Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are the kind of treat that make you stop and breathe in the season. The moment the leaves start to crunch underfoot and the air carries that crisp chill, my kitchen transforms into a fall bakery. Back when I moved from Italy to the USA, one thing that truly fascinated me was how pumpkin shifted from savory soups into the spotlight of desserts. And trust me, once I had my first bite of chewy pumpkin cookies, there was no turning back.

These cookies combine the hearty chew of old-fashioned oats with the sweet warmth of pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with a maple cream cheese frosting, they’re soft, chewy, and irresistibly seasonal. If you’ve been hunting for an easy pumpkin dessert that works for Halloween parties, cozy fall afternoons, or even Thanksgiving tables, then these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are exactly what you need.

If you’re pumpkin-obsessed like me, don’t stop here — try baking a moist pumpkin bread or a creamy pumpkin custard cake next. But first, let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special.

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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Here’s the thing: once you bake a batch of Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, you’ll find yourself reaching for them every time you want something warm, sweet, and comforting.

• Soft and Chewy Texture – These cookies are moist pumpkin cookies, thanks to the oats and pumpkin puree. They have a satisfying bite but stay tender in the center.
• Packed with Fall Flavor – Think cinnamon pumpkin treats blended with nutmeg spiced cookies. The flavor is cozy and warming.
• Maple Frosting Magic – A drizzle of maple cream cheese frosting turns them into pumpkin maple cookies. It’s like autumn in every bite.
• Easy to Make and Share – These oatmeal pumpkin cookies don’t require advanced baking skills. Busy parents, students, and working professionals can whip them up in no time.

Looking for other seasonal cookies? Try these red velvet cookies for Valentine’s Day or some Christmas cookie bars during the holidays.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies use simple ingredients, but together they create a fall masterpiece.

For the Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin works perfectly)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups rolled oats

For the Frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The pumpkin puree brings moisture, the oats add chewiness, and the warm spices infuse that classic autumn cookie flavor. The frosting takes these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies from everyday snack to pumpkin holiday cookies worthy of a celebration.

If you love baking with pumpkin, you might also enjoy a classic pumpkin pie or pumpkin muffins with cream cheese filling.

Equipment Needed to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Don’t worry — you don’t need fancy equipment. These chewy oatmeal desserts come together with basics:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

That’s it. Nothing complicated, just tools most home kitchens already have.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Baking these cookies is as comforting as eating them. Here’s how it goes:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy. This step creates the base for that soft, chewy texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Pumpkin

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then mix in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. Don’t worry if the batter looks slightly curdled — the oats will bring it all together later.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Stir in the Oats

Fold in rolled oats until evenly distributed. This is what makes these pumpkin dessert with oats so hearty and chewy.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop dough into rounded balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on baking sheets. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

Step 8: Frost with Maple Cream Cheese

Whip together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Frost cookies only once they’re completely cool.

For more fall baking recipes, try pairing these with easy pumpkin crisp or a warm slice of homemade banana bread.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

• Soften ingredients ahead – Room-temp butter and cream cheese whip smoothly.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep cookies tender.
• Chill the dough – Optional, but helps with thicker cookies.
• Cool before frosting – If you frost warm cookies, it’ll melt right off.
• Spice balance – Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.

If you love decorating and sharing cookies, you’ll also enjoy baking festive holiday cookies or heart-shaped jam cookies.

Variations on Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Want to put your own spin on these autumn cookie ideas? Try these tweaks:

• Nutty Twist – Add pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Chocolate Pumpkin Combo – Stir in chocolate chips.
• Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Snacks – Swap some flour for whole wheat and reduce sugar.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cookies – Skip frosting and fold cream cheese chunks into the dough.
• Pumpkin Oat Dessert Bars – Spread the dough in a pan and slice into bars for grab-and-go snacks.

Love experimenting? Check out these pink velvet cookies or the always popular classic chocolate chip cookies.

Serving and Storing Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies taste best when they’re fresh, paired with coffee, tea, or even a glass of warm milk.

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.
• Serving Ideas: They make excellent pumpkin breakfast cookies when served plain, or frosted for dessert at Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinners.

Looking for more cozy snacks? Try these pumpkin banana bread slices or pumpkin muffins with cream cheese filling.

FAQs

Looking for more seasonal baking inspiration? Try this spiced carrot cake, a fresh rhubarb pie, or even gingerbread ice cream for the holidays.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies

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Description

Chewy and spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies topped with maple cream cheese frosting — the perfect fall treat for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or cozy afternoons.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Cream butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and pumpkin puree.
4. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Add to wet mixture.
5. Fold in rolled oats.
6. Scoop dough into balls (about 2 tbsp each), place on sheets, and bake 12–15 minutes.
7. Cool cookies on wire racks completely.
8. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Frost cooled cookies.

Equipment

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Notes

Store cookies airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days. Dough can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Final thoughts

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are more than just a sweet bite — they’re a piece of fall wrapped up in oats, pumpkin, and spices. These chewy oatmeal pumpkin cookies are easy to make, delicious to share, and versatile enough for any autumn occasion.

Bake a batch for your Halloween gathering, share them at Thanksgiving, or keep a secret stash for cozy nights in. And if you’re still craving more pumpkin, why not try an easy pumpkin crisp or pumpkin banana bread next?

Happy fall baking, friends!

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