3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies (Soft, Spiced, and So Easy)

Pumpkin season is pure magic. From cozy lattes to warm desserts, it’s the time of year when everything orange feels like home. If you’re craving the softest, most flavorful pumpkin cookies—but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen—these 3 ingredient pumpkin cookies will blow you away. This article breaks down exactly how to make them with minimal effort and big results, using a recipe inspired by classic bakes but trimmed down for real life.

You’ll learn how to make soft pumpkin cookies with just three ingredients, why canned pumpkin is your fall baking BFF, and how this recipe stacks up against old-fashioned favorites. Whether you want a healthy treat, a sweet hit of nostalgia, or a fast dessert to whip up with the kids, this pumpkin cookie recipe checks all the boxes.

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A Fall Favorite Reimagined With Simplicity

Why I Love These Soft Pumpkin Cookies

When I first made these 3 ingredient pumpkin cookies, I didn’t expect them to rival my full-scale bakery recipes—but they did. After 17 years in the culinary world, I’ve learned that not every delicious cookie needs a dozen steps or fancy gadgets. These cookies came to life on a Sunday afternoon when my kids wanted something “sweet and pumpkin-y,” and I only had half an hour before dinner prep.

With a can of pumpkin, a box of spice cake mix, and a handful of chocolate chips (or walnuts, if you’re into that kind of thing), we had cookies on the tray within minutes. The result? Warm, pillowy pumpkin spice cookies that made my kitchen smell like a fall candle. The best part is, they’re foolproof—even my 6-year-old was able to scoop them onto the baking tray without chaos.

And yes, I’ve tried many pumpkin cookie recipes over the years—some more complex like this one inspired by Sally’s Baking Addiction. But this simplified version? It’s everything I love about old fashioned soft pumpkin cookies, minus the measuring stress. Plus, when time is short and little hands are helping, shortcuts matter.

When Less Is More in Pumpkin Cookie Recipes

These cookies prove that “less is more” can still mean “absolutely delicious.” The simplicity doesn’t cut flavor—instead, it streamlines it. By focusing on moisture-rich pumpkin puree and a balanced spice base, the cookies stay soft and chewy for days (yes, even without eggs or butter).

What surprised me most is how well these held their shape. I expected a cakey mess, but the texture was tender on the inside with just enough crisp around the edges. It reminded me of the easy old fashioned pumpkin cookies my grandmother made, but now updated for modern, busy kitchens like mine.

If you’re into quick prep with big payoff, you’ll also enjoy easy treats like 3-ingredient spicy tuna bowls or our protein-packed Oreo fluff dessert. This pumpkin cookie recipe belongs in the same fast-and-flavorful family. And yes—it’ll earn a permanent spot in your fall baking rotation.

The Secret to Soft Pumpkin Cookies in Just 3 Ingredients

Best Ingredients for the Easiest Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

Let’s talk ingredients—because when you’re only working with three, they’ve got to be good. The base of this 3 ingredient pumpkin cookies recipe is pumpkin puree. Whether you’re using fresh or canned pumpkin, what matters most is removing a bit of the excess moisture. I like to blot it lightly with a paper towel, just enough to keep the dough from becoming too wet. This step alone gives you that dreamy, soft texture everyone wants in a soft pumpkin cookie.

Second, grab a box of spice cake mix. Yep, just one box. It’s packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—no extra spices needed. This shortcut works beautifully because it delivers all those warm fall flavors we love, mimicking the complex spice profile of more traditional pumpkin cookies recipes. It’s like cheating, but in a good way.

Lastly, for the third ingredient? Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries. Go with what you’ve got. For purists, you can skip the add-ins entirely and still end up with soft, spiced cookies that hold their own next to more involved recipes.

If you want to elevate the flavor even further without complicating the recipe, add a touch of maple syrup or vanilla extract. That subtle sweetness rounds out the pumpkin flavor and echoes the comforting vibes found in our natural Mounjaro weight loss recipe—simple, smart, and just sweet enough.

How to Make Pumpkin Cookies with Canned Pumpkin

The key to a successful pumpkin cookies recipe with canned pumpkin is all in the prep. After you blot the pumpkin, mix it with the spice cake mix until fully combined. The dough will be thick and sticky—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want. Scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets, about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie.

