Satisfy your pumpkin craving with only 3 ingredients. Make these super easy and delicious Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies. They are effortless and so easy.
I love making homemade cookies recipes. But sometimes I just don’t the time to make a complicated recipe. This easy pumpkin cake mix cookies recipe solved that. My kids can even help make it because all they need is 3 ingredients.
If you love these pumpkin cookies recipe, make sure you check out Easy Grinch Cake Mix Cookies or Cake Mix Chocolate Chips Cookies.
Why Make these Pumpkin Cookies
These Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies are loaded with flavors. If you love pumpkin flavored treats, then you need to make this cookie recipe. It is the perfect dessert to make for Halloween, Thanksgiving and More.
We love this pumpkin cookies recipes because it is budget friendly and I can use any flavored of box of cake mix. There is no need for eggs, flour or butter to make this recipe.
Make these for your next bake sale or for an easy weeknight dessert. They are always a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Can of Pumpkin – Make sure you use the pure pumpkin and not the pumpkin pie filling.
- Spice Cake Mix – I have made these before with a white cake mix and a yellow cake mix. They are good but the spice cake mix is so much better so use that if you can.
- Powdered Sugar – This is optional but I think it gives a nice sweetness to the cookie so I think it’s worth it.
Scroll to the bottom of the post to see recipe card for the full list of ingredients, recipe and recipe notes.
Variations Ideas
- Cake Mix – We used spice cake mix but other ideas include: yellow cake mix and white cake mix. Any of these would be great.
- Chocolate – Toss in a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cookie batter. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is delicious.
- Frosting – If you are feeling decadent, top the cookies with cream cheese frosting. Buttercream icing is also yummy.
- White Chocolate chips – Mix in 1-2 cups of white chocolate chips. The white chocolate chips combined with the pumpkin makes for a delicious flavor combination.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – To enhance the pumpkin flavor, add in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. It is a delicious addition to these pumpkin cookies. You can also add in cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of warm flavors.
- Chopped Nuts – For added flavor and texture, feel free to add in chopped nuts. We recommend pecans, walnuts or slice almonds.
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Step 2 – In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix (unprepared) and the can of pumpkin puree. The batter will be thick but this is normal.
- Step 3 – Use a cookie scoop to make the cookies. You should be able to scoop about 24 cookies. You can also scoop with a spoon.
- Step 4 – Then roll each cookie into the powdered sugar and put on a cookie sheet or baking mat. Try to space the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Step 5 – Just bake for about 13 to 15 minutes.
- Step 6 – Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. Then let them finish cooling on a wire rack.
Expert Tips
- Mixing Ingredients – The batter will be thick so I recommend mixing the batter by hand instead of using a mixer.
- Sticky Dough – If the batter is too sticky, refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes before scooping.
- Cooling Cookies – Make sure to allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before moving to the cooling rack. If you rush this step, the cookies may crumble.
- Pumpkin Puree – Save money and make Pumpkin Puree. This is super easy and a great idea if you make a lot of pumpkin recipes.
- Spray Cooking Scoop – If the batter is sticking to the cookie scoop, consider spraying the cookie scoop with nonstick spray first.
How to Make Cake Mix Cookies Soft
Generally, cake mix cookies are very soft and moist. The secret is to not over cook them. Watch them closely as they bake to ensure that they don’t get overcooked.
Keep a piece of white bread in the container with the cookies to keep the cookies soft.
How to Freeze Pumpkin Cookies
You have two options to free pumpkin cookies. You can either freeze the batter or you can freeze them after they are cooked.
- How to Freeze Pumpkin Cookies Batter – We actually have a very good post on How to Freeze Cookies for Baking. It will teach you how to freeze the batter so you can quickly make homemade pumpkin cake mix cookies without all the work.
- How to Freeze Cooked Pumpkin Cookies – Another great idea is to freeze the cooking after they are cooked. Simply place the cookies in a freezer bag and freeze. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you want a cookie, you can thaw it on the counter. You can microwave the cookie to give you that warm fresh baked cookie flavor.
How to Store
Allow the cookies to cool until room temperature. Then keep the cookies inside an airtight container. This is optional but I like to use parchment paper to put in between the cookies to prevent sticking.
More Cake Mix Cookies
If you make this pumpkin cookies with cake mix recipe, make sure to leave us a comment. We love hearing from you.
Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can of pumpkin
- 1 box spice cake mix
- ½ cup powdered sugar
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- In a medium size bowl mix together the cake mix (unprepared) and the can of pumpkin. Batter will be thick.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop the cookie dough. Roll into the powdered sugar and then place on a cookie sheet 2 inches apart. if the batter is too sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes before scooping.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes. Allow to cool slightly on the sheet before moving to a cooling rack.
- Makes 24 cookies
Daughter in law loves pumpkin…this looks like a winner!
Next on my list to make.
Not a big fan of pumpkin but worth giving this recipe a try
Hope you enjoy!
Had to repost, sorry. Forgot to rate recipe 🙂
Thanks so much.
These look amazing and are a day saver when I didn’t realize I had ran out of eggs!! Thank you for recipe! Have never tried this type of cookie before. Better later than never, HA!
You’re so welcome! I’m thrilled you loved them!
These cookies look amazingly good and easy to make. Thank you Carrie for all the recipes you make and share.
Cindy – You’re so welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment.
Loved the 3 ingredients to make a pumpkin cookie that the entire family loves!! Simple and quick to get our pumpkin fix!! Cookies are delicious.
I’m definitely going to try this! I’m going to check Pinterest for one of those box cake dupes since spice cake is harder to find. Definitely gets me thinking of fall! ?
I hope you love them! These cookies are such a fun and easy fall treat. Thanks for giving the recipe a try!
I have made these cookies many times. They are perfect with your favorite cup of coffee. I have put white chocolate chips in my batter instead of coating with white powdered sugar. Always a hit during the fall season!
Sounds delicious with coffee! Thanks for sharing!
Great recipe!! It was very easy to make and perfect for the autumn season! Thanks for the recipe!
Thank you for your positive review. It means a lot.
It’s always pumpkin season in my heart! Looks delish!
Yes! We love it too!
Could this be any easier! Love it!
I’m so glad! Thank you!
These are absolutely wonderful ??
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed!
Although you send me that again
Love easy and good recipes. Made a batch for myself first. Yum… going to make a bunch for my son’s work
That is so sweet to make a batch for your son’s work too. Thanks for commenting!
Not waiting until September for pumpkin spice season to try these. I am excited to make them for my family
.
Yay! Let me know how they turn out!
I never made cookies from a cake mix…not too sure how I feel about it.
It is so easy and delicious. I hope you give it a try.
I will definitely make these! I love anything with pumpkin!
We love pumpkin too! Let me know how it turns out.
I have never made cookies using cake mix. Excited to try this for the fall time.
These look delicious and easy to make.
Thank you for sharing the recipe.
I’ll definitely be making these with my granddaughter!
I hope y’all have the best time baking together!
This one looks super yummy! Looking forward to Fall to try this one!
April – Hope you love it! It is perfect for Fall!
I made these when some friends came over, so good! Great recipe ?
Heather – I’m so glad everyone liked them! Thanks for leaving a comment.
Perfect for fall tastebuds!
Yes! The perfect Fall recipe!
Can’t wait to try these.
Angie – I’m so glad you plan to try them. Hope you love them!
I have not made this receipe before..but I am saving it for thanksgiving..i need quick and eady desserts to feed the kids.
Thank you
Tess
Tess – That’s a great idea!
Usually I would rather make from scratch but these sound good, so I will try to make them as it gets cooler and closer to fall. Thanks for this recipe!!
You’re very welcome! Let me know if you have any questions!
??? I really wish my oven worked so I can make a batch!
Oh no! I hope your oven gets fixed soon!
Really yummy!! I love all things pumpkin!!
Thanks for sharing! So glad they turned out great.
I made these for a family family gathering. They were the first thing gone. Yum
Yum! I can’t wait to make all the pumpkin and Fall recipes.
Darla – We are ready too!
These are great to make to have on hand when the kids are wanting something to snack on. I personally love these too, when I am watching my fat intake. Great snack!!!!!!
