Fall baking can feel overwhelming. Many pumpkin recipes require a long list of ingredients and a lot of time. But, these easy pumpkin recipes offer a simpler solution.
With just three ingredients—spice cake mix, pure pumpkin puree, and miniature chocolate chips—you can make delicious cookies in under 30 minutes. They are soft, puffy, and have a rich pumpkin flavor. They also have warm fall spices and a tender, cake-like texture.
Families and friends have enjoyed baking them with their kids. They then share photos on Instagram and Twitter. Now, this cozy tradition can bring warmth to your home and community gatherings.
Before you start baking, visit Lauderhill Mall in Florida to get the ingredients you need. We invite local families, friends, and neighbors for a friendly shopping trip. Stop by, pick up your fall favorites, and bake something sweet to share!
What You Need for Three-Ingredient Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make these cozy cookies, we need just three simple ingredients. We'll use one box of spice cake mix, one 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin puree, and 12 ounces of mini chocolate chips.
- One box of Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix
- One 15-ounce can of canned pumpkin puree
- 12 ounces of mini chocolate chips
Duncan Hines pumpkin cookies are a favorite, but other spice cake mixes work too. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Brands like Libby’s, Trader Joe’s organic, Whole Foods organic, and store brands are all good choices.
Mini chocolate chips add a burst of sweet flavor to each cookie. If we don't have mini chips, regular semi-sweet chocolate chips will do. These cookies are easy to make because they don't need eggs, oil, or butter.
Each cookie has about 137 calories. It has 22 grams of carbs, 1 gram of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 16 grams of sugar. It also has 1 gram of fiber, 122 milligrams of sodium, and 2 milligrams of cholesterol.
How to Make Three-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy baking. This makes the cookies bake evenly and clean up a breeze.
- Sift the cake mix into a large bowl. This breaks up flour clumps and helps keep the dough smooth.
- Add the pumpkin puree. Stir with a spatula until the flour blends in and no small lumps remain. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the cookies tough.
- Set aside a few tablespoons of chocolate chips. Fold the remaining chips into the thick dough.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets with a medium cookie scoop or spoon. Leave a few inches between each portion.
- Press the reserved chocolate chips onto each dough ball. Slightly wet fingers can smooth the tops and sides, though this step is optional.
- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes. The cookies should puff, lose their raw shine in the center, and feel softly firm when pressed.
Move the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving. This quick method shows how to make pumpkin cookies with little effort and simple pantry staples.
Serve this warm, cozy treat as a 30-minute pumpkin dessert for family nights, school events, or friendly gatherings. Everyone can enjoy a soft cookie fresh from the oven!
Easy Pumpkin Recipes for Quick Fall Breakfasts and Desserts
We love quick pumpkin breakfast ideas for busy mornings. This recipe mixes in just five minutes. So, you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying warm treats with your family.
Each batch uses one whole can of pumpkin and a 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips. The pumpkin makes these cookies moist and tender. They feel like a mix between a muffin top and a pudding.
These pumpkin muffin top cookies are perfect for last-minute gifts. Keep this recipe handy for pumpkin snacks, family baking, and quick desserts. We enjoy them in autumn but their ingredients are good all year.
Tips for Soft, Puffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
We want every batch to feel easy and welcoming! Use a medium cookie scoop for even portions. A size 40 scoop works well and helps your soft pumpkin cookies bake at the same pace.
Line a sturdy aluminum baking sheet with parchment paper. The pan helps heat spread evenly, while parchment makes cleanup quick. These simple steps support tender cake cookies with neat edges.
- For larger cookies, scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough.
- Place eight dough balls on a half-sheet pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 13 to 14 minutes.
- Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Move them to a wire rack to cool.
Look for puffed tops and centers that no longer seem shiny. A gentle touch should leave a little resistance. We like a slightly underbaked center for a soft bite.
Smaller portions work well for parties and bake sales. Use 2 to 2½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie. They make more cookies and may need one or two fewer minutes in the oven.
Libby’s pumpkin puree works well in this recipe. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods purees can be more watery. If the dough feels loose, plan for one or two extra minutes in the oven.
These pumpkin baking tips help you adjust without stress. Watch the centers, trust the gentle touch test, and let each batch cool before serving. You’ll have puffy pumpkin cookies ready to share with family and friends!
Simple Variations for Three-Ingredient Pumpkin Baking
We can make these treats in many ways! If spice cake mix is not available, use vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix. Stir in 2 to 3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for warm fall flavor.
For soft pumpkin cookie bars, spread the dough in a greased 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F until the edges feel firm, the top starts to crack, and the center is no longer shiny.
To make pumpkin whoopie pies, leave out the chocolate chips. Bake small rounds of dough, let them cool, and sandwich them with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This version is fun for parties and family baking days!
- Mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Add butterscotch chips, toffee pieces, chopped candy bars, or white chocolate chips.
- Choose specialty mixes and baking chips for dairy-free pumpkin cookies.
Gluten-free cake mix can work well, though the texture may change. Test a small batch first. For vegan baking, skip the butter or use a vegan alternative. These simple pumpkin cookie variations make it easy to share a treat that fits many family needs!
How to Store, Freeze, and Serve Pumpkin Cookies
Keeping pumpkin cookies fresh is key. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Use parchment paper between layers to keep the tops and chocolate chips safe. Enjoy these cookies within 3 to 4 days for the best taste. Some can last up to a week if sealed properly. Always check them before serving, as warm kitchens can affect freshness.
These cookies are perfect for make-ahead desserts. To freeze, wrap them in plastic or foil. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cookies in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Let them come to room temperature before serving. This method helps them stay soft.
For a big batch, aim for 24 cookies. You'll need 8 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add pumpkin pie spice if you like. Don't forget salt, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, 1 1/2 cups of pumpkin, 2 cups of flour, and 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips.
Bake at 350°F for 13 to 14 minutes. Let them cool on the tray before storing. This step ensures they stay soft in the center.
- Serve a warm cookie with apple cider or hot cocoa.
- Pack a few for neighbors, teachers, or a family picnic.
- Arrange them on a fall dessert tray for a school event or gathering.
- Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat.
Sharing pumpkin cookies is easy. Bring a sealed container to a fall gathering, or leave a friendly box at a neighbor’s door. Simple treats create warm moments for everyone!
Shop for Pumpkin Baking Ingredients and Visit Lauderhill Mall
Before we bake, let’s make Lauderhill Mall shopping part of the fun. We can gather cake mix, canned pumpkin puree, chocolate chips, parchment paper, and baking sheets in one easy trip.
Look for a cookie scoop, storage containers, and serving plates, too. With the right pumpkin baking supplies on hand, the recipe feels simple from start to finish.
- Choose ingredients together.
- Pick containers for sharing.
- Plan which neighbors will receive cookies.
When we shop local Lauderhill, we support nearby businesses and celebrate the area’s many cultures. A mall visit can bring relatives and friends together, making it one of the easiest family activities in Lauderhill.
