Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with these scrumptious pumpkin spice cookies. A perfect treat for autumn, these cookies combine the rich taste of pumpkin and the warm spices of a spice cake mix. Enhanced with chocolate chips, they make for an irresistible dessert that can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply looking for a cozy snack, these cookies are sure to please!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1/2 cup melted butter (ensure it’s melted but not hot)
1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, semi-sweet, or white)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 13-16 minutes
Total Time: 23-26 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Enjoy baking these flavorful cookies that perfectly balance the sweetness of chocolate and the warmth of pumpkin spices!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper or lightly coating them with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, large egg, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all components are well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the spice cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until there are no dry patches of cake mix, being cautious not to overmix. The resulting dough should be thick and sticky.
Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Using a 2.5-inch cookie scoop or a regular spoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Lightly press down on each mound of dough, as the cookies will not spread much during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie sheets on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 13-16 minutes. The cookies are done when they spring back lightly when pressed on top. Note that baking times may vary based on your specific oven.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
After baking, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Notes
Variation with Nuts
For an added crunch, consider mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts along with the chocolate chips.
Enhancing Spice Flavor
To enhance the spice flavor, you may add 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for extra warmth and flavor.
Cook techniques
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the pumpkin puree, egg, and melted butter in a large bowl. It’s important to mix these ingredients until they are smooth and fully combined. This ensures a uniform batter.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
When adding the spice cake mix to the wet ingredients, stir just until no dry mix remains. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so aim for a thick, sticky dough.
Folding in Chocolate Chips
Once the dough is mixed, gently fold in the chocolate chips. This technique ensures that the chips are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough without overworking it.
Scooping and Shaping Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Press down slightly on each cookie, as they will not spread much during baking.
Baking the Cookies
Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake until the cookies spring back when lightly pressed. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary based on your oven.
Cooling the Cookies
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a cooling rack.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure to cook and puree it until smooth.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use applesauce or coconut oil as a substitute for butter, but this may change the texture of the cookies.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! You can experiment with chocolate, vanilla, or any flavor that complements pumpkin.
How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for later baking.
What can I add to customize the cookies?
Consider adding nuts, additional spices, or even dried fruit to tailor the cookies to your taste.
Conclusion
These pumpkin spice cookies provide a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them perfect for the fall season or any time you crave something comforting and sweet. The addition of chocolate chips elevates these cookies, resulting in a treat that’s sure to please everyone.
Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Combo
For a chewy twist, consider adding 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies
Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules into the batter for a coffee-infused treat reminiscent of your favorite pumpkin spice latte.
Maple Glazed Variation
Drizzle a maple glaze over the cooled cookies by mixing powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk to create a sweet topping.
Nutty Pumpkin Cookies
Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped almonds or hazelnuts to add a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices nicely.
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add 1 cup of dried cranberries along with the chocolate chips for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness.
Cream Cheese Filling
Develop a stuffed version by placing a small dollop of cream cheese in the center of the dough before baking for a creamy surprise.
