Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• Spice Cake Mix: This provides a deliciously spiced foundation for the cookies.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, a natural sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the cookie batter together.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for the rich, tangy frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and creaminess to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that fluffy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to your frosting.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness.

How to Make Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

While pumpkin treats are often associated with the fall, these cake mix cookies are so delectable, you might find yourself making them year-round! Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and the egg until smooth. Gradually stir in the cake mix until well combined.
3. Portion: Scoop the dough into heaped tablespoon-sized balls and space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
4. Bake: Place in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are firm and the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Frost: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt together until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a fluffy consistency.
6. Decorate: Once the cookies are fully cooled, generously pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top. If desired, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for an extra flavor kick. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These delightful cookies can brighten any day, whether it’s chilly January or the vibrant hues of October. Here are some helpful tips for perfecting your cookies:

• Use room-temperature ingredients: Let your ingredients sit out for a bit to ensure easy mixing.
• Dough consistency: Aim for a sticky dough that’s manageable. If it feels too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour; if too dry, a splash of milk will do the trick.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30-60 minutes prior to baking can help thickness and prevent excessive spreading.
• Frosting technique: Wait for your cookies to cool completely before applying the frosting to avoid melting. Use a piping bag with a round tip for a professional touch.
• Mix-in options: Don’t hesitate to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even white chocolate chips for a touch of variety.
• Cake mix alternatives: If spice cake mix isn’t available, feel free to substitute with yellow or white cake mix and add 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
• Make ahead: The cookie dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.

How to Store

Whether you enjoy these cookies with your afternoon coffee or give them as a thoughtful gift, storing them properly is key to maintaining deliciousness:

More Cake Mix Cookies You Have to Try

• Snickerdoodle Cake Mix Cookies
• Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
• Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
• Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies