Easy 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies: Your Go-To Recipe for a Simple Fall Treat
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As the leaves begin to turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of pumpkin baking in your kitchen. And what if we told you that creating that cozy, autumnal atmosphere could be incredibly simple? Introducing our sensationally easy 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookie recipe – a true fall favorite that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Forget complicated ingredient lists and lengthy baking times. This recipe is designed for those moments when you crave a delicious homemade treat but are short on time. With just three basic items, you can whip up a batch of perfectly moist, delightfully spiced pumpkin cookies that taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery.
These aren’t just any cookies; they boast a wonderfully soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth, making them utterly irresistible. They’re the ideal sweet indulgence for a crisp autumn evening, a cozy weekend brunch, or a quick snack any time you’re in the mood for pumpkin perfection. If you’re feeling a little fancy, a dollop of homemade cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze can elevate these humble cookies into a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone.
So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, prepare to fall in love with the ultimate hassle-free pumpkin dessert. Grab a box of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin puree, and your favorite chocolate chips, and get ready to enjoy truly delicious pumpkin cookies. They’re so good, you might just want to keep them all for yourself! 😉
Ingredients for Easy 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies:
The beauty of these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies lies in their simplicity. You only need three key ingredients to create these delightful fall treats. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect moist texture and irresistible pumpkin spice flavor. Make sure to choose quality ingredients to ensure the best possible results for your quick pumpkin cookies.
- Pumpkin: You will need one standard can (15 oz) of pure pumpkin purée. It’s incredibly important not to confuse this with pumpkin pie filling, which often comes in a similar can but contains added spices and sweeteners. For these simple pumpkin cookies, pure pumpkin puree provides the necessary moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor without overwhelming the spice cake mix.
- Cake mix: The secret weapon for these easy cake mix cookies! Be sure to grab a box of spice cake mix. This shortcut eliminates the need for flour, sugar, and multiple spices, creating a perfectly balanced batter with minimal fuss. The spice cake mix already contains all the wonderful fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which perfectly complement the pumpkin.
- Chocolate: Use your favorite brand and type of chocolate chips. While any variety works, chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness and textural contrast to the soft pumpkin cookies. They melt beautifully during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate that truly enhance the overall flavor profile of these homemade pumpkin treats.
How to Make These Simple 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies:
Making these effortless pumpkin cookies is a breeze! The process is so straightforward that even beginner bakers will feel like pros. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, fragrant pumpkin cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking from the moment your cookies go in. Adequate preheating is key to achieving that perfect rise and set texture.
Next, prepare your baking sheet. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray, or for even easier cleanup and perfectly baked bottoms, line it with parchment paper. Parchment paper also helps prevent sticking and promotes uniform cooking, which is especially beneficial for soft, moist cookies.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the entire can of pumpkin purée and the full box of spice cake mix. Mix these two ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and form a thick, uniform dough. You can use a sturdy spoon or a hand mixer for this step. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no dry cake mix remains, as this will affect the texture of your ultimate pumpkin cookies.
Once the pumpkin and cake mix are fully incorporated, gently stir in your chosen chocolate chips. Fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. This ensures every bite of your delicious pumpkin cookies contains that wonderful chocolatey goodness.
Now, it’s time to shape your cookies! Roll about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough into a neat ball. Place each ball onto your prepared cookie sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. Repeat this process until your pan is full. You can use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, which helps ensure all your pumpkin cookies bake evenly.
Finally, bake your 3-ingredient pumpkin cookies for 11-14 minutes. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The cookies are ready when they have set around the edges and are lightly golden, but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain their wonderfully moist, cake-like texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Store These Delicious Pumpkin Cookies:
Once baked, these pumpkin spice cookies are so delightful, you might find them disappearing quickly! However, if you happen to have any leftovers, proper storage will ensure they stay fresh and soft for days, maintaining their perfect cake-like texture and rich fall flavors. Here’s how to keep your homemade pumpkin cookies at their best:
Counter: To maintain their signature soft and chewy texture, store these pumpkin cookies in an airtight container at room temperature on your kitchen counter. This method will keep them fresh for up to 3-4 days. An airtight container prevents them from drying out and helps preserve their delightful moisture. While they are perfectly fine at room temperature, some people prefer a colder cookie, so storing them in the fridge is also an option.
Refrigerator: If you prefer your pumpkin treats chilled, or if your kitchen runs particularly warm, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The colder temperature might make them a little firmer initially, but they will soften quickly at room temperature or with a quick zap in the microwave.
Freezer: For longer storage, these simple pumpkin cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Tips and Tricks for These Easy Pumpkin Cookies:
While this 3-ingredient pumpkin cookie recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips and tricks can help you achieve perfection every time. From ingredient choices to customization ideas, these suggestions will ensure your fall baking experience is a complete success.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
For some pumpkin recipes, you might be able to substitute pumpkin pie filling for pure pumpkin puree, but not for this specific recipe. It is crucial to use regular canned pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling already contains a blend of spices and often sugar, which would lead to an overpowering flavor profile and potentially alter the cookie’s texture due to different moisture levels. Sticking to pure pumpkin puree ensures that your perfect fall treat has a balanced, delightful spice and pumpkin flavor profile without being overloaded.
Chips to use for these healthy pumpkin cookies:
While the original recipe calls for chocolate chips, you have a variety of options to customize these pumpkin spice cookies to your liking. The beauty of these cake mix cookies is their versatility! Here are some fantastic alternatives that pair beautifully with pumpkin:
- White chocolate chips: These offer a creamy, sweet contrast to the warm pumpkin spices.
- Dark chocolate chips: For those who prefer a richer, less sweet chocolate experience, dark chocolate provides a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon chips: To double down on the cozy fall flavors, cinnamon chips enhance the existing spice profile beautifully.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: A classic choice that offers a balanced sweetness, making them universally loved.
- Butterscotch chips: These add a caramel-like sweetness that complements pumpkin wonderfully.
- Pecans or walnuts: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, chopped nuts can be a fantastic addition.
What type of boxed cake mix to use:
For the absolute best and most authentic fall flavor, we highly recommend using a spice cake mix. It provides the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which are essential for that classic pumpkin spice taste. However, if you can’t find spice cake mix or simply prefer a different base, you can certainly switch it out with a yellow cake mix. If you go this route, you’ll want to enhance the spice profile. To do this, add about 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, or a mixture of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg to the yellow cake mix when you combine it with the pure pumpkin puree. This will help you achieve a similar delicious fall flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These soft pumpkin cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings and beverages. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or with a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra special touch, drizzle them with caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze. They are also perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Add a Frosting:
To truly elevate these easy cake mix cookies, consider adding a homemade frosting. A classic cream cheese frosting is always a winner and complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully. Alternatively, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract would also be delicious and easy to prepare. Just make sure the cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
More Delicious Dessert Recipes:
If you loved the simplicity and taste of these 3-ingredient pumpkin cookies, you’ll be thrilled to explore more easy and delightful dessert recipes from our collection. From comforting classics to quick sweet treats, there’s always something delicious to bake and share. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic options:
- Cream Cheese Danishes
- Caramel Butter Bars
- Honey Bun Cake
- Apple Dump Cake
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies
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Ingredients
- 15 oz can pumpkin purée
- 14 oz box spice cake mix
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
- To a medium sized bowl add in the pumpkin and box of spice cake mix. Mix well until well combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Roll 2 tbsp of cookie dough into a ball and place it on the cookie pan repeat until your pan is full.
- Bake for 11-14 minutes or until the cookies have set.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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We hope you love these incredibly simple yet incredibly delicious 3-ingredient pumpkin cookies! They are truly a testament to how easy and rewarding fall baking can be. If you give this recipe a try, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you enjoyed these perfect fall treats!