Fall is the perfect time to indulge in cozy treats, and Trader Joe’s never disappoints with seasonal flavors. This year, I stumbled upon what I consider the best fall dessert mix from Trader Joe’s—and trust me, I’ve tried a lot of boxed mixes. It’s the Pumpkin & Spice Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix, and it might just be my new favorite autumn dessert.
As someone who grew up with a mom who was always “doctoring up” boxed mixes to make them taste homemade, I’ve become somewhat of a boxed mix connoisseur. My mom would add her twists—like topping brownies with a layer of cream cheese for a cheesecake brownie or slicing a simple boxed pumpkin bread to serve on a festive holiday platter.
Following in her footsteps, I love finding easy yet delicious boxed mixes, and Trader Joe’s offers some of the best. This year, their Pumpkin & Spice Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix has taken the top spot in my kitchen.
A New Fall Favorite Trader Joe’s Pumpkin & Spice Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix
I knew I had found something special when I first tried Trader Joe’s Pumpkin & Spice Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix. The flavor is like it came from an artisanal bakery—warm, rich spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves combined with a hint of pumpkin.
These cookies hit all the right notes for a fall treat.
But don’t just take my word for it. The internet is raving about these cookies, too. One fan on Reddit exclaimed, “They’re the best store-bought box cookies!” Another shared, “My kids made them last week, and we were very impressed. They are Snickerdoodle fans, and these are amazing.”
What Makes These Cookies So Good?
These aren’t your average Snickerdoodle cookies. While they’re more spice-forward than pumpkin-flavored, that balance seems to be what people love. The warm spices, especially the cinnamon and nutmeg, take center stage, giving the cookies a deep, cozy flavor perfect for cooler fall days.
The subtle pumpkin flavor adds a layer of richness that sets these cookies apart from traditional snickerdoodles.
Many people on Reddit mentioned how surprised they were by how well the cookies turned out, especially considering how easy they are to make. One Reddit user shared, “We made them exactly as the recipe said. Chewy, moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweet with a hint of pumpkin. Highly recommend!”
How to Make Trader Joe’s Pumpkin & Spice Snickerdoodle Cookies
One of the best things about this cookie mix is how easy it is to whip up a batch. All the ingredients come together in just one bowl, and despite what the box suggests, you don’t even need a hand mixer. If you’re like me and don’t want to lug out extra kitchen gadgets, some elbow grease will do the trick.
Here’s how I made mine:
- I started by softening a stick of butter and adding an egg to a bowl.
- Then, I dumped in the dry pre-measured mix and stirred until it started coming together.
- I added a few milk splashes to make the dough consistent.
Once the dough was ready, I used a 1-ounce cookie scoop to portion the dough balls. The box suggests each cookie should be about two tablespoons in size. To make things less messy, I found it easier to drop the cookie scoop directly into the sugar and spice mixture (included in the box) to roll it around before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
A pro tip: Don’t roll the dough with your hands before dipping it in the sugar and spice coating—it’s sticky! Instead, let the sugar coating keep the dough from sticking to your hands.
Bake Time Getting It Just Right
A few minutes can make a big difference when baking these cookies. The box recommends a full 12 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, but through my baking experiments (and some advice from Reddit users), I found that a slightly shorter bake time makes for a much better cookie.
Many bakers mentioned that the cookies become too crispy if baked for 12 minutes. One Reddit user shared, “The batch baked for 12 minutes got pretty crunchy once they cooled. The second batch we took at 9 minutes was perfect after they cooled, with crispy edges and a soft middle.”
From my experience, pulling the cookies out at around 9 to 10 minutes yields the perfect texture—crispy around the edges but still soft and chewy in the middle. Every oven is different, so I recommend checking them early to avoid overbaking.
Why This Boxed Mix is a Must-Have for Fall
If you’re like me and love an easy, fuss-free baking experience, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin & Spice Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix is a must-have for fall. The mix combines all the best autumn flavors in one bite-sized, chewy, flavorful cookie.
It’s also an excellent option when you want homemade cookies but don’t have the time (or energy) to start from scratch.
And if you’re a fan of hosting fall gatherings or baking treats to share with family and friends, these cookies will surely impress. Their rich, spiced flavor and beautiful golden color make them the perfect addition to any fall dessert spread. Serve them with a warm cup of apple cider or hot cocoa, and you have the ultimate fall snack.
So, the next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, don’t hesitate to grab a few boxes of the Pumpkin & Spice Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a fall get-together, these cookies are bound to be a hit.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin & Spice Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix stands out in a season filled with pumpkin-spiced everything. It’s simple to make, bursting with warm spices and offers the perfect balance of crispy and chewy. Plus, you can whip up a batch in no time, making it a no-brainer for busy fall days.
Whether you’re a boxed mix lover like me or someone who usually bakes from scratch, try this mix. It might just become your new fall favorite, too!
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