Thanks for sharing! Love the ideas to make for the kiddos!
The kids at school would love these.
Anna – That’s a great idea! They are perfect for sharing.
Looks good – but not a pumpkin fan.
Yum ?: pumpkin ? in a cookie ?! How can that go wrong ? ? I can hardly wait to try these especially for the upcoming fall ? holidays ? ? .
Gonna have to add this into the family holiday desserts rotation this year!
I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you so much.
You had me me at pumpkin. Ready for pumpkin recipes. I will be making these .
Oh my word, these cookies are amazing, so simple. Very tasty, make them you will not be disappointed.
Mary – Thank you SO much!
This is the perfect for fall coming up
Holly – yes! Great for fall!
I made these cookies to get a start on the fall season, my favorite! They were delicious, I will be making them on repeat!!
That’s a great idea! Love that you got a head start!
Wow, wow, wow So glad I came across this recipe. 3 ingredients?? Are you joking, that’s a no brainer!!
I’m so glad you love it! We love easy recipes too!
This is next up on my desserts to make! It looks so amazingly easy and doesn’t seem like overly spiced, which some pumpkin things are for me. They sure look delicious!
These will be such a hit! Mix in options i would try would be the cream cheese chips and pecans.
Love those options! Hope everyone loves it!
Drizzled with icing Instead of rolling in sugar. Yummy
Sounds delicious! Love this idea!
Only 3 ingredients? I am making these for sure!
Sharon – Yes! We love easy!
I love pumpkin! These cookies sound easy and delicious to make! I am looking forward to making these.
Nancy – I can’t wait for you to try them! Let me know what you think.
We love anything pumpkin!!! Thanks Carrie!!!
We love all things pumpkin too! You’re so welcome!
I can’t wait to try these in the fall when it gets a little cooler! I love your variation ideas. I might add the white chocolate chips to mine!
Thank you, Cheril! I’m so glad you enjoyed the variation ideas!
these came out great. I made them gluten free too. Awesome and thanks
I’m so glad the cookies turned out great!
These look incredibly easy and sound yummy!!
Jen – Thank you! Can’t wait for you to try it!
Ooo…yum! Love all things pumpkin! Can’t wait to try these. Thank you!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy to hear this!
I’ve found zero-sugar cake mixes before – this would be a wonderful recipe for my husband if I could find a zero-sugar spice cake mix as he’s diabetic.
Karen – That’s a great idea. Let me know how it turns out!
I like that there’s only 3 ingredients., maybe I will try it out.
Yes! So easy!
3 ingredients? I kept refreshing to make sure I was seeing it correctly- looking forward to trying this recipe out. Perfect for a fall day and adding to the football snack table!
Thank you, Mary! I’m so excited you love it!
This sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
Diane – Thank you! Let me know what you think!
Can’t wait to give these a try!
These cookies are always a hit with my family !!
I love hearing that! So glad your family enjoys them!
Looking forward to trying this recipe
Thank you so much! I hope you love them! They’re so easy to make and perfect for fall. I’d love to hear what you think after you give them a try!
Oh my gosh! These look so easy and delicious. Will be making soon. With 5 kids still at home sweets are always in demand. And I can whip these out in no time. Thank you for sharing!
This is going to be an all time favorite at home and church pitch-ins!
These sound so good! Can’t wait to make them.
Autumn – I hope you enjoy. Let me know if you have any questions.
These sound so good, quick and easy. Yum!
OMG! These look amazing. I’m gonna try making them this week.
Donna – Hope you love them! They are perfect for Fall!
This recipe sounds delicious. I need to buy ingredients soon and make it. I’m sure it will be good.
Barbara – I can’t wait for you to try it! Hope you enjoy!
Can’t wait to try these!
Denise – Let me know how they turn out!
So good that I can make this for my grandma.
I make these every fall, sometimes more than once. I always add some chopped pecans. I also add an egg to get a slightly more cake-like texture. Top with cream cheese frosting and they are delicious!
Cynthia – I’m so glad! It’s a favorite here too!
What about adding some chopped pecans or walnuts?