Simply Perfect Two-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies and Muffins

Welcome to the world of simplified baking! Our unbelievably easy 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies and Muffins recipe is a true game-changer, requiring nothing more than a can of pumpkin puree and a box of cake mix. In just about 20 minutes, you can transform these two pantry staples into a batch of soft, moist, and delightfully flavorful treats. This tried-and-true recipe has been a cherished family favorite for decades, long before the advent of smartphones and the era of viral food trends, a testament to its enduring appeal and effortless charm.

This particular recipe holds a special, nostalgic place in our culinary history. We’ve been whipping up these simple pumpkin delights for what feels like forever – dating back to a time when sharing photos of our girls on social media wasn’t even an option! Its incredible ease and consistently delicious results quickly cemented its status as a beloved classic in our home kitchen, making appearances at family gatherings and quiet evenings alike.

My initial encounter with the genius concept of cake mix pumpkin cookies (and muffins) came through my time at Weight Watchers, where I also discovered other clever shortcuts like cake made with soda. What instantly made these recipes stand out, beyond their incredible simplicity, was their natural freedom from common allergens like egg and dairy – a significant advantage for our household. This feature quickly elevated them to indispensable baking staples, making them a go-to treat that we enjoyed throughout the year, not just when pumpkin season rolled around.

Even though my culinary journey has since led me to develop a range of other pumpkin recipes, including healthier variations like Greek yogurt pumpkin muffins and decadent healthy chocolate pumpkin muffins, this original 2-ingredient wonder remains the most frequently requested by my daughters. It’s a true testament to its irresistible flavor, satisfying texture, and the sheer joy it brings with minimal fuss.

And honestly, it’s virtually impossible to deny their request when the preparation is so wonderfully straightforward. These days, I often choose to bake the batter as pumpkin cookies rather than muffins. This simple choice drastically streamlines the cleanup process – more often than not, there’s only one bowl to wash! An added bonus? Opting for cookies means you don’t even have to bother with scrubbing a muffin tin! It truly embodies the ideal combination of minimal effort for maximum, mouth-watering reward.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
• The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
• Essential Kitchen Equipment
• Crafting 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies
• Baking 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins
• Expert Tips & Creative Flavor Variations
• Storage & Freezing for Lasting Freshness
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Explore More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes
• Recipe Card: 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies or Muffins

Why You’ll Adore This Effortless Pumpkin Recipe

Beyond its incredible viral popularity and famously short ingredient list, there are myriad reasons why these 2-ingredient pumpkin cookies and muffins have captivated the hearts (and taste buds) of so many for generations. This recipe isn’t just a trend; it’s a genuine culinary lifesaavor, particularly for those with hectic schedules or anyone desiring a quick, gratifying sweet treat without an extensive list of steps or special equipment.

• Unbelievably Simple: With a mere two ingredients, this recipe truly sets the bar for ease. There are no complicated measurements, no advanced baking techniques, and absolutely no culinary acrobatics required. It’s the perfect entry point for budding bakers and a blessing for seasoned cooks seeking a no-fuss dessert.
• Remarkably Quick: From the moment you start mixing to the minute these delightful treats emerge from the oven, you can have them ready in under 25 minutes. This speed makes them an ideal choice for unexpected guests, a last-minute school treat, or simply satisfying an urgent sweet craving.
• Naturally Allergy-Friendly: A major advantage for many families, this recipe is inherently egg-free and dairy-free. By using a standard cake mix and pumpkin puree, you’re creating a delicious option that can be enjoyed by individuals with common food sensitivities or allergies, ensuring everyone gets to partake in homemade goodness.
• Incredibly Versatile: The beauty of this single batter lies in its adaptability. Whether your heart desires soft, chewy, cake-like cookies or moist, fluffy muffins, this recipe delivers both with equal success. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure in pumpkin baking, and you can easily customize it with various add-ins to suit any palate.
• Minimal Cleanup: One of the often-overlooked joys of this recipe is the incredibly easy cleanup. Opting for cookies often means you’ll only have a single mixing bowl to wash, saving you precious time and effort that can be better spent enjoying your creations.
• Perfect for Baking with Kids: The straightforward nature of this recipe makes it an excellent activity for involving children in the kitchen. They can easily assist with mixing (which requires a bit of strength!) and scooping, fostering a sense of accomplishment and a budding love for baking from a young age.
• Budget-Conscious: By utilizing readily available and affordable pantry staples like boxed cake mix and canned pumpkin, this recipe provides an economical way to enjoy fresh, homemade treats without breaking the bank.
• Ideal for Any Season: While pumpkin undeniably shines during the autumn months, the comforting flavors and ease of preparation of these cookies and muffins make them a wonderful treat to bake and enjoy throughout the entire year, bringing a touch of cozy warmth whenever you desire.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Pumpkin Treats

The true magic of this celebrated recipe lies in its sheer simplicity. You require only two fundamental ingredients to create these wonderfully delicious pumpkin cookies or muffins. Here’s a closer look at what to gather:

• Pumpkin Puree: This vibrant orange ingredient is the foundational element that imparts both luscious moisture and that unmistakably cozy pumpkin flavor to your baked goods.
  • Crucial Distinction: It is absolutely vital to purchase and use pure pumpkin puree, and NOT pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling comes pre-mixed with added sugars, various spices, and sometimes even dairy, which will significantly alter the moisture content, sweetness, and overall texture of your final product. For this recipe, we want pure, unadulterated pumpkin, allowing the cake mix to provide the sweetness and spice blend.
• Spice Cake Mix: The second, equally important component! A standard 15.25-ounce box of dry cake mix is the perfect complement to the pumpkin.
  • Our Top Recommendation: For the most traditional and satisfying fall flavor profile, we enthusiastically suggest using a Spice Cake Mix. Brands like Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix work wonderfully. The pre-blended spices within the mix (typically cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) harmonize perfectly with the pumpkin.
  • Acceptable Alternatives: If spice cake mix isn’t available, a Carrot Cake mix also yields fantastic results, offering a subtly different yet equally delightful spiced flavor. While we haven’t rigorously tested every brand on the market, most standard cake mixes of similar size should perform adequately. For a slightly different base, a plain yellow cake mix can be used; however, you might consider enhancing the autumnal notes by stirring in an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice blend.
  • Dietary Considerations (Vegan/Egg-Free): A wonderful aspect of this recipe is that it is often naturally vegan and egg-free. Most commercial cake mixes do not contain egg or dairy products, making this a superb option for individuals with those specific dietary concerns. Always remember to double-check the ingredient list on your chosen cake mix box if you are strictly adhering to vegan or egg-free diets.

And there you have it! With just these two simple ingredients properly sourced, you are now ready to combine them and create the rich, aromatic batter for your pumpkin cookies or muffins.

Essential Kitchen Equipment for Effortless Baking

While this 2-ingredient recipe prides itself on its simplicity and minimal fuss, having a few basic kitchen tools on hand will make the baking process even more seamless and enjoyable. You won’t need any specialized gadgets, just these everyday essentials:

• Large Mixing Bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl with ample capacity is crucial, as the batter will be quite thick and requires thorough combining.
• Durable Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Given the exceptionally stiff nature of the dough, a robust wooden spoon or a firm silicone spatula is essential for effective mixing. A flimsy utensil might struggle!
• Baking Sheet (for cookies): You’ll need at least one standard baking sheet. Lining it with parchment paper is highly recommended for non-stick results and effortless cleanup.
• Muffin Tin (for muffins): A standard 12-cup muffin tin is necessary if you choose the muffin route. You’ll want to either grease it well or use paper muffin liners.
• Cookie Scoop (Optional, but Highly Recommended): While not strictly necessary, a cookie scoop (especially one with a quick-release mechanism) is an invaluable tool. It ensures uniform cookie or muffin sizes, promotes even baking, and significantly reduces mess during portioning.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Once baked, transferring your cookies or muffins to a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and ensuring they cool evenly to their perfect texture.

