Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Dark Chocolate Delight

Fall baking often brings warm spices and cozy flavors to the kitchen, and these pumpkin oatmeal cookies combine both in a delicious way. The blend of pumpkin puree and oats creates a soft, hearty texture, while the dark chocolate chips add a rich, indulgent touch. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a seasonal treat that balances sweetness and spice without being overly heavy.

Freshly baked pumpkin oatmeal cookies with dark chocolate chips

Ingredients and Their Role

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a cookie with great texture and flavor:

• Instant oats provide a chewy base and add fiber.

• Flour helps bind the ingredients and gives structure.

• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring warm, autumnal spices that complement the pumpkin.

• Baking powder ensures the cookies rise slightly for a tender crumb.

• Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

• Eggs act as a binder and add moisture.

• Pumpkin puree adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a subtle earthiness.

• Vanilla extract deepens the flavor profile.

• Dark chocolate chips and miniature chocolate chips add bursts of rich chocolate flavor and texture contrast.

  
  

Measuring ingredients precisely, especially using a scale, is important to achieve the right consistency and texture in these cookies.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup instant oats

• 1/3 cup flour

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 4 eggs

• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

• 1 tablespoon miniature chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to get the best results:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Incorporate dry into wet: Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

5. Add chocolate chips: Fold in the dark chocolate chips and half a tablespoon of the miniature chocolate chips.

6. Shape the cookies: Drop the dough into 16 rounded scoops on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each scoop to your preferred thickness using a spatula.

7. Top with remaining chips: Gently press the remaining miniature chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookies for extra chocolatey bites.

8. Bake for 11 to 14 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

9. Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Makes 16 cookies. 2 cookies per serving

    
    

This recipe yields 16 cookies, with a serving size of two cookies.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

• Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree has no added sugar or spices, allowing you to control the flavor.

• Measure ingredients with a kitchen scale for consistent results, especially the oats and flour.

• Don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until the ingredients come together to avoid tough cookies.

• Flatten cookies evenly to ensure they bake uniformly.

• Watch the baking time closely. Cookies continue to firm up as they cool, so pulling them out when edges are set but centers are soft is ideal.

  
  

Why These Cookies Stand Out

These pumpkin oatmeal cookies offer a unique combination of flavors and textures:

• The oats add chewiness and a wholesome bite.

• The pumpkin puree keeps the cookies moist without needing extra fat.

• The warm spices create a comforting aroma and taste.

• The dark chocolate chips provide a bittersweet contrast to the sweet pumpkin and spices.

• Using both regular and miniature chocolate chips adds visual appeal and varied chocolate bursts.

  
  

Stack of pumpkin oatmeal cookies with dark chocolate chips on rustic table

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These cookies are perfect for:

• A cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

• A festive addition to fall gatherings or holiday cookie trays.

• A quick breakfast treat on busy mornings.

  
  

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts