Easy 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

If fall had a flavor, it would taste exactly like these cookies. Imagine soft, pillowy bites infused with warm spices, cozy pumpkin goodness, and just the right touch of melty chocolate. These Easy 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies are like wrapping yourself in a fuzzy blanket on a crisp autumn day—comforting, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.

And the best part? They only require three simple ingredients! No fancy tricks, no endless shopping list—just a box of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin puree, and some chocolate chips. That’s it. You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, making them the ultimate treat for when you want something homemade but effortless. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these on repeat all season long.

Recipe Origin

This recipe is one of those magical shortcuts that’s been passed around family gatherings and Pinterest boards for years. It’s a clever baking hack that transforms pantry staples into cookies that taste like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen. The pumpkin keeps the cookies soft and moist, the spice cake mix delivers that nostalgic fall flavor, and the chocolate chips make them irresistible.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

Print

Why You’ll Love Easy 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

Quick and Easy

Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish. No chilling, no complicated steps—just mix, scoop, and bake.

Budget-Friendly

With only three affordable ingredients, this recipe proves that homemade treats don’t have to break the bank.

Kid-Friendly

Perfect for baking with kids. They’ll love helping stir the batter and, of course, sneaking chocolate chips.

Fall Flavors Galore

Pumpkin plus spice cake mix equals everything you love about autumn in one cookie.

Perfect for Sharing

Bring a batch to work, school events, or family get-togethers, and watch them disappear fast.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t overbake: These cookies stay soft, so take them out when they look just set.
• Use parchment paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
• Mix gently: Stir until just combined—overmixing can make the cookies dense.
• Customize the chips: Dark chocolate is dreamy, but milk chocolate or even white chocolate works too.
• Add-ins: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top can elevate these cookies even more.

Ingredients in Easy 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

Spice Cake Mix

The flavor powerhouse. It’s packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving you that warm, cozy autumn flavor without needing to measure a single spice.

Pumpkin Puree

The secret to soft, moist cookies. It adds natural sweetness and keeps the texture light and fluffy. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.

Dark Chocolate Chips

The melty, gooey goodness that makes each bite irresistible. Dark chocolate adds a rich balance to the sweetness of the cookie base.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, stir together the spice cake mix and pumpkin puree until well combined. The dough will be thick, almost like brownie batter.

Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the sheet, leaving space between cookies.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are just set. The cookies should be soft but not gooey in the middle.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm, or store in an airtight container once cooled.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 18–20 cookies
Calories per serving: ~120
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Easy 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

• With Coffee or Tea: Perfect for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
• Holiday Platters: Add them to a fall or Thanksgiving dessert spread.
• School Lunches: Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat.
• On Their Own: Honestly, these cookies are so good you don’t need anything else.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
• You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake straight from frozen (just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time).

Variations to Try

• White Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter, creamier twist.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
• Pumpkin Spice Boost: Stir in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for even more fall flavor.

Additional Tips

• If you like extra gooey cookies, pull them out at the 12-minute mark.
• For perfectly round cookies, use a cookie scoop.
• Double the recipe—you’ll thank yourself later.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cake mix?
A1: Yes! Vanilla, chocolate, or yellow cake mix also works, though spice cake mix gives the best fall flavor.

Q2: Can I make these cookies vegan?
A2: Absolutely—most cake mixes are already vegan, so just check the label and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Q3: Can I add frosting?
A3: Yes! Cream cheese frosting is divine on these cookies.

Q4: Do I need eggs or oil?
A4: Nope—the pumpkin puree replaces both, keeping this recipe at just three ingredients.

Q5: Can I freeze the cookies?
A5: Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.

Q6: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
A6: No, pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices—it will change the texture. Stick to pure pumpkin puree.

Q7: What’s the texture of these cookies?
A7: Soft, cakey, and moist—like little pumpkin pillows.

Q8: How do I keep them from sticking?
A8: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat for best results.

Q9: Can I make these gluten-free?
A9: Yes, just use a gluten-free spice cake mix.

Q10: Do they taste strongly of pumpkin?
A10: The pumpkin flavor is subtle and blends beautifully with the warm spices.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Easy 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies that are as simple as they are delicious. With just a box of cake mix, some pumpkin puree, and chocolate chips, you get soft, flavorful cookies that taste like fall in every bite. Perfect for busy bakers, last-minute gatherings, or just when you want something sweet and cozy without a lot of effort.

So go ahead—grab that can of pumpkin and whip up a batch. These cookies are proof that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy.