Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

If you’re anything like me, FALL IS ALL ABOUT PUMPKIN EVERYTHING. Pumpkin spice lattes? Check. Pumpkin candles? Oh, absolutely. But you know what really hits the sweet spot? PUMPKIN OATMEAL COOKIES! These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with those warm, cozy spices we all love this time of year.

The best part? They’re so easy to make and require just 30 minutes from start to finish. I made a batch last week for a family breakfast, and let me tell you my sister-in-law practically begged me for the recipe. So here it is, just for you! (Looking for another healthy and delicious treat? Check out this recipe for a Tropical Smoothie Acai Bowl—it’s the perfect way to start your day! )

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Why You’ll Love These Cookies

1. Soft and Chewy: These cookies have a texture that melts in your mouth, thanks to the pumpkin puree.
2. Naturally Sweetened Options: Swap in some maple syrup or honey if you’re watching your sugar.
3. Easy to Customize: Add chocolate chips, raisins, or even chopped pecans for extra flavor.
4. Kid-Approved: My kids devoured these before they even cooled—so you know they’re GOOD.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you might not even need to make a store run. WIN-WIN!

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• A pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (NO pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (or even coconut sugar)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Mix-ins:

• 3/4 cup chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts (or ALL THREE no judgment!)

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Step-by-Step Instructions 🥣

Preheat the Oven: Set it to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a larger bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. (I use an electric mixer for this WORK SMART, NOT HARD!)

Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Everything: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Fold in your optional mix-ins.

Scoop and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the baking sheet, and spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Cool and Devour: Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring all to a wire rack. Or eat one warm—no one’s judging.

Brown Butter Icing : It’s super easy to make—just brown your butter, whisk it with powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a touch of milk, and BAM, you’ve got a decadent icing that will make your cookies look (and taste) like they came straight from a bakery. My husband tried it last week and said, “THIS is what fall tastes like!

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How to Store Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

If you somehow don’t eat all these cookies in one sitting (IMPRESSIVE), here’s how to store them:

• Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: These freeze beautifully! Lay them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temp when you’re ready to snack.

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A Few Fun Variations

1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Toss in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for the perfect pumpkin-chocolate combo.
2. Healthy Version: Swap out half the butter for unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Sub the all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour.
4. Pumpkin Spice Overload: Add 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice for even more fall vibes.

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Health Benefits of Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Oats bring in fiber to help keep you full and support heart health. When you use mix-ins like raisins or nuts, you’re adding even more nutrients to the mix.

These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard. For a treat that feels indulgent but doesn’t completely wreck your diet, pumpkin oatmeal cookies are a WINNER.

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Perfect Occasions to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies are practically MADE for fall get-togethers. Planning a cozy movie night? Pumpkin oatmeal cookies are the perfect companion to hot cocoa or cider. Hosting a Halloween party? Stack these cookies on a festive platter, and watch them disappear faster than candy.

They also make great gifts! My husband once brought a batch to his office, and his coworkers were asking for the recipe within an hour..

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Why Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Are Perfect Year-Round

While pumpkin oatmeal cookies are often associated with fall, there’s no rule that says you can’t bake them year-round. In fact, canned pumpkin is available 365 days a year, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving hits.

These cookies are also great for holiday cookie exchanges, weekend brunches, or even as a quick breakfast-on-the-go. The oats give them a hearty base, so they’re more filling than your average cookie. Pair one with a cup of coffee in the morning, and you’re good to go!

The Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Every Time

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Getting the perfect pumpkin oatmeal cookies is all about nailing the texture. You want them soft and chewy, not dry or cakey. To achieve that, be sure to measure your ingredients carefully—too much flour can make them dense. And don’t skip chilling the dough for a few minutes if it feels too sticky; this helps well the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Also, keep an eye on the bake time. Overbaking can dry them out, so pull them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes, and you’ll have perfectly soft, chewy cookies every time.

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Why Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Are a Family Favorite

Pumpkin oatmeal cookies are the kind of treat that brings people together. Every time I bake a batch, the smell alone gets my family running into the kitchen. My husband loves them as a post-dinner treat, and my kids love sneaking them into their lunchboxes for a midday surprise.

Because they’re not overly sweet, these cookies are a hit with adults and kids alike. Plus, they’re sturdy enough to pack for road trips, picnics, or school snacks. If you’re looking for a dessert that pleases the whole family, pumpkin oatmeal cookies are a no-brainer.

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FAQs About Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies