If you’ve been daydreaming of a soft, chewy treat that instantly makes any day feel cozier, you’re in for a real delight with this Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine the earthy warmth of pumpkin, old-fashioned oats, and a fragrant sweep of spices, all finished with a dreamy vanilla icing. Whether you’re planning a holiday party or seeking the perfect companion for a fireside cup of coffee, this recipe promises to deliver comfort and joy in every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, creating a cookie that’s rich in flavor, tender in texture, and utterly irresistible from the first crumb to the last.
- Unsalted Butter (¾ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth softness we adore in cookies.
- Dark Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Lends a touch of classic sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Large Egg (room temperature): Acts as a binder and helps give the cookies structure.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the cozy flavors and provides a wonderful aroma.
- Pumpkin Puree (1 cup): The star ingredient; pure pumpkin keeps everything moist and adds gorgeous autumnal color.
- All Purpose Flour (2 cups): Gives these cookies their soft but sturdy crumb.
- Old Fashioned Oats (1¼ cups): Contributes unbeatable chewy texture and a lovely rustic touch.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (2 teaspoons): Infuses every bite with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves—pure fall flavor!
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Makes the cookies extra tender and helps them stay chewy longer.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies to rise perfectly.
- Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): Ensures each cookie turns out puffed and light.
- Fine Sea Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and boosts the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar (1½ cups, for icing): The base for that gorgeous, shiny vanilla icing.
- Whole Milk (2 tablespoons, for icing): Thins the icing to the perfect consistency for dipping or drizzling.
- Vanilla Extract (¼ teaspoon, for icing): Adds a final pop of flavor to the icing topping.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pans
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This not only prevents sticking but also guarantees those cookies lift off the tray with the perfect shape and edges.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl or the bowl of your trusty stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, packed dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Let this whip for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and inviting—this step is key to getting a cookie that’s both chewy and tender.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin
Mix in your room-temperature egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Next, introduce that luscious pumpkin puree. The batter should look beautifully orange and smell absolutely amazing at this stage!
Step 4: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, old fashioned oats, pumpkin pie spice, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This blend ensures every cookie gets the perfect lift, chew, and rich, spicy flavor.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Slowly add your dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so resist the urge to keep stirring!
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop (about 1½ tablespoons), form the dough and place balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared trays. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes; the cookies should be puffed and no longer glossy on top. Let them cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Make the Icing
While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a shallow bowl until perfectly smooth. Whether you choose to drizzle or dip, this easy vanilla icing adds a sweet finish and makes the Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe totally irresistible.
Step 8: Ice and Finish
Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the icing or use a spoon to drizzle it over. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes so the icing can set—then, finally, dig in!
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little something extra, try sprinkling the tops of your iced cookies with a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a few chopped toasted pecans. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the seasonal flavor of your Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe.
Side Dishes
Pair these delectable cookies with a steaming mug of spiced chai, homemade hot cocoa, or a chilled glass of milk. For a heartier snack, serve alongside a fruit and cheese platter—pumpkin and dried cranberries make a surprisingly delightful pairing!
Creative Ways to Present
Lay your cookies out on a rustic wooden board or in a festive tin. You can stack and tie them with baker’s twine for a charming homemade gift or serve them at parties layered between parchment squares. This Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is also a standout addition to any holiday cookie swap or bakery-style dessert bar!
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and iced, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 5 days. If you prefer, you can also refrigerate for up to a week to keep them super fresh. Their tender texture and rich flavor really do hold up beautifully!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze these cookies (ideally before icing for best results) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature, then ice them just before serving. You can freeze already-iced cookies as well, though the icing may lose a little of its shine.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This revives their just-baked softness and makes the aroma of pumpkin and spice bloom once again.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?
You can, but for the chewiest texture and that classic oat bite, old fashioned oats are best. Quick oats will make the cookie a bit softer and less textured.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can easily mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to equal the amount needed. It’s a fun way to customize your Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still turn out wonderfully chewy and flavorful.
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming dry?
Avoid overbaking, and keep a close eye during the last few minutes. That touch of pumpkin puree in this Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe does wonders for moisture, but pulling the tray out as soon as the tops look set is key.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and chill it for up to 24 hours. Chilled dough can be scooped and baked straight from the fridge, making this recipe a total time-saver during busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleaser or just an excuse to treat yourself, this Easy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe will quickly become a household staple. With their fall-inspired flavors, gorgeous icing, and irresistibly tender crumb, these cookies are simply too good not to share. Grab your apron and give this recipe a try—you’ll be baking up smiles in no time!
PrintEasy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, topped with a delicious vanilla icing. Great for holiday gatherings or cozy nights with loved ones.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Cookie Icing:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in egg and vanilla, then mix in pumpkin puree.
- Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, oats, spices, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet and dry: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes.
- Prepare icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Ice cookies: Dip cookies in icing or drizzle on top, then let set.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
- To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 97 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 51mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 12mg