Crafting Simple 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies

If your goal is maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup, baking these as cookies is the ideal path. These soft, wonderfully cake-like cookies offer a delightful chewiness and are often likened to the best part of a muffin – the top! Follow these straightforward steps to create your batch of incredibly easy cake mix pumpkin cookies:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This vital step ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes for a super-easy cleanup after baking.
2. Combine the Two Magical Ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the entire can of pumpkin puree with the full box of dry cake mix. Stir these two ingredients together by hand using a sturdy mixing spoon or a robust spatula. Be prepared: the dough will be exceptionally thick and quite stiff. This is perfectly normal and expected, so don’t be concerned if it takes a bit of elbow grease to mix! Continue stirring until no dry streaks of cake mix are visible and the mixture is uniformly combined into a consistent, thick batter.
3. Portion the Dough onto the Sheet: Using a regular tablespoon, or ideally a cookie scoop for more consistent sizing and ease, portion out approximately one tablespoon of the thick batter for each cookie. Arrange the dough mounds on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring you leave about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for a slight expansion during baking.
4. Shape the Cookies (Optional): If you prefer your cookies to have a slightly flatter profile and a more traditional cookie appearance, gently press down on each dough mound using the back of a fork. You can also create appealing crosshatch marks with the fork tines. This step is entirely optional; if you skip it, your pumpkin cookies will naturally retain a charmingly mounded, muffin-top-like shape. For easier pressing without sticking, lightly moisten the fork with a little water or spray it with non-stick cooking spray before each press.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake the pumpkin cookies for approximately 18 to 20 minutes. The cookies are ready when they feel firm to the touch and the edges appear just slightly golden. Due to their moist nature, these cookies won’t typically achieve a deep golden-brown color like traditional sugar cookies.
6. Cool & Indulge: Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a spatula, transfer the hot pumpkin cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully is important as it helps them set, firm up, and develop their final, soft, and utterly delightful texture. Once cool, they are ready to be savored!

Baking Easy 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

If your craving leans towards a more traditional, fluffy baked good, transforming this incredibly simple batter into moist, delectable pumpkin muffins is just as effortless as making cookies. These muffins are an absolute delight for breakfast, a satisfying snack, or any moment you desire a comforting and flavorful treat. Here’s your guide to baking them:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard 12-cup muffin tin. You have two options: either grease each muffin cup thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray, or line each cup with paper muffin liners. If you opt for paper liners, an additional light spray of cooking spray inside each liner can further aid in preventing the moist batter from sticking.
2. Prepare the Muffin Batter: Just as you would for the cookies, combine the entire can of pumpkin puree and the full box of dry cake mix in a large mixing bowl. Stir vigorously by hand with a sturdy spoon or spatula until the mixture is uniform and no dry cake mix powder remains. Remember, the batter will be very thick and quite stiff, which is characteristic of this recipe and contributes to the muffins’ moist crumb.
3. Fill the Muffin Cups Evenly: Using a spoon, or more efficiently, a ¼ cup scoop, portion the thick batter evenly into each of your prepared muffin cups. Aim to fill each cup approximately two-thirds full. This allows sufficient room for the muffins to rise beautifully without overflowing during baking. A scoop with a quick release mechanism is particularly useful here, helping to minimize mess and ensuring consistently sized muffins.
4. Bake the Muffins: Carefully place the filled muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes. The muffins are fully baked when their tops appear lightly golden, spring back gently when touched, and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
5. Cool & Serve: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow it to rest on a heat-proof surface for a few minutes. This brief resting period helps the muffins firm up, making them easier to remove from the tin without breaking. After a few minutes, carefully transfer the pumpkin muffins to a wire rack to cool completely. While delicious warm, they achieve their best texture when fully cooled.

Expert Tips & Creative Flavor Variations for Your Pumpkin Treats

While the fundamental 2-ingredient recipe is undoubtedly fantastic on its own, a few simple tweaks and creative additions can elevate these pumpkin cookies and muffins from great to truly extraordinary. Here are some expert tips and inspiring ideas to help you customize your next batch:

