Name: Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling); 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Autumn’s crisp breeze brings delightful aromas of warmth and comfort, especially when baking these incredible pumpkin oatmeal cookies that blend classic seasonal spices with hearty texture.

Soft and chewy, these cookies capture the essence of fall in every single bite.

Nutmeg, cinnamon, and a touch of pure pumpkin puree dance together to create a truly irresistible treat.

The oats provide a rustic, wholesome base that makes these cookies both satisfying and delectable.

Each morsel promises a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that will transport you to cozy kitchen memories.

You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds before the first batch even cools.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet spectacular seasonal dessert that turns an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of autumn’s finest flavors.

What Makes Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies So Comforting

These pumpkin oatmeal cookies are incredibly simple to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
Packed with warm spices and comforting flavors, these cookies capture the essence of fall and are guaranteed to be a hit at gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert nights.
Whether you're craving a sweet breakfast companion, afternoon pick-me-up, or after-dinner dessert, these cookies fit perfectly into any part of your day.
With straightforward ingredients and easy mixing steps, this recipe requires minimal kitchen skills and cleanup, making it a stress-free baking experience for everyone.

Base Ingredients:

Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides soft texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
Dark Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet components that add moisture and caramel-like depth to the cookie dough.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a rich, tender cookie texture.
Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and signature pumpkin flavor to the cookies.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and consistency.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Provides hearty texture and nutty flavor to the cookies.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend of spices that enhances the pumpkin flavor and adds complexity.
Cornstarch: Helps create a softer, more tender cookie texture.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Icing Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar, Whole Milk, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, sweet glaze that adds extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished cookies.

How to Bake Soft Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for a smooth cookie release.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:

Softened butter
Dark brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture Magic

Toss in:

Egg
Vanilla extract
Pumpkin puree

Beat everything until the mixture becomes a harmonious blend of autumn goodness.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned oats
Pumpkin pie spice
Cornstarch
Baking soda
Baking powder
Fine sea salt

Make sure all these ingredients become best friends and mix evenly.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture.

Stir until just combined – don’t go overboard with mixing.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dreams

Use a cookie scoop to create perfect rounds on your prepared baking sheets.

Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread their delicious wings.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes.

Look for cookies that are puffed up and no longer shiny on top.

Let them rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 8: Whip Up Glaze Goodness

In a small bowl, mix:

Powdered sugar
Whole milk
Vanilla extract

Stir until you’ve got a smooth, silky glaze.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touch

Once cookies are completely cool, dunk or drizzle them with the glaze.

Let the icing set for about 10 minutes until it firms up slightly.

Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and flavor of your pumpkin oatmeal cookies.
Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cookies.
Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to control cookie spread and enhance flavor development.
Pat the pumpkin puree with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy cookies.
Adjust the pumpkin pie spice to your taste or create a custom blend for a unique flavor profile.

Best Storage and Reheating Tips for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep container sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe ziplock bag, and store for 2-3 months. Label bag with date and contents to track storage time.
Keep cookies in sealed container at cool, dry spot for 2-3 days. Separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. Check temperature to avoid overcooking and maintain soft texture.

Tasty Pairings for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Pair Warm Spiced Tea: Brew a fragrant chai or pumpkin spice tea that complements the cookie's warm, autumnal flavors and enhances the delicate pumpkin notes.
Serve Creamy Vanilla Latte: Craft a smooth vanilla latte with steamed milk that balances the cookie's sweet spiciness and provides a luxurious drinking experience.
Enjoy Caramel Cream Cheese Spread: Create a rich caramel cream cheese dip that adds extra decadence and brings out the cookie's subtle pumpkin undertones.
Match Salted Butterscotch Sauce: Drizzle a homemade salted butterscotch sauce over the cookies for an indulgent touch that elevates their texture and deepens their seasonal taste.

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based for a completely vegan version.
Reduced Sugar Option: Replace granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, cutting down on total sugar content while maintaining the cookie's delicious flavor profile.
Nut-Infused Pumpkin Cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and nutritional boost, creating a heartier and more textured cookie experience.

FAQs

What makes these pumpkin oatmeal cookies unique?

The combination of pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and oats creates a soft, chewy cookie with warm autumn flavors that’s different from traditional sugar or chocolate chip cookies.

Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything?

Yes, you can use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar, and if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves as a replacement.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

The cookies are done when they are puffed up and no longer look glossy on top, which typically takes 9-11 minutes. They should look slightly underbaked as they will continue to set while cooling.

Is it necessary to use a cookie scoop for this recipe?

While not mandatory, a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes and helps them bake evenly. If you don’t have one, use two spoons to portion the dough consistently.

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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