Name: Frosted Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) milk (as needed for consistency)

Autumn whispers its delectable magic through these warm, frosted pumpkin oatmeal cookies that blend comfort and nostalgia.

Crisp mornings call for something sweet and spiced with seasonal charm.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance together, creating an irresistible aroma that fills kitchens with pure happiness.

Soft, chewy textures mingle with rich pumpkin notes, promising a treat that feels like a cozy embrace.

Generations of bakers have cherished similar recipes, passing down memories through each carefully crafted bite.

Delightful speckles of rolled oats add rustic character to these perfectly balanced confections.

Savor each morsel and let the flavors transport you to a world of pure, sugary bliss.

Frosted Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies for Fall Moods

Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies deliver a comforting autumn-inspired flavor that wraps you in pure happiness.
Easily create a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings everyone together, from kids to grandparents, with its irresistible creamy frosting and soft, chewy texture.
Ideal for potlucks, school events, or casual gatherings, these cookies showcase the best of fall flavors in a simple, crowd-pleasing format.

Ingredients That Define Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Cookie Base Ingredients:

Rolled Oats: A hearty grain that adds texture and nutty flavor to the cookies.
Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and a rich autumn flavor to the cookie base.
All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the cookie dough.

Sweeteners:

Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Bring sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie texture.

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the cookies.
Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.

Spices and Seasonings:

Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Classic pumpkin pie spices that enhance the warm flavor profile.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the cookie.

Leavening Agents:

Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cookies rise and create a soft, light texture.

Frosting Ingredients:

Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a creamy, rich base for the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.
Milk: Helps adjust the frosting consistency as needed.

Baking Frosted Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine these goodies:

Pumpkin puree
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Egg
Melted butter
Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix these dry components:

Rolled oats
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt

Whisk until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined.

Don’t go crazy with mixing – keep it gentle!

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the sheets into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Look for edges that turn a beautiful golden brown.

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Grab your mixer and beat cream cheese and butter until super creamy.

Gradually add:

Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Mix until silky smooth.

If needed, splash in a bit of milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.

Step 8: Decorate with Frosting

Once cookies are totally cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie.

Enjoy your delightful pumpkin oatmeal treats!

Pro Tips to Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
Use quick oats for a softer cookie or old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewier, more rustic texture.
Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to enhance the warm, autumnal spice profile of the cookies.
Prepare the cookie dough in advance and freeze for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies anytime.
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper.

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain frosting's texture and prevent spoilage.
Wrap unbaked or baked (without frosting) cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Layer frosted cookies carefully in freezer-safe containers with wax paper between each layer. Freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost in refrigerator overnight for best results.
Keep unfrosted cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain cookie quality.

Matches for Frosted Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: Creamy, warm chai tea complements the pumpkin's earthy notes and balances the cookie's sweetness with its spicy undertones.
Enhance with Caramel Drizzle Accompaniment: Drizzle rich, golden caramel over the frosted cookies to amplify the warm autumn flavors and add luxurious depth.
Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast against the soft, warm pumpkin cookie, offering a perfect seasonal dessert experience.
Serve alongside Maple Walnut Coffee: Strong coffee infused with maple and walnut notes provides a robust companion that highlights the cookie's warm spices and creamy frosting.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with a Twist

Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, ensuring the same texture and binding properties for the cookies.
Vegan Alternative: Substitute egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free cashew cream frosting.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown and granulated sugar by half, replace with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a sugar-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting to create a more diabetic-friendly treat.
Protein-Packed Variation: Add a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin spice protein powder to the dry ingredients, boosting nutritional value while maintaining the cookie's soft and chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?

No, rolled oats provide better texture and structure for these cookies. Instant oats are too fine and will change the cookie’s consistency.

How do I know if the cookie dough is mixed correctly?

Stop mixing when dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing can make cookies tough and dense, so mix until ingredients are just combined.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

What if my cream cheese is too cold for frosting?

Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy frosting without lumps.

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.

Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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