If you’re craving a delightful fall treat that’s quick, easy, and irresistible, you have to try this Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix and Chocolate Chips Recipe. These soft, fluffy cookies come together with just three simple ingredients—pumpkin puree, cake mix, and chocolate chips—making them a perfect no-fuss dessert that bursts with seasonal flavor and sweet, melty chocolate in every bite. Whether you're baking for a crowd or just satisfying your own autumn-inspired sweet tooth, these cookies deliver on taste and texture, embodying everything we love about pumpkin desserts with minimal effort.

The image shows a silver scooper holding a round scoop of orange cookie dough filled with small dark chunks, about to drop it onto a white parchment paper-lined baking sheet. On the baking sheet, there are three more round scoops of the same dough, spaced apart. The dough looks soft and thick, with a slightly textured surface. The baking sheet is on a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how few ingredients are needed, yet each one plays an essential role. From the spiced cake mix which gives depth and warmth, to the pumpkin puree lending moisture and that unmistakable autumn hue, and finally the chocolate chips adding pockets of melting sweetness, all combine to make these cookies truly special.

1 (15.25-ounce) box spice cake mix or yellow cake mix: The foundation of the cookie dough, bringing flavor and structure; yellow cake mix with pumpkin spice makes for a gentler pumpkin flavor and brighter color.
1 (14-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pie filling): Adds moisture, tender texture, and signature pumpkin taste without extra sweetness or spice.
1 cup chocolate chips: Ensures gooey, sweet bursts in every bite—feel free to use semi-sweet or milk chocolate depending on your preference.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix and Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s hot and ready so your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine your cake mix and pumpkin puree. If you’re using a yellow cake mix, add one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice before stirring in the pumpkin to boost that cozy fall flavor. Stir the mixture well until it becomes a smooth dough, then fold in your chocolate chips evenly. This batter is delightfully simple but yields wonderfully fluffy cookies with just a few stirs.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Use a large cookie scoop or measure out about two tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to allow room for spreading. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This timing helps keep the cookies soft and moist without overbaking.

Step 4: Cool Before Enjoying

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the pan for about four minutes. This brief cooling allows them to set without losing their tender texture. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely, or enjoy warm for a melty chocolate chip experience.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix and Chocolate Chips Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a single round cookie with a soft, golden-brown dough base. Large, thick, dark chocolate chunks are embedded on the top surface, some slightly melted into the dough. The texture of the cookie looks soft and slightly crumbly, with visible cracks and crevices around the chocolate pieces. The cookie rests on a light gray baking sheet with a smooth, flat surface. In the background, parts of two more cookies are slightly blurred but visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance these cookies by sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate glaze for a touch of elegance. A pinch of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking adds a delicate crunch and extra spice, elevating their homemade charm.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or a creamy latte, complementing the spices and chocolate beautifully. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of pumpkin-flavored gelato to bring a cool contrast to the warm cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board decorated with autumn leaves and small gourds for a festive vibe. Gift them in cello bags tied with twine and a cinnamon stick for a thoughtful homemade gift to friends and family. You can also sandwich cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an irresistible pumpkin cookie sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ideal for snacking or sharing throughout the week. If you want to maintain their fluffy texture, avoid refrigerating as that can dry them out.

Freezing

Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix and Chocolate Chips Recipe freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture, perfect for making ahead for the holidays or future cravings.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and melts the chocolate chips slightly, making them taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling because the filling contains added sugars and spices, which can throw off the texture and sweetness balance of the cookies.

What if I don’t have a spice cake mix? Can I use plain cake mix instead?

Absolutely! If you use a yellow or plain cake mix, simply add about one tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dry mix to achieve that comforting fall flavor profile.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

These cookies depend on the cake mix used, so if you choose a gluten-free cake mix, then yes, these pumpkin cookies can be gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries would add delightful texture and flavor. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.

How do I make these cookies more festive for a party?

Try topping the cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting or rolling them in cinnamon sugar. You can also use themed sprinkles or drizzled white chocolate to add a festive touch that wows guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about the ease and comfort of this Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix and Chocolate Chips Recipe. It takes the stress out of baking while delivering rich, cozy flavors and tender texture that everyone will love. If you want a quick and delicious way to bring the spirit of fall into your home, these cookies are just the ticket. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a staple in your autumn baking routine!

Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix and Chocolate Chips Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 81 reviews

Author: Sky
Total Time: 23-25 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix are incredibly soft, fluffy, and easy to make with just three simple ingredients. Perfect for fall, they combine pumpkin puree, cake mix, and chocolate chips to create a delicious seasonal treat that's quick to prepare and bake.

Ingredients

Cookies

1 (15.25-ounce) box spice cake mix or yellow cake mix (see notes)
1 (14-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Combine Cake Mix and Pumpkin: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix with the pumpkin puree. If you are using a yellow cake mix, add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice before adding the pumpkin to enhance the fall flavors. Stir until the dough is smooth and well combined.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough evenly using a spoon or spatula.
Scoop and Bake: Using a large cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 4 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Enjoy and Share: Once cooled, enjoy your moist and flavorful pumpkin cookies. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating if you try this recipe!

Notes

Cake Mix Variations: For yellow cake mix, add 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice with the dry mix. No additional liquid or ingredients from the box are needed.
Taste Differences: Yellow cake mix yields a prettier orange color and milder taste, preferred by kids. Spice cake mix has a stronger pumpkin spice flavor, great for those who love that profile. Chocolate cake mix can be used for a chocolate-forward cookie but will mask pumpkin flavor.
Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American