Quick after-school snacks
- Holiday cookie trays
- Pairing with hot cider, coffee, or tea