If you’re looking for the ultimate fall dessert, these pumpkin oatmeal cookies are the answer. Soft, chewy, and full of warm pumpkin spice flavor, they’re a cozy treat that’s healthier than traditional cookies thanks to hearty oats and vitamin-rich pumpkin. Whether you want a quick snack, a festive fall dessert, or a healthier lunchbox treat, this recipe has you covered.
🍪 Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
- Soft & Chewy: Pumpkin purée keeps the cookies moist, while oats give them the perfect chew.
- Flavor-Packed: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring that classic fall spice.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, cranberries, or nuts for endless variations.
- Healthier Option: Fiber from oats + nutrients from pumpkin make these better-for-you cookies.
📝 Ingredients (With Substitutions)
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) → adds moisture and flavor
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats → for chewy texture
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (swap with coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (use coconut sugar for less refined option)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix together: Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir in oats and any add-ins (chocolate chips, cranberries, etc.).
- Chill dough (optional but recommended): Refrigerate for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Shape cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake: 11–13 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
🍫 Variations & Creative Twists
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies – Add semisweet or dark chocolate chips.
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies – Tart cranberries balance the sweetness.
- Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – Reduce sugar by half and use coconut oil.
- Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – Replace egg with flax egg + dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies – Use certified GF oats and a 1:1 GF flour blend.
📊 Nutrition Information (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 145
- Carbs: 22g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
🥄 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough directly—just add 1–2 minutes to bake time.
❓ FAQs About Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Q: Why are my pumpkin cookies cakey instead of chewy?
Pumpkin adds extra moisture, which can make cookies more cake-like. For chewier cookies, slightly reduce pumpkin or chill dough before baking.
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but drain excess liquid first.
Q: Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, a flax egg or chia egg works perfectly.
Q: How do I keep pumpkin cookies from drying out?
Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.
🍂 Perfect Pairings
Enjoy your pumpkin oatmeal cookies with:
- A pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall combo
- Hot chai or apple cider
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
⭐ Final Thoughts
These pumpkin oatmeal cookies are the perfect blend of cozy fall flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you enjoy them plain, studded with chocolate chips, or loaded with cranberries and nuts, they’re guaranteed to become your new seasonal favorite.
Try them once, and they’ll be on repeat every autumn 🍁.
