Pumpkin Spice Cookies

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warm and comforting aroma of pumpkin spice filling your house. Many fall cookies fit the bill but few are as easy to throw together as these pumpkin spice cookies. They combine the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with a blend of spices topped with a creamy, luscious orange frosting.

Using a box of cake mix means employing fewer measuring cups, yet you still get light and fluffy cookies packed with pumpkin and spices. If you’re after chewy cookies, try our pumpkin s’mores cookies recipe or forgo the frosting and mix-ins and make pumpkin-spice sugar cookies.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cookies

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• Yellow cake mix: Boxed cake mix provides a quick and easy base for light and fluffy cookies, with flour, sugar and leavening agents already measured out for you. Before you head to the store, see our Test Kitchen team’s favorite yellow cake mix.
• Quick-cooking oats: Oats add a chewy texture and a bit of nuttiness, enhancing the cookies’ overall mouthfeel and heartiness.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the cookies with warm aromatic flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. Make your own blend or buy it pre-mixed.
• Pumpkin: Solid-pack pumpkin adds moisture, natural sweetness and a distinctive pumpkin flavor. The best brands contain pure pumpkin and look and taste fresh.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, providing structure and stability to the cookie dough while adding richness.
• Canola oil: Adds moisture and helps to create a tender texture by keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet base for the frosting that is easy to spread and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Orange zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that compliments the sweetness of the frosting and the warmth of the pumpkin spices.
• Orange juice: Provides the liquid needed to achieve the right frosting consistency while adding a bright, tangy flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

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Combine cake mix, oats and pumpkin pie spice in one bowl. In another bowl, beat pumpkin, egg and oil and then stir the mixture into the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Bake the cookies

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Drop dough by two tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets and flatten with the back of a spoon. Bake at 350°F until edges are golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Frost the cookies

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In a medium bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, orange zest and enough orange juice to achieve a thick but spreadable frosting. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on top of each cookie.

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Pumpkin Spice Cookie Recipe Variations

• Go nuts: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for some crunch.
• Add chocolate chips: Fold a cup of chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet, chocolatey twist.
• Maple frosting: Replace the vanilla extract in the frosting with a teaspoon of maple extract for a rich, autumnal flavor.

How to Store Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw and frost them before serving.

Can you make pumpkin spice cookies ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking. You can also bake the cookies and wait to frost them up to two days in advance.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Cookie Tips

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Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which can alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. For the best results, stick with canned pure pumpkin.

Can I make pumpkin spice cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement and check the texture of the dough, adjusting if necessary. Or try our gluten-free pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Also, ensure your butter is not too soft and your baking sheets are cool before placing the dough on them.