Bake at 350°F for 14–15 minutes, just until the edges are set. The centers will look soft, but trust the process—they firm up as they cool. In fact, they’re even better on day two when the spices settle and deepen. It’s one of those recipes where you’ll find yourself saying, “Wait, that’s all it takes?”

This easy recipe for pumpkin cookies will convince even the busiest home cooks that baking can be fast, stress-free, and totally satisfying.

Elevating Old Fashioned Pumpkin Cookies for Modern Bakers

Healthy Pumpkin Cookies with 3 Ingredients That Bake Fast

As someone who bakes both for work and for my family, I’m always looking for that sweet spot between classic flavor and modern convenience. These 3 ingredient pumpkin cookies are exactly that. They give off major old fashioned pumpkin cookies energy—think spice-laced warmth and soft, cake-like texture—but with a fast, no-fuss method that fits into real life.

They’re also naturally low in fat and can easily be made healthier with just a few swaps. Want healthy pumpkin cookies with 3 ingredients that bake in under 15 minutes? Use canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix), a lower-sugar spice cake mix, and skip the add-ins or use dark chocolate chips. You’ve just cut the sugar and fat, without touching the flavor.

No butter, no eggs, and no mixer needed. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re winning at life, especially if you’re trying to eat a little lighter around the holidays.

The best part? You don’t sacrifice that soft pumpkin cookie texture everyone craves. They’re moist, chewy, and loaded with pumpkin flavor—just like grandma used to make, but way easier.

Make-Ahead Tips & Storage Ideas for Busy Bakers

The beauty of these pumpkin spice cookies lies in how well they keep. You can make the dough ahead of time—just cover and chill it for up to 2 days. When ready, scoop and bake. They’ll still rise beautifully, with the same tender texture you’d get from freshly mixed dough.

Once baked, these cookies stay soft for days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate if you’ve added a maple cream cheese glaze (optional but ridiculously good). For longer storage, they freeze well too. you need to tightly wrap them and freeze for up to 2 months.

Whether you’re prepping ahead for a fall potluck or just batch-baking for the week, these cookies are as reliable as they are irresistible.

More Than Just Cookies—Pumpkin Spice Moments

Easy Variations for the Best Pumpkin Cookies Ever Made

The base recipe for these 3 ingredient pumpkin cookies is a dream on its own—but once you’ve nailed it, the possibilities open up. Want to make the best pumpkin cookies ever made? Add your signature twist.

Here are some fast, flavor-packed upgrades:

• Stir in white chocolate chips and chopped pecans for a sweet-salty combo.
• Add a spoonful of maple syrup or molasses for deeper, caramel-like richness.
• Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking for a crackly crunch.

You can also get fancy with a maple cream cheese glaze. It takes five minutes to mix and instantly turns these cookies into something worthy of a holiday cookie tray. That little tang from the cream cheese balances the warmth of the pumpkin spice—absolutely irresistible.

And for those who love a nostalgic taste with a healthy twist, try pairing them with a warm drink like our testosterone-boosting recipe or even a bite alongside vegan vanilla cupcakes for the ultimate fall dessert spread.

Simple, beautiful, and totally customizable—these cookies prove that baking fast doesn’t mean baking boring.

A Nostalgic Bite: Why Old Fashioned Pumpkin Cookies Never Go Out of Style

There’s something timeless about a good old fashioned pumpkin cookie. It’s more than just the spices or the golden-orange hue. It’s the feeling—warmth, home, togetherness. Even though we’re simplifying things with this easy old fashioned pumpkin cookies approach, the heart of the recipe remains untouched.

In fact, it’s this combination of heritage and simplicity that makes these cookies so special. They bridge the gap between tradition and convenience. Every time I bake them, I’m reminded of the old fashioned soft pumpkin cookies my mom made growing up—except now, I can whip them up while helping my kids with homework or making dinner.

These cookies bring comfort without complexity. And in today’s busy world, that’s the ultimate win. Whether you’re baking them for a fall festival, lunchbox treat, or your own midnight snack, they’ll deliver a bite of something beautiful, fast.

Conclusion

When life moves fast, your baking should too. These 3 ingredient pumpkin cookies bring the best of fall flavor without the stress—soft, sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving the nostalgia of old fashioned pumpkin cookies or need a quick dessert that feels homemade, this recipe delivers.