A soft, spiced Pumpkin Cookie Cake that’s bursting with fall flavors and topped with a sweet, creamy frosting. This delightful treat is perfect for celebrations or simply enjoying a cozy moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices in a cake that’s as easy to make as cookies.
The optional chocolate chips and frosting add customizable layers of sweetness and texture.
Perfect for sharing with loved ones during the fall season or at any gathering.
Requires simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep time.
A crowd-pleaser for both pumpkin enthusiasts and dessert lovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Frosting (optional):
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round or square cake pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the chocolate chips, if desired.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a serving plate.
For the frosting, beat the butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie cake.
Slice into 12 pieces and serve!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 320 kcal
Variations
Chocolate Lovers: Use white chocolate chips or a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
Spice Adjustments: Increase or decrease the spices to match your taste preferences.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Frosting-Free: Skip the frosting for a simpler treat, and enjoy it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep the cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive their soft texture and enhance the spices.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the cookie cake from becoming dry?
To ensure a moist cookie cake, avoid overbaking and use pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling). Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Can I make this recipe without chocolate chips?
Yes, the chocolate chips are optional. You can skip them or replace them with nuts or dried fruit for a different flavor profile.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s well-drained and smooth to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.
How do I know when the cookie cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
What’s the best way to frost the cake?
Ensure the cookie cake is completely cool before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Cookie Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, combining the flavors of spiced pumpkin with the soft texture of a cookie in a cake form. Whether topped with creamy frosting or enjoyed plain, it’s a treat that’s sure to bring joy to any occasion. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
PrintPumpkin Cookie Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft, spiced pumpkin cookie cake bursting with fall flavors and topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for celebrations or cozy autumn moments, this dessert is easy to make and loved by all.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
For the Frosting (Optional):
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips, if using.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before transferring to a plate.
- For frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until creamy. Spread over the cooled cake.
- Slice into 12 pieces and serve.
Notes
For a simpler treat, skip the frosting and dust the cake with powdered sugar.
Customize the recipe with nuts or white chocolate chips for added texture.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal