Description of this recipe
These Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal cookie, infused with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin pie. Combining the hearty texture of oats with the aromatic spices and smooth pumpkin puree, these cookies offer a taste of fall in every bite. Perfect for a seasonal treat, a cozy snack, or a festive addition to your holiday baking, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Their soft, chewy texture and rich, spiced flavor make them a standout among ordinary cookies.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely fall in love with these Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cookies for several reasons. First and foremost, they capture the essence of autumn with their perfect blend of pumpkin and spices. Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves filling your kitchen as these cookies bake – it’s pure bliss! The combination of creamy pumpkin puree and the wholesome texture of old-fashioned oats creates a cookie that is both comforting and satisfying.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can customize them to your liking by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or raisins for a touch of sweetness and chewiness. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both experienced bakers and novices alike. Plus, they stay soft and chewy for days, making them ideal for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Finally, these cookies are a wonderful way to use up leftover pumpkin puree after making pies or other fall treats. They are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends, bringing to potlucks, or packaging as a thoughtful homemade gift. Each bite is a celebration of the season, bringing a little bit of warmth and joy to your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is evenly heated, which is crucial for consistent baking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheets instead.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This step is essential for creating a light and airy cookie dough. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the butter and sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the butter, which helps to give the cookies a tender texture. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes of beating to achieve the desired consistency. Make sure the butter is properly softened but not melted, as melted butter can result in flat, greasy cookies.
Step 3: Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a rich, pumpkin flavor to the cookies, while the egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, ensuring a smooth and uniform batter. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients together ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become light and airy. The spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – create the signature pumpkin pie flavor that makes these cookies so irresistible. Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness and adding depth to the cookies.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. This step requires a gentle touch to prevent overmixing, which can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in small increments, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears, and avoid beating the dough excessively.
Step 6: Stir in the oats, and if using, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Old-fashioned oats add a hearty texture and nutty flavor to the cookies, while chopped walnuts or pecans provide a delightful crunch. Raisins add a touch of sweetness and chewiness, complementing the other flavors and textures in the cookies. Fold in the oats, nuts, and raisins gently, ensuring that they are evenly distributed without overmixing the dough.
Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use a spoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough, ensuring that each cookie is roughly the same size. This will help the cookies bake evenly. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the cookies. Bake them until they are lightly browned around the edges and set in the center. Avoid overbaking, as this can result in dry, crumbly cookies.
Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly before moving them, preventing them from breaking apart. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely, which allows air to circulate around them and prevents them from becoming soggy. Once the cookies are completely cool, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cookies are perfect on their own as a delightful snack or dessert. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a spiced chai latte. For an extra touch of indulgence, try crumbling them over vanilla ice cream or using them as a base for ice cream sandwiches. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday dessert platter or a homemade gift basket. Consider serving them at your next fall gathering or potluck – they’re sure to be a hit!
Tips:
- Use Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted. Softened butter will cream better with the sugars, creating a light and airy cookie dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies that don’t spread as much, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Even Baking: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that each cookie is the same size, which will help them bake evenly.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a more intense pumpkin pie flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
12-15 minutes
Total Time:
32-35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 180-220 per cookie
Protein:
Approximately 3-4 grams per cookie
Sodium:
Approximately 100-120 mg per cookie
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful and delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their soft, chewy texture, warm spices, and comforting pumpkin flavor, they are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy them as a simple snack, a festive treat, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cookies. Happy baking!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
A: While you can use quick oats in this recipe, keep in mind that the texture of the cookies will be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture, while quick oats may result in a softer, more delicate cookie. If you use quick oats, you might want to reduce the amount slightly to prevent the cookies from becoming too dry.
Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help hold the cookies together. Follow the recipe as directed, and enjoy your gluten-free Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal Cookies!
Q3: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
A: To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better. Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can develop the gluten and cause the cookies to spread.
Q4: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2-3 months. Scoop the dough into individual portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q5: What other variations can I try with this recipe?
A: There are endless possibilities for customizing these cookies! You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped dates, or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for added flavor and texture. For a richer, more decadent cookie, try adding a cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of melted chocolate after they have cooled. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to create your own unique flavor profile.
