As I rummaged through my kitchen one crisp autumn afternoon, the warm scent of cinnamon danced through the air, taking me back to cherished family gatherings. That’s when I decided to bake these Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting. Not only are they a delightful way to celebrate the season, but their easy prep makes them perfect for anyone wanting to swap fast food for wholesome homemade goodness. Imagine indulging in cookies that are both chewy and comforting, topped with a luscious maple frosting that will have everyone reaching for seconds! Whether you’re hosting a fall get-together or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are bound to bring a smile to your face. So, are you ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fall and create some sweet memories?
Why Are These Cookies Irresistible?
Soft, Chewy Texture: These cookies boast a delightful chewiness that melts in your mouth, making them a perfect treat for any cookie lover.
Fall’s Best Flavors: Enjoy the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, harmonizing beautifully with the pumpkin and bringing the essence of autumn directly into your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: In just 35 minutes, you can have a batch of cookies ready to share, perfect for those busy days when you crave something homemade but don’t have much time.
Maple Frosting Delight: The creamy maple frosting adds an indulgent touch that complements the cookies perfectly, making every bite a blissful experience.
Family-Friendly Fun: Grab the kids and make this recipe together! It’s a wonderful way to bond over baking and create delicious treats to enjoy as a family.
Elevate your dessert game with these cookies, and if you're looking for more cozy recipes, check out easy oatmeal cookies or our fall dessert collection.
Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Butter – 1 cup, softened; this key ingredient provides a rich flavor and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Light Brown Sugar – 1 cup, packed; it adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
- Granulated Sugar – ½ cup; this balances the sweetness while contributing to the cookie’s texture.
- Eggs – 2 large; they help bind the ingredients together and create a fluffy texture.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon; this enhances the overall flavor, making the cookies even more delightful.
- Pumpkin Puree – 1 cup; this is essential for the classic pumpkin taste and contributes moisture to the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 ½ cups; it forms the base of the cookie dough, giving it structure.
- Baking Soda – 1 teaspoon; it acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies to rise.
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon; this warm spice adds a comforting autumn flavor to the cookies.
- Nutmeg – 1 teaspoon; it complements the cinnamon, deepening the flavor profile.
- Cloves – ½ teaspoon; just a pinch provides warmth and is a classic fall spice.
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon; it enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – 3 cups; they add texture and heartiness, making these cookies extra satisfying.
For Maple Frosting
- Cream Cheese – 4 ounces, softened; it gives the frosting a creamy texture and slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the cookies.
- Butter – ¼ cup, softened; ensures the frosting has a smooth consistency.
- Powdered Sugar – 2 cups; this is essential for creating that sweet, cloud-like frosting.
- Maple Syrup – 2 tablespoons; it infuses the frosting with a delicious maple flavor that’s irresistible and complements the cookies beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon; it enhances the sweet flavors of the frosting for a perfect finish.
These Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting are not just another treat; they’re a heartfelt way to bring autumn into your home, making every bite worth savoring!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Maple Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This preparation sets the stage for your Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, allowing them to bake evenly and become wonderfully chewy.
Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically around 2 minutes. This step incorporates air, creating a tender texture for your cookies, which will melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorants
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow this by stirring in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until thoroughly combined. The pumpkin will add moisture and flavor, forming the heart of your Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, making them truly autumnal.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until evenly distributed. This ensures that your leavening agent and spices are well-mixed, providing a consistent flavor throughout the cookies without any lumps of spice in your dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want our cookies to remain soft and chewy. The dough will become thick and fragrant, indicating that you’re just about ready to add the oats.
Step 6: Stir in the Oats
Gently fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step adds heartiness to your Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, contributing to their delightful chewy texture. The oats will create lovely, satisfying bites throughout each cookie.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon, drop dollops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will give your cookies room to spread as they bake, ensuring they don’t meld together and lose their individual charm during the baking process.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set, but the centers still feel slightly soft to the touch. This softness is key to achieving that irresistible chewy texture we’re after with these Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on them for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process allows the cookies to set properly, maintaining their soft centers and warm aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 10: Prepare the Maple Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the maple frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This step creates a rich base for your frosting, which will beautifully enhance the flavor of your Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies.
Step 11: Mix in the Sweetness
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. Follow by stirring in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until the frosting achieves a silky, spreadable consistency. The maple sweetness will perfectly complement the warm spices in the cookies.
Step 12: Frost the Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the maple frosting generously on top of each cookie. This final touch elevates the Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, adding an irresistibly sweet layer that balances wonderfully with their rich, spiced flavor.
Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Maple Frosting Variations
Feel free to play with flavors and ingredients in this recipe to make it truly your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This will let everyone enjoy these cookies without worry.
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Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of eggs and coconut oil in place of butter. You’ll still get deliciously soft results, perfect for any dietary preference.
