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Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe

ByLucy
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 40 reviews

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family this spooky season, I’ve got just the thing for you—a fan-freaking-tastic Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe. It’s that perfectly soft, cakey cookie infused with all the cozy pumpkin spices you love, topped with creamy, colorful frosting, and decorated with festive Halloween sprinkles. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be your go-to for any fall gathering or last-minute treat.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple and Foolproof: Using a pumpkin spice cookie mix takes the guesswork out, so you get perfect spice balance every time.
  • Perfect Texture: It’s a cookie but bakes like a cake—soft edges, chewy middle, and no crumbling.
  • Festive & Customizable: Cream cheese frosting with Halloween sprinkles adds color and personality to your dessert table.
  • Quick Prep: From mixing to frosting, you’ll have this done in under an hour—ideal for busy fall days.
Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake, pumpkin spice cookie cake, festive Halloween cookie dessert, fall cookie cake with frosting, spooky pumpkin dessert - A round cookie base in light brown color forms the bottom layer, topped with a thick spread of black frosting that has a smooth, slightly shiny texture with visible swirl marks. Colorful sprinkles in orange, green, purple, and white are scattered evenly over the black frosting layer. The cookie sits on a dark metal round tray, placed on a white marbled surface. On the top right, there is a clear glass bowl filled with the same colorful sprinkles, and on the top left, there are two cinnamon sticks and two small orange pumpkin-shaped candies. At the bottom left, there are three paper straws with black and white stripes, orange stripes, and black dots. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each part of this Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe was chosen for flavor and ease. Using a pumpkin spice cookie mix is a lifesaver—you get all the warming flavors without hunting down every spice individually. Then, the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin. The sprinkles? Well, they’re just pure fun.

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake, pumpkin spice cookie cake, festive Halloween cookie dessert, fall cookie cake with frosting, spooky pumpkin dessert - Flat lay of bright orange pumpkin, golden brown raw cookie dough chunks speckled with cinnamon and nutmeg, a smooth block of creamy white cream cheese, small jars of warm brown pumpkin spice and rich cinnamon sticks, a small bowl of vibrant multicolored Halloween sprinkles in orange, black, and purple, and a small jar of glossy black gel food coloring, all arranged with natural shadows and soft light placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix: Makes life easy and guarantees consistent pumpkin flavor with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg already blended.
  • Egg and Butter (for the mix): Adds moisture, richness, and improves texture for that cake-like cookie consistency.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: Offers a creamy, tangy layer that balances out the sweet-spiced cookie perfectly.
  • Black Gel Food Coloring: A little dollop goes a long way for spooky-looking frosting without affecting taste.
  • Halloween Sprinkles: Makes your cookie cake festive and visually exciting—pick your favorites!
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe is its flexibility. I often tweak things based on my mood or what I have on hand, and you can totally do the same. Whether you want it a little less sweet, or you want to add your own twist, go for it!

  • Spice It Up: I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the dough for a bolder flavor punch.
  • Frosting Flair: Try swapping cream cheese frosting with maple glaze or even a cinnamon sugar dusting if you prefer something lighter.
  • Dietary Tweaks: Gluten-free cookie mixes work here too, just be sure to adjust baking time and check for doneness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with foil—this helps with easy removal and cleanup. Don’t forget to spray the foil lightly with nonstick cooking spray so your cookie cake slides right off without breaking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

Follow the instructions on your pumpkin spice cookie mix package—usually involves mixing the pouch with egg and butter. Pro tip: Soften your butter ahead of time; it blends smoothly and keeps the dough nice and tender. Once mixed, press the dough evenly into your prepared pan—don’t just drop it in and hope for the best, pressing it flat helps bake evenly and creates that lovely cookie cake texture.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake for 22 to 26 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are golden brown but the center still soft and no longer shiny on top. This balance means it’s fully baked but not overdone—I’ve learned that overbaking makes the cake dry, so keep an eye on it around the 22-minute mark. Once out, let it cool completely in the pan before moving on to frosting. Patience here pays off for smooth frosting!

Step 4: Color and Frost

Open your can of cream cheese frosting, then stir in black gel food coloring a little at a time until you get your desired spooky shade. I love going deep gray-black for a Halloween vibe but still pleasing to the eye. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie cake—go slow to keep the top smooth. Finish by sprinkling Halloween sprinkles to make it extra festive. It’s so fun to see how these tiny details bring the whole dessert to life!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Even Layering: Use an offset spatula for frosting to get that smooth, professional look without breaking the cake.
  • Don’t Rush Cooling: I learned the hard way that frosting on a warm cake causes it to melt and smear, so always wait until it’s fully cool.
  • Sprinkle Patience: Add sprinkles last—and in just the right amount—to avoid overwhelming the look or flavor.
  • Watch Baking Time: Set your timer earlier than the max bake time, then check to avoid overbaking and drying out your cookie cake.

