Soft Pumpkin Cookies

These Soft Pumpkin Cookies are an easy fall treat made with vanilla cake mix, pumpkin puree, and warm spices. They are soft, tender, and finished with creamy cream cheese frosting, making them perfect for cozy gatherings, parties, or a simple homemade dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Cream cheese frosting, for topping

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Add the vanilla cake mix, pumpkin puree, flour, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice to a large bowl.
• Mix until all ingredients are well combined and a soft dough forms.
• Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
• Spread cream cheese frosting over the cooled cookies.
• Serve and enjoy.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the cookies at room temperature with coffee, tea, or warm apple cider.
• For a festive presentation, sprinkle a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the frosting.
• Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigerate frosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.
• Let refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature briefly before serving for a softer texture.

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Fold 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the dough before scooping. Semi-sweet or white chocolate chips both work well.
2. White Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for a sweet and creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
3. Pecan Pumpkin Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans for extra crunch and a classic fall flavor.
4. Walnut Pumpkin Cookies: Add chopped walnuts to the dough for a nutty texture and richer taste.
5. Maple Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of maple extract to the dough and drizzle the finished cookies with maple glaze.
6. Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies: Replace part of the vanilla cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a delicious chocolate-pumpkin combination.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cookies: Skip the frosting and sprinkle the cookies with cinnamon sugar before baking for a simple finish.
8. Caramel Pumpkin Cookies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent dessert.
9. Ginger Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger to the dough for a warmer, spicier flavor.
10. Pumpkin Spice Frosting: Mix a small amount of pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese frosting before spreading it over the cookies.
11. Mini Pumpkin Cookies: Use a smaller scoop to make bite-sized cookies that are perfect for parties and dessert trays.
12. Oatmeal Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1/2 cup quick oats to the dough for a heartier texture.
13. Raisin Pumpkin Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup raisins for a chewy variation with natural sweetness.
14. Orange Pumpkin Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to brighten the pumpkin flavor.
15. Holiday Pumpkin Cookies: Decorate the cream cheese frosting with festive sprinkles or simple seasonal decorations for holiday gatherings.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes. Homemade pumpkin puree can be used as long as it has a similar thick consistency to canned pumpkin puree.

2. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead?
It is best to use plain pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices that can change the texture and flavor.

3. Why are my pumpkin cookies soft?
These cookies are naturally soft because of the pumpkin puree. They should be set around the edges while remaining tender inside.

4. Can I make these cookies without frosting?
Yes. They are delicious plain or can be finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

5. Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Chocolate chips are an easy addition and pair especially well with pumpkin and cinnamon.

6. Should I refrigerate cream cheese frosted cookies?
Yes. Store cookies topped with cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

7. Can I freeze pumpkin cookies?
Yes. Freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to about 2–3 months for best quality.

8. How do I prevent the cookies from sticking?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat before adding the dough.

9. Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes. Use a smaller scoop and reduce the baking time slightly. Watch them closely so they do not overbake.

10. What can I serve with pumpkin cookies?
They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, apple cider, or a glass of milk.

Soft Pumpkin Cookies are a simple and delicious fall dessert that comes together with just a few ingredients. Their tender pumpkin texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting make them an easy favorite for family gatherings, parties, and holiday baking.

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