Introduction
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delightful pumpkin spice cookies. With the perfect blend of pumpkin puree and spice cake mix, each bite is a moist and flavorful treat that’s enhanced by the addition of chocolate chips. These cookies are not only easy to make but also a great way to enjoy the seasonal goodness of pumpkin. Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Canned Pumpkin Puree
1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin puree
Egg
1 large egg
Melted Butter
4 tablespoons melted butter (ensure it’s melted but not hot)
Spice Cake Mix
1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
Chocolate Chips
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 (including prep)
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or lightly coat them with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine with Cake Mix
Add the spice cake mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until no dry mix remains, being careful not to overmix. The dough will be thick and sticky.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Scoop the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets using a 2.5-inch cookie scoop or a regular spoon. Gently press each cookie down slightly, as they won’t spread much during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake on the middle rack for 13-16 minutes, or until the cookies spring back when lightly pressed on top. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Notes
Sticky Dough
If the cookies are doughy in the center, ensure you’re flattening them slightly before baking.
Handling the Dough
The dough is naturally sticky due to the pumpkin. If it’s too wet to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. Also, confirm you’re using a 15.25-ounce cake mix.
Variations
– Use white or dark chocolate chips, or a mix for varied flavor.
– Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
– For extra spice, mix in 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Combine wet ingredients like pumpkin puree, egg, and melted butter until smooth. Adding the dry cake mix gradually will help ensure a consistent texture.
Moisture Management
The pumpkin puree adds moisture, so if the dough feels too sticky, refrigerating it briefly can make it easier to handle.
Cookie Scooping
Use a cookie scoop for even portions. If using a spoon, ensure the dough is shaped uniformly for consistent baking.
Shaping Cookies
Before baking, gently flatten each scoop of dough to ensure even cooking as the cookies won’t spread much in the oven.
Baking Tips
Monitor the cookies closely towards the end of the baking time. Check for doneness by lightly pressing the tops—if they spring back, they’re ready.
Cooling Process
Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a cooling rack. This helps them set without breaking apart.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cake mix?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors, but keep in mind that the spices in the spice cake mix contribute to the overall taste.
What if my cookies are too doughy in the center?
Make sure to flatten the cookies before baking. If they still turn out doughy, you may need to bake them a bit longer.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting freshness.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, vegetable or coconut oil can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free cake mix, but the texture and flavor might vary from the original recipe.
Conclusion
These pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the warmth of spiced cake with the richness of chocolate. Easy to make and a fantastic way to embrace the flavors of fall, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or stored in an airtight container for later indulgence.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Transform the same ingredients into muffins by adjusting the baking time to 18-20 minutes. Add a crumb topping for extra texture.
Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
Use the same base but incorporate it into a loaf. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes for a delicious bread that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
Mix the pumpkin puree with pancake batter and add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal breakfast twist. Serve with maple syrup and chocolate chips.
Spiced Pumpkin Bars
Spread the pumpkin spice mixture into a baking dish to create bars rather than cookies. Bake for 20-25 minutes and serve with cream cheese frosting for a delicious dessert.
Chocolate Pumpkin Oatmeal
Stir pumpkin puree and chocolate chips into your morning oatmeal along with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a comforting, nutritious breakfast.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Blend the pumpkin base with cream and milk, mix in chocolate chips, and freeze for a unique autumn ice cream flavor.
