Easy Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookies: Your Go-To 5-Ingredient Fall Dessert

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate fall treat: Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookies! These incredibly soft and chewy cookies are a delightful blend of warm spices, sweet caramel baking chips, and crunchy pecans, all coming together with an astonishingly simple 5-ingredient recipe. If you’re looking for a fuss-free dessert that delivers on flavor and texture, these spice cake mix cookies are your new go-to. They are perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying that sweet craving with minimal effort.

These sweet, chewy, and crunchy cookies are not only delicious but also remarkably easy to create. In fact, cake mix cookies made with butter are renowned for being one of the simplest types of cookies to bake. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredient list and straightforward steps, making it ideal for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone craving a homemade treat without the extensive prep time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch of these flavorful fall cookies!

Easy cake mix cookies like this caramel spice recipe are truly a dream come true for dessert lovers. They burst with delightful flavors, from the aromatic spice cake base to the rich, gooey caramel and nutty pecans, yet require hardly any effort on your part. One of the greatest perks is that they typically result in fewer dirty dishes, which means more time enjoying your delicious creations and less time scrubbing pots and bowls. It’s a win-win situation for every home baker!

Why You’ll Love These 5-Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies

There’s a reason why cake mix cookies have become a beloved staple in many kitchens. They offer an unparalleled combination of convenience and deliciousness. This particular Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookie recipe takes that convenience to the next level by incorporating classic fall flavors that are sure to warm your soul. The spice cake mix provides a foundational warmth with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, while the caramel chips melt into pockets of gooey sweetness, and the pecans add a satisfying crunch. These aren’t just easy cookies; they’re an experience.

Using a cake mix as a base drastically cuts down on measuring and mixing, ensuring consistent results every time. You don’t need to worry about the perfect flour-to-sugar ratio or adding leavening agents; the cake mix does all the heavy lifting. This makes it perfect for impromptu baking sessions or when you need a reliable dessert for a potluck or bake sale. Plus, the addition of butter instead of oil contributes to a richer flavor and a delightfully chewy texture that truly stands out.

Essential Ingredients for Your Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookies

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just 5 core ingredients to bring these amazing spice cake mix cookies to life:

• 1 15.25-oz box Spice Cake Mix: This is the hero of our recipe, providing all the dry ingredients and signature warm spice flavor. Choose your favorite brand for the best results.
• 2 large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding the dough together and contributing to the chewy texture.
• 1/3 cup Butter, melted: Melted butter is crucial for achieving that desirable soft and chewy cookie texture. It adds richness and helps create a slightly flatter, more spread-out cookie.
• 1 cup Caramel Baking Chips: These little gems melt into luscious pockets of caramel, adding a burst of sweet, buttery flavor to every bite.
• 1/3 cup Chopped Pecans: For that perfect textural contrast and a delightful nutty crunch that complements the spice and caramel beautifully.

With such a short and sweet ingredient list, these cookies are not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, making them a fantastic option for frequent baking.

How to Make Spice Cake Mix Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Baking these caramel spice cookies is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a batch of perfectly baked treats:

1. Preparation is Key: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is a game-changer for minimal cleanup and also helps prevent the bottom of your cookies from becoming too brown, ensuring an even bake. Set the prepared baking sheet aside.
2. Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the spice cake mix and the eggs. Mix until just combined. The mixture will initially have a crumbly texture, similar to wet sand. Don’t overmix at this stage; we want to develop just enough gluten.
3. Add Richness: Pour the melted butter into the cake mix and egg mixture. Continue to mix with the electric mixer until the dough is smooth and thoroughly combined. The resulting cookie dough will be noticeably thick and slightly sticky. This is exactly the consistency you want for chewy cookies.
4. Fold in the Goodies: Gently fold in the caramel baking chips and chopped pecans using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
5. Rest the Dough: Allow the cookie dough to rest for a couple of minutes. This brief resting period helps the flour absorb the liquids more fully, making the dough less sticky and much easier to scoop and roll.
6. Scoop and Shape: Scoop out equal-sized portions of dough. For uniformity, which aids in even baking, consider using a tablespoon as a measuring guide or a standard cookie scoop. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball to ensure even edges.
7. Arrange and Bake: Arrange the dough balls on the parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, leaving enough space between them for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes.
8. Perfect Finish: You’ll know the cookies are ready when they look puffy and the tops are no longer glossy. The edges might be lightly golden. Avoid overbaking if you want super soft and chewy cookies.
9. Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows them to set up slightly before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips for Achieving the Best Cookie Texture

Getting that perfect soft and chewy texture is key for these delightful cookies. Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookies turn out absolutely irresistible:

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the melted butter, mix until just smooth. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
• Melted Butter vs. Cold Butter: As mentioned, melted butter is crucial here. Cold or softened butter would yield a different result, likely a puffier, more cake-like cookie. For this specific chewy texture, melted is the way to go.
• Uniform Sizing: Using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon ensures all your cookies are the same size, which means they’ll bake evenly. No one wants burnt edges on some cookies and raw centers on others!
• Watch the Oven: Ovens can vary. Keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should be just set, slightly puffy, and not overly browned. A slightly underbaked cookie is often a chewier cookie.
• Cool on the Sheet: The initial cooling on the hot baking sheet for a few minutes allows the cookies to continue cooking slightly and firm up without becoming brittle.

Can You Freeze Baked Cake Mix Cookies?

Absolutely, you can! Freezing baked cookies is an excellent way to extend their shelf life and always have a delicious treat on hand. To ensure they freeze well and maintain their quality, I recommend a few best practices:

• Flash Freeze First: Before transferring your baked cookies to a freezer bag or container, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. This “flash freezing” step prevents the cookies from sticking together, making it easy to grab just one or two at a time. While a giant cookie might be a fun idea in theory, it’s rather inconvenient if you’re looking for a quick, on-the-go snack.
• Proper Storage: Once flash-frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply place it on the counter for about 10-15 minutes to thaw. For a warm, freshly baked experience, you can even pop it into the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven for a few minutes.

Having a stash of these Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookies in your freezer means you’re always prepared for unexpected guests or sudden dessert cravings!

How Do You Keep Cookies Soft After Baking?

One of the most satisfying aspects of a great cookie is its lingering softness. Nobody wants a stale, hard cookie! To ensure your Caramel Spice Cake Mix Cookies remain wonderfully soft and fresh for as long as possible, follow these simple storage tips:

• Initial Cooling: After baking, let the cookies remain on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly while retaining moisture. Then, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Storing warm cookies can create condensation, which makes them soggy.
• Airtight Container is Key: Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container. A cookie jar with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic food storage container works perfectly. This prevents air from getting in and drying out your cookies.
• The Bread Slice Trick: For an extra boost of moisture, add a fresh slice of bread (any plain bread will do, like white sandwich bread) to your airtight container along with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, helping them stay soft and chewy. Replace the bread slice every couple of days as it dries out.

Following these steps will help you enjoy your soft and delicious cake mix cookies for days!