Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

If you adore all things cozy and filled with warm spices, then these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Combining the natural sweetness and moistness of pumpkin with hearty oats and a blend of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, these cookies come out chewy, flavorful, and perfectly soft. Topped with a spiced vanilla icing that adds just the right touch of sweetness, every bite feels like a warm hug during crisp autumn days or whenever you crave a comforting snack. Trust me, once you try these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, you’ll be reaching for them on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a key role: pumpkin puree keeps them moist and tender, oats give a delightful chew and texture, and the warm spices bring that signature fall flavor. Plus, a hint of molasses adds depth, while the sugars and butter balance everything with richness and sweetness.

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Blotted to remove excess moisture for perfect texture in the dough.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together beautifully.
• 1 cup quick or old fashioned oats: Adds heartiness and chewy goodness in every bite.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses classic warm spice aroma.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice: The quintessential blend of nutmeg, cloves, and more for seasonal flair.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides lightness and helps cookies rise just right.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly but importantly.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and sliced: Ensures a rich, tender crumb when creamed with sugars.
• ¾ cup light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a clean, crisp note.
• 1 large egg yolk: Gives richness and helps bind the cookies.
• 2 tablespoons molasses: Brings a delicious, slightly smoky depth.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Lends aromatic sweetness that rounds out the tastes.
• For spiced vanilla icing: Powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon or pumpkin spice, and milk create a luscious glaze for a lovely finishing touch.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Start by gently blotting the canned pumpkin puree to remove excess moisture using paper towels. This step is crucial because it keeps your cookie dough from becoming too wet, ensuring you end up with the perfect chewy texture. Let the puree sit for about 5 to 10 minutes and gently squeeze out some of the liquid. You should have about ¾ cup of thickened pumpkin puree ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oats, baking soda, ground cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Setting these dry ingredients aside now will make adding them to the wet ingredients much easier.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Next, soften the cold butter just slightly—microwave it for about 30 seconds so it’s still mostly solid but workable. Combine it with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat them on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This creaming step traps air and contributes to a tender, balanced cookie texture with a deliciously rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Turn your mixer to low and add the blotted pumpkin puree, egg yolk, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix gently until smooth and well incorporated. Incorporating the wet ingredients carefully helps maintain that moist and soft cookie structure we want.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

With your mixer still on low, gradually add in the dry ingredients little by little. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could toughen the cookies. Once the dough comes together, cover it and chill it in the fridge for anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The chill time will let the flavors meld nicely and improve the chewiness of the final cookies.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a medium cookie scoop to portion dough balls about 3 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake them for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are puffed. They’ll look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool. While still warm, gently reshape any irregular edges with a cookie cutter for that perfect round look.

Step 7: Add the Spiced Vanilla Icing

While your cookies cool completely on a rack, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon or pumpkin spice, and a little milk until smooth. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, shake off the excess, and place back on the rack to let the icing set for about 30 minutes. This glossy, spiced icing seals in flavor and adds a lovely sweet finish.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Garnishes

While the spiced vanilla icing is delightful on its own, you can add a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty aroma that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and spices. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of melted white chocolate also makes these cookies look and taste fancy enough for sharing at gatherings.

Side Dishes

Serve these warm Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or a cozy mug of hot apple cider. The spicy warmth in the drinks complements the cinnamon and pumpkin spice in the cookies beautifully. For an indulgent treat, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream during dessert time.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies into charming gifts by wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine and a cinnamon stick. For holiday platters, arrange them on a decorated tray with sprigs of fresh rosemary or mini pumpkins. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist that will wow friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container to keep them moist and chewy. Stored at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy days or unexpected visitors.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. Frozen cookies can be kept for up to three months so you can enjoy that fall flavor any time.

Reheating

To bring frozen or stored cookies back to fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave one for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. This revives the soft, chewy texture and gently melts the icing for a blissful treat as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Fresh pumpkin can work but it needs to be cooked and pureed until smooth first. Plus, you should remove some moisture by blotting with paper towels just like canned pumpkin to prevent soggy dough.

What kind of oats are best for these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies?

Both quick cooking oats and old fashioned rolled oats work well. Quick oats create a softer texture while old fashioned oats add more chewiness and a heartier bite. Choose based on your texture preference.

Can I make these cookies gluten free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for structure, or add it according to the package instructions for best results.

How long should I chill the dough before baking?

While 30 minutes is the minimum chill time, chilling up to 2 hours yields softer and chewier cookies. If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute chill will greatly improve the texture compared to no chilling at all.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite chocolate chips once the dough is mixed. Adding about ½ cup makes for a delicious variation while keeping the core flavors intact.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies — from the tender pumpkin-infused dough to the aromatic spices and the sweet spiced glaze. They bring warmth and comfort to any moment, whether it’s a quiet afternoon snack or a festive gathering. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do, and that they become one of your favorite go-to recipes when pumpkin season rolls around. Go ahead, treat yourself to these cozy delights and share the joy with those you love!

Print