Easy 20 Minute Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies

Picture this: soft, pillowy pumpkin spice cake cookies that taste like autumn wrapped in a bite-sized package. These irresistibly tender treats combine the beloved flavors of pumpkin spice cake with the convenience of cookies, creating pure magic in every mouthful.

Here’s a fun fact: the original pumpkin spice blend was created in 1934 by McCormick, but home bakers have been perfecting their own versions ever since!

What makes these cookies truly special is their cake-like texture and warm spice blend that fills your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma. They’re incredibly simple to make, requiring just 20 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy families who want homemade goodness without the fuss.

If you loved our popular snickerdoodle cookies, you’ll absolutely adore these pumpkin spice beauties – they share that same soft, tender crumb but with an exciting seasonal twist that screams cozy fall vibes.

What Are Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies?

Ever wondered why we call them “cake cookies”? It’s simple really – these delightful treats have all the fluffy, moist texture of your favorite pumpkin spice cake, but in convenient cookie form!

Think of them as the perfect marriage between a cupcake and a cookie, where neither one could commit to being just one thing. My grandmother used to say these cookies prove that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and honestly, she wasn’t wrong – one bite of these pillowy soft beauties and you’ll understand the magic. Ready to fall head over heels for fall’s most irresistible treat?

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies

The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience

These pumpkin spice cake cookies deliver the most incredible soft, cake-like texture that literally melts in your mouth. The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates an aromatic symphony that transforms your kitchen into a cozy autumn paradise. Each bite bursts with rich pumpkin flavor and warming spices that hug your taste buds.

Budget-Friendly Fall Baking

Making these cookies at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at specialty bakeries or coffee shops. With simple pantry staples and affordable canned pumpkin, you can create dozens of gourmet-tasting cookies for under $5. Compare that to spending $3-4 per cookie at trendy cafes, and you’re looking at serious savings while enjoying superior homemade quality.

Irresistible Flavor Combinations

The secret lies in the perfect balance of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla that creates depth without overwhelming sweetness. These cookies pair beautifully with cream cheese frosting, caramel drizzle, or simply dusted with powdered sugar. They’re reminiscent of our popular cinnamon roll cookies but with that distinctive fall flair that makes them absolutely irresistible.

Ready to create your own batch of autumn magic? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe that’ll have your family begging for more!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies

Quick Overview

These incredibly soft and flavorful cookies combine the best of both worlds – the convenience of cookies with the luxurious texture of cake. The secret to their amazing texture lies in using cake flour and the perfect ratio of wet to dry ingredients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Total Time: 45 minutes
Makes: 24 large cookies

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

• 2¼ cups cake flour (or 2 cups all-purpose flour + ¼ cup cornstarch)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Cream cheese frosting
• Caramel drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set this spice mixture aside. The key here is ensuring all spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be glossy and uniform in color.

Add the Sugars

Add both granulated and brown sugar to the wet ingredients. Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes slightly lighter in color and well incorporated. This step helps create the tender texture.

Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually fold the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Mix just until combined – overmixing will result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread slightly during baking.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look just barely done. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal. The tops should spring back lightly when touched.

Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breaking while ensuring they maintain their soft texture.

What to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies With

These versatile cookies pair beautifully with numerous accompaniments. Serve them alongside a steaming mug of apple cider, pumpkin spice latte, or chai tea for the ultimate fall experience. They’re absolutely divine with a glass of cold milk for dunking, or try them with warm spiced tea.

For dessert platters, arrange them with other fall treats like apple crisp, pecan pie bars, or cinnamon rolls. They also make excellent ice cream sandwiches when paired with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. Consider serving them at autumn gatherings with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or seasonal coffee drinks.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Spice Cake Cookies

Don’t Overbake Them

The secret to ultra-soft cookies is slightly underbaking them. Remove them when centers look just set but still soft. They’ll finish cooking on the hot pan and maintain that perfect cake-like texture.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure your egg and pumpkin puree are at room temperature for better mixing and more even texture. Cold ingredients can cause the dough to be lumpy or dense.

Measure Flour Correctly

Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag packs too much flour, resulting in dry, dense cookies.

Chill the Dough if Sticky

If your dough seems too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This makes shaping easier and prevents excessive spreading during baking.

Experiment with Spices

Feel free to adjust the spice blend to your taste. Add a pinch of cardamom for exotic flair, or increase the cinnamon for a more pronounced flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store these pumpkin spice cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain maximum softness, place a slice of bread in the container – it helps keep cookies moist.

For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

You can also freeze the cookie dough! Scoop dough onto baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.

To refresh day-old cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes, or microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Cookie
Calories	145
Total Fat	4g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	8mg
Sodium	125mg
Total Carbohydrates	26g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	15g
Protein	2g
Vitamin A	35% DV

Based on 24 servings. Values are approximate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! Cook and puree fresh pumpkin, then drain excess moisture using paper towels. Fresh pumpkin can be more watery than canned, so you may need to adjust flour accordingly.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This usually happens when the dough is too warm or contains too much liquid. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and ensure you’re measuring ingredients accurately.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the cake flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when they’re perfectly baked?

The edges should be set and the centers should look just barely done. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal from the oven.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts after combining wet and dry ingredients.

What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

Pumpkin puree is plain cooked pumpkin, while pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices. Always use pure pumpkin puree for baking recipes.

Creative Variations to Try

Transform these basic cookies into gourmet treats with these exciting variations:

Maple Glazed Version: Drizzle cooled cookies with maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk.

Cream Cheese Frosted: Top with classic cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat that tastes like pumpkin spice cake.

Caramel Stuffed: Press a caramel candy into the center of each cookie before baking for a gooey surprise.

Spiced Sugar Coating: Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.

Seasonal Serving Suggestions

These cookies shine brightest during autumn festivities. Pack them in lunch boxes for a seasonal surprise, or arrange them on tiered stands for elegant fall parties. They’re perfect for Halloween trick-or-treaters, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or cozy family movie nights.

Consider packaging them in clear bags tied with orange ribbons for thoughtful fall gifts. They also freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or getting ahead for holiday entertaining.