Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

 The first time I had these cookies was at a New Year's Eve party at my sister Rhoda's house.  I could not stop eating these cookies, especially when there is hot coffee!  My mouth is watering just telling you about them.  I will not tell how many cookies I actually ate that night but I will share this wonderful recipe with you.

2 boxes of spice cake mix
1 Lg. can of pure pumpkin
2 eggs
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. cinnamon
Mix all the ingredients together well in a large bowl.  Spoon onto cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes.  You can check the cookies with a toothpick to check for "doneness". These I frosted with cream cheese icing. You can also make a glaze to pour over top of them or sprinkle them with powdered sugar.  However, they are great plain as well.

Buttermilk Coffee Cake

The original recipe comes from the "Mennonite Country-Style Recipes and Kitchen Secrets" cookbook.  I discovered this recipe about 6 years ago.  I made it for the first time for our community group from church and it was a huge hit and it was asked for regularly.  Since then, it has become one of my favorite "go-to" recipes.  It is so simple to throw together.  Not to mention, I always have all these ingredients in my pantry.  This is great for Saturday morning brunch or Thursday night dessert!  Just don't forget to serve it with good coffee... it is a must! 

Buttermilk Coffee Cake

2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. white sugar
3/4 c. oil (i have never tried this with butter, i always use canola oil or coconut oil)

Mix these ingredients thoroughly with hands until crumbly.  Reserve 1 1/2 cups of crumbs for the top of cake. 

1 egg
1 c. thick sour milk, buttermilk, or plain yogurt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda

Combine and add to remaining mixture and beat for 2 minutes.  Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and sprinkle with reserved crumbs.  I like to sprinkle with chopped pecans and extra cinnamon as well...  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  This cake is very easy to over bake.  I typically will set my timer for 25 minutes.  Check with a tooth pick for done-ness in the center.