• Delightful Add-Ins for Enhanced Flavor and Texture: This recipe is a perfect canvas for your favorite mix-ins.
  • Dried Fruits: Introduce a chewy sweetness by stirring in a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or finely chopped dried apricots. They add a lovely burst of fruitiness that complements the pumpkin.
  • Chocolate Chips: The combination of chocolate and pumpkin is a classic for a reason! Whether you prefer mini chocolate chips, regular-sized chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate), or even butterscotch chips, they all melt beautifully into the warm treats.
  • Crunchy Nuts: For a pleasant textural contrast and a rich, nutty flavor, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans. Toasting them lightly beforehand can intensify their flavor even more.
  • Subtle Seeds: For a slightly earthy note and delicate crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas).
• Mastering the Thick Batter: The batter for these treats is famously thick and quite sticky. Don’t be discouraged; it’s by design!
  • Invest in a Scoop: A cookie scoop featuring a quick-release mechanism is an absolute game-changer for portioning. It ensures all your cookies or muffins are uniformly sized, which promotes even baking, and it keeps your hands significantly cleaner.
  • Preventing Sticking on Utensils: If you’re pressing down cookies with a fork, or simply trying to get the thick batter cleanly off your spoon or spatula, a simple trick works wonders: lightly wet the utensil with water or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This creates a barrier that prevents the sticky dough from clinging.
• Enhancing Muffin Liners for Easy Release: Even when using paper muffin liners, this moist batter can sometimes have a tendency to stick. For guaranteed easy release and perfectly intact muffins, give the inside of each paper liner a quick, light spray with cooking spray before adding your batter.
• The Allure of Frosting or Glaze: For an extra-special touch, particularly if serving these for dessert or a festive occasion, consider topping them with a simple cream cheese frosting or a powdered sugar glaze once they have cooled completely. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the dough before baking also adds a beautiful finish and a hint of extra sweetness.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you decide to use a plain yellow cake mix instead of a spice or carrot cake mix, you might find the pumpkin flavor benefits from additional seasoning. Stir in an extra 1 to 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) to boost those wonderful autumnal notes.
• Managing Sweetness: The cake mix provides a significant amount of sweetness. However, if you have an exceptionally sweet tooth, a light sprinkle of granulated sugar over the top of the cookies or muffins before they go into the oven can add a delightful sparkle and a slightly crisp crust.

Storage & Freezing for Lasting Freshness

These delightful pumpkin cookies and muffins are so incredibly delicious that they often disappear quickly! However, if you do find yourself with leftovers (or you’re planning ahead for future treats), here’s how to properly store them to maintain their irresistible freshness and flavor for as long as possible:

• Countertop or Refrigerator Storage:
  • Airtight Container: Always store your baked pumpkin cookies or muffins in an airtight container. This is crucial for preventing them from drying out and for maintaining their soft, moist texture.
  • Moisture Control: For optimal freshness, consider lining the bottom of the container with a paper towel. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture, which helps significantly in preventing the treats from becoming soggy.
  • Duration: When stored at room temperature, they will typically remain fresh and delicious for 2 to 3 days. If you reside in a particularly humid climate, or simply wish to extend their freshness slightly, storing them in the refrigerator can keep them good for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer Storage for Extended Enjoyment:
  • Freezer-Friendly: A fantastic feature of this recipe is how beautifully these treats freeze! This makes them an excellent candidate for meal prepping snacks or ensuring you always have a stash of quick, homemade desserts on hand.
  • Individual Wrapping: Ensure that your cookies or muffins have cooled completely to room temperature before freezing. Then, individually wrap each cookie or muffin tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasting fresh.
  • Freezer Bag/Container: After individually wrapping, place the wrapped items into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight freezer container. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing.
  • Freezer Life: They can be stored in the freezer for an impressive duration of up to 3 months, offering a convenient grab-and-go option.
  • Thawing Instructions: To thaw, simply transfer the desired number of frozen cookies or muffins from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. For a quicker warm treat, you can gently reheat them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds after they have thawed, bringing back that freshly baked warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Treats

Can I use any brand of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, for the most part, most standard 15.25-ounce (or similar size) boxes of dry cake mix will work perfectly. We highly recommend using a Spice Cake mix or a Carrot Cake mix for the best and most authentic fall-inspired flavor. A yellow cake mix can also be used, but you might want to add an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a richer aroma and taste.

Is this recipe genuinely vegan and egg-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan and egg-free, provided that your chosen brand of cake mix does not contain any egg or dairy products. Most conventional cake mixes available in supermarkets are surprisingly free from these ingredients, but it’s always a good practice to double-check the ingredient list on the box if you have strict dietary requirements or allergies.

Why is it so important not to use pumpkin pie filling?

