Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it perfectly marries the comforting flavors of fall, with pumpkin and spices, and the chewy texture of oatmeal cookies, creating a treat that’s both nostalgic and modern. Plus, adding chocolate chips turns these cookies into an indulgent delight that’s hard to resist when curling up with a cozy drink.

Recipes make my heart sing. And when it comes to creating the perfect cookie, I want it to be packed with nourishing, wholesome ingredients my family and I love.

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are just that, a healthy and delicious fall treat. They call for very basic kitchen ingredients, but the combination of those ingredients (as always, in my mind) makes these cookies exceptional.

I beat together (with a hand mixer, of course) half a cup of very soft unsalted butter with three-quarters of a cup each of brown and granulated sugar. The kind of sugar and the amount might surprise you; after all, these are oatmeal cookies, and so far so good in the health department.

But trust me, the pumpkin flavor and everything else make these cookies indistinguishable from any other cookie you might gobble up.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Ingredients

• Pumpkin Puree: Rich in fiber; adds moisture and nutrients.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Heart-healthy fiber; boosts cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness; enhances cookie softness.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice; boosts flavor and aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: Sweetens and enhances overall flavor profile.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

1. Prepare your oven by heating it to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 175 degrees Celsius. Then take the baking sheets you plan to use and line them with parchment paper.

2. In a substantial mixing basin, combine the emollient butter, the brown sugar, and the white sugar. Beat them together until they achieve a light and fluffy consistency. Creaming time will depend on the strength of your arms or your electric mixer.

3. Combine the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract thoroughly.

4. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well blended.

5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, blending until barely combined.

6. Blend the vintage-style oats and, if you’re using them, the chocolate chips that are sweet but not too sweet.

7. Employ a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough about 2 inches apart. Use 1 tablespoon (14 g) of dough for each cookie.

8. Put the cookies in the oven that has been preheated. Set the timer for 12 to 15 minutes and watch the cookies very carefully. You want them to be just barely brown at the edges when you take them out.

9. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before moving them to a wire rack. There, they will finish cooling, and you can eat them when they are no longer hot.

10. Savor these delightful pumpkin oatmeal cookies alongside a piping hot drink of your choice!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheets
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Electric mixer or hand whisk
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Whisk
10. Spoon or cookie scoop
11. Wire cooling rack

FAQ

• Q: Can I use pumpkin pie mix instead of pumpkin puree?A: No, cookies made with pumpkin pie mix will taste different from cookies made with plain pumpkin. Mix contains added spices and sweeteners that will alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
• Q: Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?You can indeed use whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture and possibly a nuttier flavor. So, if you go that route, just know that whatever you’re making will not taste like the original.
• Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?A: Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe gluten-free! You’ll use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats, and the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Q: Can I omit the chocolate chips?A: Yes, the chocolate chips are optional. You can leave them out or replace them with nuts or dried fruit.
• Q: How should I store these cookies?A: Keep the cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week.
• Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?A: Yes, the dough can be made into balls, and these may be frozen. To do this, first form the dough into balls, then freeze on a baking sheet. Once the balls are frozen, transfer them to a sealed bag and place them in the freezer, where they will keep for up to 3 months.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup coconut oil or 1 cup margarine.
1 cup packed brown sugar → 1 cup coconut sugar or 1 cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses
1/2 cup granulated sugar → 1/2 cup honey or 1/2 cup maple syrup (but adjust the flour to maintain consistency)
1 cup of pumpkin puree can be substituted with 1 cup of either mashed sweet potato or butternut squash puree.
1 cup raisins or 1 cup chopped nuts → 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pro Tips

1. For enhanced flavor, consider browning the butter before using it in the recipe. Simply melt the butter over medium heat and continue to cook until it turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly before creaming with the sugars.

2. To ensure a uniform texture in your cookies, measure the flour using the spoon-and-level method to prevent overpacking, which can lead to dense cookies.

3. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and can enhance the flavors as the ingredients meld together.

4. If you desire a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to the dry ingredients for a subtle warmth that complements the pumpkin and spices.

5. For an added crunch, you can mix in a half cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) along with the oats and chocolate chips, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.