Name: Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 ounce) package spice cake mix; 1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 137 reviews

There’s something undeniably cozy about autumn flavors, and these soft, fragrant Pumpkin Spice Cookies are the perfect way to usher in that warm, comforting vibe. With just two simple ingredients, this Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe transforms everyday pantry staples into melt-in-your-mouth delights that everyone will adore.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at Its Best: Only two common ingredients make these cookies a quick weeknight winner.
Perfect Texture: Soft, cake-like, and tender — the kind of cookie that feels like a warm hug.
Warm Spiced Flavor: The spice cake mix brings cozy pumpkin pie notes that fill your kitchen with fall magic.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family gatherings, bake sales, or just brightening up a simple afternoon tea.

Twelve small round muffins with a rough, cracked top texture in a golden-brown color are evenly spaced on a copper cooling rack. The wire rack has a grid pattern and sits on a white marbled surface. The muffins look soft and slightly puffy, each showing natural cracks across the top with a warm, golden tone. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe relies on just two star players — but they really pack a punch. The spice cake mix adds the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, while the pumpkin keeps everything moist and tender with that signature fall sweetness and vibrant color.

Spice Cake Mix: This brings all the pumpkin pie-esque spices and sweet structure your cookies need.
Solid Pack Pumpkin: Pure pumpkin adds moisture, flavor, and a soft crumb — no need for extra oil or eggs!

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

One of the best things about this Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to jazz things up according to what you love or what’s in your pantry — these tweaks are super simple but seriously delicious.

Add-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries before baking for extra texture and flavors.
Spice it Up: Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top before baking to boost that aroma.
Glaze or Frosting: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
Make Them Vegan: This recipe is naturally egg-free; just double-check your cake mix is vegan-friendly for a cruelty-free treat.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Before you start mixing, gather your spice cake mix and solid pack pumpkin. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cookie sheets well — or line them with parchment paper — so your cookies don’t stick and come off perfectly.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a large bowl, stir the spice cake mix and pumpkin together until they’re fully blended. The batter will be thick and sticky — this is exactly right. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies tender and soft.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Leave a bit of space between each cookie because they spread just a little as they bake. Pop them into your preheated oven.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the centers are set. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them firm up without breaking. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. And voilà! Your cozy cookies are ready to devour.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe

Use Fresh Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix: The fresher the mix, the brighter the spice flavors, making your cookies truly pop.
Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best soft—checking a minute or two early keeps them luscious and tender.
Cookie Sheet Choice: A heavy, insulated cookie sheet yields an even bake with a perfectly golden bottom.
Cooling Time Matters: Letting cookies rest on the sheet before moving prevents crumbling and gives them great shape.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe

The image shows a white marbled surface with a copper cooling rack placed on it, holding 12 round, golden-brown muffins. Each muffin has a slightly cracked and textured top, showing a rough and rustic appearance. The muffins are arranged in three rows of four, evenly spaced apart across the rack. The cooling rack has a grid pattern, and the muffins sit comfortably within the square sections. The overall look is warm and freshly baked, with the copper and white marble contrast making the muffins stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

If you want to effortlessly elevate these cookies, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of sanding sugar or drizzling a light glaze made from powdered sugar and vanilla extract right before serving. A touch of cream cheese frosting piped on top also pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spice flavors.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own but even better alongside a hot cup of chai, spiced latte, or warm apple cider. For a more substantial spread, try pairing them with pumpkin soup or a caramel apple salad to keep the autumnal theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your pumpkin spice cookies on a rustic wooden platter lined with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and fresh autumn leaves for a charming fall centerpiece. Alternatively, stack them with a light dusting of powdered sugar in a glass jar or festive tin for gift-giving or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your pumpkin spice cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, make sure the container seals tightly to lock in moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies easily: place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly whenever a pumpkin spice craving hits.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies fresh from the freezer, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and enhances those cozy spice aromas.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of solid pack pumpkin?

It’s best to stick with solid pack pumpkin for this recipe, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices which might throw off the cookie’s balance and texture.
Do I need to add eggs or oil to this recipe?

Nope! The combination of spice cake mix and pumpkin creates a batter that doesn’t require extra eggs or oil — making it quick and foolproof.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make the cookies gluten-free, simply use a certified gluten-free spice cake mix. Otherwise, the recipe as is contains gluten from the cake mix.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your pumpkin is not too watery and avoid overmixing the batter; also, chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking can help maintain the cookie shape.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cookies Recipe is the easiest, tastiest way to bring a little autumn magic into your kitchen—no fuss, just instant cozy vibes. So why wait? Grab that can of pumpkin and spice cake mix, and whip up a batch to share (or savor solo!). You’re going to love how these cookies make every day feel like a crisp fall afternoon.