How to Serve Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe

Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake, pumpkin spice cookie cake, festive Halloween cookie dessert, fall cookie cake with frosting, spooky pumpkin dessert - A round tart with a golden-brown crust forms the base layer, topped with a thick, smooth layer of black frosting spread evenly across the surface with visible swirl textures. Colorful sprinkles in green, orange, white, and purple are scattered evenly over the black frosting, adding bright pops of color. A white bowl filled with the same sprinkles is placed above the tart on a white marbled surface, visible in the top right corner of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick with classic Halloween sprinkles—think orange and black, little bats, or pumpkins—but sometimes I add edible glitter or mini chocolate chips for extra decadence. They make each slice feel like a mini celebration. And if I’m feeling extra festive, I’ll pipe a little extra frosting around the edges with a star tip just for that bakery touch.

Side Dishes

This cookie cake pairs perfectly with a warm cup of spicy chai tea or a rich pumpkin latte. For a party, I sometimes serve alongside fresh apple slices or roasted cinnamon nuts to balance the sweetness. It’s amazing how those combos bring out the pumpkin and spice flavors even more.

Creative Ways to Present

When I bring this to gatherings, I sometimes use a wooden serving board with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins around—it adds a cozy, rustic vibe. For kids’ parties, I like cutting it into bite-size squares and placing on colorful Halloween plates, making it easy and fun to grab one. You can even add little candy eyeballs on top before frosting sets for a spooky surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, I store my leftover Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps fresh for up to three days, and the flavors actually get better after a day or two—just make sure to bring it to room temperature a bit before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to stretch the magic longer, you can freeze the unfrosted cookie cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. I usually frost it fresh after thawing so the frosting doesn’t get watery. It’s a lifesaver for prepping ahead or saving halves for later.

Reheating

I don’t recommend reheating once frosted, since cream cheese frosting can split, but if you have an unfrosted slice, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave brings back that fresh-baked warmth. For best results, reheat before frosting or serve chilled if already frosted.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe from scratch without the mix?

    Absolutely! While the mix keeps things simple and consistent, you can use your favorite pumpkin cookie dough recipe, adding traditional pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Just press it into your pan the same way and adjust baking time as needed.

  2. What’s the best way to get a smooth black frosting?

    Gel food coloring is your friend here because it’s concentrated and won’t water down your frosting. Add it little by little, mixing well each time until you reach the perfect dark shade. Using cream cheese frosting overall gives a nice smooth finish that holds its shape well.

  3. Can I use other frostings on this cookie cake?

    Yes! Buttercream, maple glaze, or even a dusting of powdered sugar work wonderfully. I like cream cheese for the tang, but feel free to experiment and find your favorite pairing.

Final Thoughts

This Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines comfort, ease, and festive fun all in one. It’s perfect for when you want that cozy fall flavor but don’t have hours to bake from scratch. Give it a try—you’ll impress your guests, enjoy that warm pumpkin spice goodness, and maybe even keep a slice or two just for yourself. Happy baking and even happier eating!

Print
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Halloween Pumpkin Spice Cookie Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 40 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 26 minutes
  • Total Time: 46 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This delightful Halloween Cookie Cake combines the warm flavors of pumpkin spice cookies with creamy cream cheese frosting and festive Halloween sprinkles. Perfect for seasonal celebrations, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to impress your guests with its spooky charm and delicious taste.

Ingredients

Cookie Cake

  • 1 pouch or box pumpkin spice cookie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box to make the cookies, typically 1 egg and 1/2 cup butter)

Frosting & Decoration

  • 1 can cream cheese frosting
  • Black gel food coloring
  • Halloween sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cookie cake.
  2. Prepare Cookie Dough: Follow the instructions on the pumpkin spice cookie mix package, typically mixing the cookie mix with eggs and butter as directed. After preparing the dough, evenly press it into the prepared cake pan.
  3. Bake the Cookie Cake: Bake the cookie dough in the preheated oven for 26 minutes or until the edges are browned and the surface is no longer shiny. This ensures the cookie is fully baked but still soft in the center. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
  4. Color the Frosting: Add black gel food coloring to the can of cream cheese frosting, mixing well to achieve a smooth, evenly colored black frosting.
  5. Frost and Decorate: Spread the colored frosting evenly over the cooled cookie cake. Sprinkle with festive Halloween sprinkles to add color and theme-appropriate decoration.
  6. Storage: Store the finished cookie cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to one month to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • You can use any brand of pumpkin spice cookie mix, but Betty Crocker’s pouch is recommended for convenience.
  • Make sure to follow the specific ingredient requirements of your cookie mix (usually eggs and butter) to ensure proper dough consistency.
  • Use black gel food coloring for vibrant frosting color without altering texture.
  • Allow the cookie cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
  • If freezing, wrap the cookie cake tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for best preservation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

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