Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Full of Fall Flavor 🎃🍪🍂
Table of contents
1. Introduction

Step into the cozy flavors of autumn with Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies, the ultimate fall treat that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These cookies are a celebration of seasonal goodness, combining creamy pumpkin puree, hearty rolled oats, and a medley of comforting spices for a dessert (or breakfast!) that’s as wholesome as it is indulgent. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply craving something sweet and spiced, these cookies are sure to satisfy.
To learn why pumpkin is a nutrient-rich ingredient perfect for adding flavor and nutrition to your recipes, visit this link. For tips on crafting the perfect oatmeal cookies, explore our guide on soft and chewy techniques here.
2. What Are Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies?
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful fusion of creamy pumpkin puree, hearty rolled oats, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Their soft, chewy texture strikes the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent, making them irresistible to cookie lovers of all ages. Whether enjoyed as a cozy breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a festive dessert, these cookies bring the essence of fall to your table in every bite.
For more fall-inspired baking ideas, browse our collection of seasonal dessert recipes here.
3. Ingredients List (Exact Measurements)
To create these cozy Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
These carefully selected ingredients ensure your cookies will be both flavorful and satisfying. For more ingredient inspiration, explore our guide on fall baking staples here.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in 1 ½ cups of rolled oats and any optional add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. For dough-making tips, visit our guide on perfect oatmeal cookies here.
Scooping and Shaping

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers, as they won’t spread much during baking. For shaping inspiration, browse our collection of cookie decorating ideas here.
Baking the Cookies

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For baking advice, explore our resource on pumpkin-based recipes here.
Finishing Touches

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extra flair, sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with icing if desired. For presentation ideas, explore our guide on homemade gifting treats here.
5. Customizing Your Cookies
To make your Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies truly unique, consider these customizations:
- Oat Variations: Swap rolled oats for quick-cooking oats for a softer texture.
- Spice Twists: Experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
- Sweetness Boost: Add a splash of maple syrup or molasses for deeper sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
These tweaks ensure the recipe suits diverse tastes and dietary needs. For more customization ideas, check out our easy recipe swaps here.
6. Serving Suggestions

These cookies shine when served warm with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of spiced cider for a cozy treat. Pair them with other fall desserts like apple crisp or pecan pie for a seasonal dessert spread. Package them in decorative tins or bags for homemade gifts during Thanksgiving or Christmas. For more pairing ideas, browse our collection of holiday dessert inspiration here.
7. Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable:
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan version.
- Sugar Alternatives: Substitute coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Indulgent Add-Ins: Add white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or candied ginger for extra decadence.
These variations ensure everyone can enjoy the cookies. For more substitution ideas, check out our healthy swaps here.
8. Nutritional Information
Each Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookie contains approximately 120 calories. Here’s the macronutrient breakdown per cookie:
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fats: 5g
- Proteins: 2g
Please note these values may vary slightly based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. Enjoy responsibly!
9. FAQs Section
Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but ensure it’s cooked, pureed, and drained to remove excess moisture. Canned pumpkin is more consistent and convenient for baking.
Q: Why did my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies spread too much, ensure your butter isn’t over-softened and that the dough has enough structure from the flour and oats. Chilling the dough before baking can also help maintain their shape.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of pumpkin spice?
Mix equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger for a homemade spice blend that mimics pumpkin spice perfectly.
10. Conclusion
Making Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies is a simple yet rewarding way to indulge in the cozy flavors of fall. With their soft, chewy texture, warm spices, and endless customization options, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with your own twists, this dessert promises to delight everyone who tries it.
We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #PumpkinSpiceOatmealCookies and tag us for a chance to be featured. Have feedback or questions? Leave a comment below—we’re here to help! For more easy baking recipes, explore our collection of classic dessert recipes here. Happy baking! 🎃🍪🍂
Print
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies
Indulge in these Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies—a cozy blend of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and hearty oats. Perfect for autumn baking or anytime you crave a taste of fall! 🍂🍴
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preparing the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the rolled oats and any optional add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips.
- Scooping and Shaping: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers, as they won’t spread much during baking.
- Baking the Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finishing Touches: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extra flair, sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with icing if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
- Vegan alternative: Substitute plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Storage tip: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/24th of the recipe)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg