Delightful Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Get ready to indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Quick and easy to prepare, these cookies are soft, delicious, and perfect for any autumn gathering or cozy night in!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Ultimate Time-Saver: Minimal prep time thanks to cake mix and pumpkin puree.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stay soft for days and can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Customizable: A versatile base for adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a hit at potlucks and holiday parties with rave reviews!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 box Spice Cake Mix: This gives a rich, spiced flavor to your cookies.
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and a warm pumpkin flavor.
- 1 Egg: Acts as a binder in the cookie dough.
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese: Gives the frosting its classic tang.
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the frosting.
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides a fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness.
How to Make Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and egg until smooth.
- Add Cake Mix: Stir in the spice cake mix until everything is well combined.
- Portion Dough: Using a heaped tablespoon, form balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be firm, while the centers remain soft. Let them sit for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. Optionally, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Tips for the Best Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be sticky but manageable. Adjust with flour or milk as needed.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes to maintain cookie shape during baking.
- Frosting Technique: Frost only when cookies are completely cool to prevent melting; use a piping bag for a polished finish.
- Mix-In Options: Get creative by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other treats to the dough.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
How to Store
Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, storing your cookies is easy:
- To Store: Place frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cookies in a container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.
Explore More Cake Mix Cookies
- Snickerdoodle Cake Mix Cookies
- Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
Try these Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and watch them disappear at your next gathering! Enjoy the sweet taste of fall with every bite.