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Nutty Addition: Mix in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added flavor. They will bring a wonderful texture that complements the soft, chewy body of the cookies.
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Spice It Up: Add an extra teaspoon of ginger or a pinch of cayenne for a warm, spicy kick. This twist can take your cookies to a whole new level of flavor.
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Chocolate Delight: Blend in 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. The chocolate will create a decadent contrast with the pumpkin and spices, making these cookies even harder to resist.
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Dried Fruit: Toss in 1 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture that adds depth to the cookie experience.
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Maple Syrup Variance: Swap maple syrup for different flavored syrups, like caramel or butterscotch, to customize the frosting. Each version can add its own unique taste to your cookies.
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Cream Cheese Variations: Mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting for a zesty twist that enhances the overall flavor. It brings a refreshing note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Explore these variations to find new favorites, and don't forget to share your baking adventures with friends! You might also love trying easy oatmeal cookies for another comforting classic, or check out our fall dessert collection for more seasonal delights.
What to Serve with Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting
Elevate your treat experience by pairing these delightful cookies with complementary flavors and dishes that enhance their charm and warmth.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich, creamy vanilla ice cream balances the cookie’s chewy texture, creating a delightful contrast that melts in your mouth.
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Spiced Chai Tea: Sipping on warm spiced chai tea elevates the experience, as its fragrant spices echo the cookies' nutmeg and cinnamon, wrapping you in cozy warmth.
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Pecan Pie Bars: These bars add a sweet crunch that beautifully complements the soft, fluffy cookies, providing a delightful textural contrast and extra indulgence.
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Fresh Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Crisp apple slices offer a refreshing bite, while the caramel dip enhances the cookie's sweetness, perfect for a fall-inspired snack platter.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Sip on a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate autumn experience. Its rich, creamy flavor pairs perfectly with the spiced notes of the cookies.
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Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows: A warm cup of hot chocolate topped with fluffy marshmallows adds a rich, comforting element, making every cookie bite feel like a hug in a mug.
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Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites: These sweet bites provide a fun, chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the cookies while echoing their cinnamon flavor, adding extra sweetness to your spread.
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Charcuterie Board: Create a cozy fall-themed board with cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. Its savory elements nicely balance the sweetness of the cookies for an impressive treat selection.
Expert Tips for Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Mix Butter Wisely: Don’t overbeat the butter and sugars—just until fluffy. Overmixing can lead to cookies that are too dense rather than delightfully soft.
Pumpkin Purity: Use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling for a more natural flavor. Pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste.
Oat Quality Counts: Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for the right texture. Quick oats may make your cookies mushy, losing that satisfying chew.
Watch the Baking Time: Bake until edges are set and centers are soft. Overbaking will result in dry cookies instead of the tender, soft texture we want in our Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies.
Cool Completely: Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting. This avoids the frosting melting and helps you achieve that perfect, spreadable consistency.
Frosting Variations: Feel free to customize the maple frosting! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the autumn flavors even more.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by simply covering it tightly and refrigerating it. When ready to bake, scoop the dough onto baking sheets and bake as directed. For the maple frosting, prepare it up to 24 hours ahead, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and creamy. Just give it a quick stir before frosting the cookies after they’ve completely cooled. This approach not only saves you time on busy days but ensures your cookies are just as delicious as if they were made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture. Add a slice of bread in the container to keep them moist!
Fridge: If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 5 days. Just make sure they are wrapped well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to regain their chewy goodness. The Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting will be just as delightful as when they were first baked!
Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Look for canned pumpkin puree that is pure and doesn’t have added sugars or spices. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even roast and puree fresh pumpkin! When selecting canned options, the label should only say “pumpkin.” Fresh pumpkin should be firm and bright orange, with no dark spots.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store your Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them deliciously soft. If you have leftovers, adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture.
Can I freeze the cookies? How?
Sure! To freeze your cookies, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be as good as fresh!
What should I do if my cookies turn out dry?
Very! Dry cookies may result from overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. If they do come out dry, try adding a dab of frosting on top to help moisten them up a bit!
Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, these cookies are nut-free as long as you ensure that your ingredients, like baking powder and any additional toppings, are free from cross-contamination. However, if anyone in your household has severe allergies, always check labels to be safe.
How do I make the frosting less sweet?
If you find the frosting too sweet for your liking, add a pinch of salt or a tablespoon of cream cheese to balance the sweetness. Alternatively, you could reduce the powdered sugar by half a cup and replace it with a tablespoon of milk to keep the texture creamy while lessening the sweetness.
Soft Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Bliss
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- spatula
- wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup Butter softened
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon Cloves
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 3 cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
For Maple Frosting
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- ¼ cup Butter softened
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined.
- Gently fold in old-fashioned rolled oats until evenly distributed.
- Drop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
- Cool cookies on sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare frosting by beating together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Spread or pipe frosting generously on cooled cookies.
