Okay, you guys, get ready for this! When fall hits, my kitchen just *transforms*. It smells like cinnamon, cloves, and all things cozy. And the quickest way to get that amazing aroma going? These Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies! Seriously, they’re a game-changer. If you think baking from scratch is too much work, or you just need a super-fast fall treat, these are your answer. They taste like they took hours, but trust me, they’re ridiculously easy. I whip these up whenever I need a little pick-me-up or when unexpected guests pop over. They’re the perfect little bites of pumpkin spice goodness, and everyone always asks for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Honestly, what’s not to love? These cookies are just pure joy in every bite. Here’s why they’re about to become your new fall favorite:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking about mixing up a dough and baking in under 20 minutes total. Yes, you read that right!
- Effortlessly Delicious: That spice cake mix does all the heavy lifting for flavor, and we just add a little extra pumpkin spice magic.
- Perfect Texture: They come out soft and chewy in the middle with just a hint of crispness on the edges. Plus, rolling them in powdered sugar? Chef’s kiss!
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether it’s a bake sale, a family gathering, or just a Tuesday afternoon, these cookies disappear FAST.
Gather Your Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row so we can whip these up in a flash! The beauty of these cookies is that you probably already have most of what you need in your pantry. It’s all about simplicity, which is why I adore them. Grab these goodies and let’s make some magic happen!
Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) of spice cake mix – this is our flavor superhero!
- 2 large eggs – make sure they’re fresh!
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil – any neutral oil works, really.
- 1/4 cup of water – just a splash to get things going.
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice – to really amp up that cozy fall flavor.
- Powdered sugar for rolling (optional) – if you like that pretty, frosted look.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, about that oil – vegetable oil is my go-to because it’s mild and lets the cake mix and spice shine. But canola oil or even melted coconut oil would work just the same. If you’re feeling extra adventurous and want even *more* pumpkin flavor, you can totally swap out the 1/4 cup of water for 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s the plain stuff, not pie filling! And the powdered sugar roll? It’s totally optional, but it gives them a lovely crackled finish and a little extra sweetness. If you skip it, they’re still absolutely delicious!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Alright, bakers, it’s go time! This is where the magic really happens, and you’ll see just how easy these Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies are to whip up. It’s a super straightforward process, so don’t stress. Just follow along, and you’ll have a batch of warm, spiced cookies before you know it!
Preparing Your Baking Station
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot so the cookies bake evenly. While it’s warming up, line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This is my secret weapon for easy cleanup and making sure the cookies don’t stick. Trust me, parchment paper is your best friend here!
Mixing the Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookie Dough
Now for the fun part: making the dough! Grab a large bowl – you want enough room to mix everything without making a huge mess. Dump that whole box of spice cake mix in there. Then, crack in your two large eggs, pour in the 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and add the 1/4 cup of water. Give it a good stir to combine. Now, sprinkle in that teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice – this is key for that amazing fall flavor! Mix it all up until it forms a nice, thick dough. It might seem a little sticky, but that’s exactly what we want for these Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies!
Shaping and Baking Your Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
If you’re going for that pretty, crackled look, now’s the time to roll your dough. Take a tablespoon or so of dough and roll it into a little ball. Then, just roll that ball around in some powdered sugar until it’s nicely coated. It’s like giving them a little winter coat! Place these sugar-coated balls (or just plain dough balls if you skipped the sugar) about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. They’ll spread a bit, so give them some breathing room. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 9 to 11 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be just lightly golden. Don’t overbake them – we want them soft!
Cooling and Finishing Your Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, resist the urge to eat them immediately (I know, it’s SO hard!). Let them hang out on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up just a little. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This step is important for getting that perfect chewy texture. If you baked them too long or let them cool completely on the hot pan, they can get hard. Patience, my friends!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Okay, these cookies are pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can make them absolutely *perfect* every single time. First off, don’t overmix the dough once you add the wet ingredients! Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, and nobody wants a tough cookie, right? Also, pay attention to that baking time. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them. You want them *just* set with lightly golden edges. If you bake them too long, they’ll lose that wonderfully soft, chewy center. And speaking of soft centers, don’t skip the cooling step on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to the wire rack. This little bit of resting time helps them firm up just enough so they don’t fall apart.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Got questions about these easy peasy Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies? I’ve got answers! People often ask me about swapping out ingredients or what to do if their cookies turn out a little… different than expected. Let’s dive in!
Can I use a different flavor cake mix? Absolutely! While spice cake mix is fantastic for that extra fall flavor boost, you can totally use yellow or vanilla cake mix. You might want to add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, or even a touch of cinnamon, to really get that pumpkin spice vibe going if you use a plain mix.
My cookies came out flat! What happened? Oh, that can happen! Usually, it’s because the dough was mixed too much, or maybe the oven wasn’t quite hot enough when they went in. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and try not to overmix the batter. If you’re using a different brand of cake mix, some can be a bit different in consistency, so you might need to adjust the oil or water slightly.
How should I store these cookies? The best way to keep these Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies soft and chewy is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay good for about 3-4 days, but honestly, they usually disappear way before that!
Enjoying Your Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Alright, your amazing Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies are ready to be devoured! They’re perfect just as they are, warm and soft, maybe with that pretty powdered sugar dusting. I love them with a big glass of cold milk, but they’re also fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially on a chilly fall afternoon. They make a wonderful little treat to share with friends, pack in lunchboxes, or just keep all to yourself for a cozy moment. Seriously, just grab one (or two!) and savor that sweet, spiced goodness!
Storing and Reheating Your Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
So, you’ve got some leftover cookies? Lucky you! To keep these Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies tasting their absolute best, pop them into an airtight container. You can layer them between pieces of parchment paper if you’re worried about them sticking, but usually, it’s not a big deal. They’ll stay nice and soft at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to reheat them for that just-baked feeling, just pop a cookie or two onto a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. They come out warm and gooey again – pure heaven!
Understanding the Nutrition of Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Now, I’m not a registered dietitian or anything, but I know a lot of you like to know the general nutritional info for treats like these Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies. So, based on the ingredients and typical serving size (about one cookie), you’re generally looking at around 150 calories. You’ll also find about 8 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of protein per cookie. Just remember, this is an estimate, and it can totally change depending on the specific brand of cake mix you use and if you add anything extra!
Print
Amazing Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies Found
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy pumpkin spice cake mix cookies are a simple and delicious treat perfect for fall. These cookies use a cake mix as a base for quick preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Powdered sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water.
- Stir in the pumpkin pie spice. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
- If desired, roll the dough into balls and then roll them in powdered sugar.
- Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a stronger pumpkin flavor, you can add 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree to the dough.
- You can also add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice cookies, cake mix cookies, easy cookies, fall baking, holiday cookies, quick dessert