This is a crucial distinction! Pumpkin pie filling is an entirely different product from pure pumpkin puree. Pie filling comes pre-sweetened and pre-spiced, often containing added dairy or other ingredients. Using it in this recipe would result in a batter that is too wet, excessively sweet, and the final cookies or muffins would have an altered texture and flavor profile that won’t be as intended.

My dough feels very stiff and thick. Is that normal for this recipe?

Yes, completely normal and exactly what you want! The batter for these 2-ingredient pumpkin cookies and muffins is intentionally very thick and stiff. This dense consistency is key to achieving the wonderfully soft, cake-like texture of the cookies and the moist, tender crumb of the muffins. Don’t worry, just keep mixing until all the dry cake mix is fully incorporated!

Can I add extra ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit?

Absolutely, and we highly encourage it! This recipe is incredibly versatile and welcomes various add-ins. Feel free to stir in about ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), raisins, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, or pecans to enhance the flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorite combinations!

How do I know when the pumpkin cookies or muffins are fully baked?

For the cookies, they should be firm to the touch when gently pressed and exhibit a slight golden hue around their edges, typically after about 18 minutes in the oven. For muffins, a reliable test is to insert a clean toothpick into the center of one; if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached (but no wet batter), they are done, usually around 18-20 minutes of baking.

Can I make these treats gluten-free?

Yes, you certainly can! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute a gluten-free spice cake mix (or gluten-free yellow cake mix, adjusted with spices) for the regular cake mix. Pumpkin puree is naturally gluten-free, so no other changes are needed for that ingredient.

Explore More Delightful Pumpkin Recipes

If you’re a devoted pumpkin enthusiast, always seeking new ways to enjoy its rich and comforting flavor, then you’ll undoubtedly love exploring these other fantastic recipes. Each one celebrates the versatile charm of pumpkin in a unique and delicious way:

📋 Recipe Card: 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies or Muffins

2 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies or Muffins

Whip up these incredibly easy 2-ingredient pumpkin cookies or muffins using just a can of pumpkin puree and a box of Spice Cake mix. This simple recipe is naturally vegan and egg-free, perfect for quick, delicious fall baking!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yields: Approximately 12 servings
Author: Marjory Pilley

Ingredients

• 1 box Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix (standard 15.25 oz size; Carrot cake or yellow mix can also be used)
• 15 ounces pumpkin puree (1 standard can; ensure it is PURE pumpkin, not pie filling)
• Optional additions: ¼ to ½ cup raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped walnuts/pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175°C). Prepare your baking vessel: for cookies, grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper; for muffins, grease a muffin tin or line with paper inserts (a light spray inside the liners helps prevent sticking).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire can of pumpkin puree and the full box of dry cake mix. Stir thoroughly by hand with a sturdy spoon or spatula until well combined. The dough will be very thick and stiff, which is normal for this recipe.
3. For Cookies: Drop about 1 tablespoon of mixture per cookie onto your prepared baking sheet. If desired, press each cookie down slightly with a fork (spray the fork with cooking spray or dip in water to prevent sticking).
4. For Muffins: Portion approximately ¼ cup of the mixture into each regular muffin tin. A cookie scoop is highly recommended for easy and uniform portioning.
5. Bake in the preheated oven: For muffins, cook approximately 18-20 minutes. For cookies, cook approximately 18 minutes. Bake until firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into a muffin comes out clean.
6. Allow the baked goods to rest for a few minutes in the pan after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. These treats freeze exceptionally well. If you have leftovers, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently in the microwave.

Notes

• Pro-Tip Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies or muffins by stirring in optional ingredients like raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped walnuts for a delightful variation.
• Handling the Thick Batter: The batter is naturally very thick and sticky. Using a cookie scoop with a quick release mechanism will make portioning much easier and cleaner. If pressing cookies with a fork, lightly wet the fork or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Muffin Liner Tip: For guaranteed easy release, even when using paper muffin liners, give the inside of each liner a quick spray with cooking spray before adding the batter.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 172 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 241mg
• Potassium: 219mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 21g
• Vitamin A: 5515 IU
• Vitamin C: 1.6mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 2.5mg

Please note: Nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on specific brands and exact quantities used.

Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

This cherished recipe was originally published on November 10, 2011, and has undergone a comprehensive update to enhance readability, optimize for search engines, and provide an even richer, more user-friendly experience for our readers.