Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Topped With Rich Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Fluffy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Recipe

Crisp autumn days call for delectable pumpkin oatmeal cookies that perfectly capture the season’s warmth and comfort.

These soft, spiced treats blend hearty oats with creamy pumpkin in a mouthwatering dance of flavors.

Each cookie promises a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that satisfies every sweet tooth.

The fragrant cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that elevates these cookies from simple snack to irresistible indulgence.

Wholesome ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels like a cozy embrace on a chilly afternoon.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this delectable recipe and impress their loved ones with minimal effort.

Prepare to delight in every single, scrumptious bite of these incredible pumpkin oatmeal cookies.

Why Pumpkin Oatmeal Frosted Cookies Are a Fall Hit

  • Quick and Effortless Baking: Whip up these delectable pumpkin oatmeal cookies with simple ingredients and basic baking skills, perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Seasonal Comfort in Every Bite: Capture the warm, cozy essence of autumn with rich pumpkin spices and hearty oats that create a nostalgic, comforting treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Sensation: Impress family and friends with a sophisticated yet homey cookie that combines classic flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream cheese frosting, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
  • Versatile Snacking Delight: Enjoy these cookies as a sweet breakfast companion, afternoon pick-me-up, or decadent dessert that satisfies cravings with its soft texture and aromatic spices.

What You Need for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Soft and creamy base for cookie richness.
  • White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet partners that add depth and moisture.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Autumn's orange treasure with smooth texture.
  • Egg: Binding magic for cookie structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Warm and comforting flavor enhancer.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Reliable cookie foundation.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents for perfect rise.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm spice blend for seasonal warmth.
  • Oats: Hearty and wholesome texture booster.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Smooth and rich frosting base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweet and silky binding ingredient.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Spicy accent for frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Flavor deepener for creamy topping.

How to Make Cinnamon Frosted Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Create Cookie Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and whip together:
  • Softened butter
  • White sugar
  • Brown sugar

Blend until the mixture looks fluffy and light.

Stir in:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix everything until it’s super smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Oats

Slowly fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.

Press them down slightly with a spoon.

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for slightly brown edges.

Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until the frosting looks creamy and spreadable.

Step 6: Decorate with Deliciousness

Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Step 7: Savor the Moment

Grab a cookie and enjoy with your favorite hot beverage!

Tips for Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

  • Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal creamy texture for mixing.
  • Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the right moisture and flavor balance in the cookies.
  • Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually to the cream cheese mixture, adjusting until you reach a spreadable but not runny frosting texture.
  • Toast ground spices briefly in a dry pan before adding to the recipe to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall taste profile.

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap unfrosted cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding frosting.
  • Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness.
  • Keep cream cheese frosted cookies refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best flavor and texture quality.

Great Pairings for Frosted Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

  • Pair with Warm Spiced Chai Latte: A creamy, aromatic chai tea perfectly complements the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors, enhancing the cookie's warm spice profile with its blend of cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
  • Combine with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of rich, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cookies for a delightful contrast between the warm, spiced cookie and the cool, creamy dessert.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Mocha: The deep, rich flavors of a salted caramel mocha balance the sweet, spicy notes of the pumpkin oatmeal cookies, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Enjoy with Apple Cider: A crisp, slightly tart apple cider provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet, dense cookies, bringing out the subtle autumn flavors of the pumpkin and spices.

Cozy Twists on Cinnamon Pumpkin Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and cream cheese frosting with vegan cream cheese alternative made from cashews or plant-based cream cheese.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of white and brown sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with coconut oil, cream cheese frosting with dairy-free alternative using coconut cream and powdered sugar, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can enjoy the recipe.

FAQs

  • Are these cookies soft or crispy?

These pumpkin oatmeal cookies are soft and chewy with a tender texture, thanks to the pumpkin puree and oats which help retain moisture.

  • Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking, which helps prevent excessive spreading and maintains the cookies’ shape while creating a better texture.

  • Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Absolutely! You can portion the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough directly on the baking sheet and add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Print
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Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Topped With Rich Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Topped With Rich Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Warm autumn days call for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, a delightful blend of seasonal spices and creamy cinnamon frosting. Comfort meets indulgence in this irresistible treat that brings cozy kitchen moments right to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg

Sugars and Fats:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) softened butter
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) white sugar
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) packed brown sugar

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and covering baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even cookie baking.
  2. Create a smooth, creamy base by blending softened butter with white and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy. Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Develop the dry mixture separately by combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground spices, and oats. Gently fold this mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender cookie texture.
  4. Form uniform cookie portions by dropping rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten each mound with a spoon to create consistent shapes. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown.
  5. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  6. Craft the cinnamon cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting reaches a luxurious, spreadable consistency.
  7. Once cookies have cooled entirely, generously apply the fragrant cinnamon cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag for an elegant finish.
  8. Present these indulgent pumpkin oatmeal cookies alongside a steaming beverage for a perfect seasonal treat.

Notes

  • Swap out butter for coconut oil to create a dairy-free alternative that maintains the cookie’s rich, soft texture.
  • Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the cookies remain tender and delicious.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie version without compromising the warm, autumnal flavor profile.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch and nutritional boost, introducing a delightful nutty complexity to the classic pumpkin cookie.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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