If you’re searching for the coziest treat to usher in fall or simply want that irresistible fusion of soft, chewy texture with decadent chocolate, these Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are pure cookie joy. Imagine the aroma of warm spices and buttery oats swirling through your kitchen, and the first bite delivering the gentle sweetness of pumpkin combined with gooey chocolate chips. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a few with your afternoon coffee, these cookies are a genuine crowd-pleaser that balance nostalgia and indulgence flawlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in the harmonious blend of everyday pantry staples and autumn-inspired flavors. Every ingredient here plays a part—some for decadent flavor, others for texture, and a select few for those signature warm cookie aromas.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée: Brings incredible moisture and a beautiful orange hue that just says “fall.”
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and creates that tender crumb we love in every bite.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Lends a deep caramel note and helps the cookies stay chewy.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies puff up perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds just the right amount of lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the pumpkin and chocolate flavors for maximum cookie bliss.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure to keep your cookies rounding out as the perfect little mounds.
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats: Oats add chewiness and a hearty, wholesome texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and get that irresistible crumbliness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, so these cookies don’t get too dense.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a touch to heighten the other flavors so nothing tastes flat.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses cozy spice into every bite—an absolute must with pumpkin!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: For those little hints of bold, wintry spice that make pumpkin treats shine.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Because every great oatmeal cookie needs melty, chocolatey pockets throughout.
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This extra step guarantees your Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies come off the tray perfectly golden and never stick—a little secret for flawless cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (or some muscle power and a sturdy spatula) to cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. A well-creamed base ensures your cookies are tender, with just the right amount of chew.
Step 3: Mix in Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract straight to your fluffy butter-sugar mixture. Blend until everything looks silky and homogenous—the pumpkin adds a lovely color and moisture, making these cookies stand out from the very first stir.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This not only blends the spices evenly but also aerates the flour, ensuring every Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie tastes balanced with spice in each bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring slowly until everything just comes together. It’s okay if you see a streak or two of flour at first—over-mixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as there are no big lumps.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is the moment when those delectable little pockets of chocolate get distributed, promising melty bits throughout every Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each dollop. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops look dry. Don’t overbake; these cookies are meant to stay soft!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they finish setting up as they cool. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, resisting the urge to nibble immediately (okay, maybe try one warm—they’re incredible!).
How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking really makes the chocolate pop, while a tiny dusting of cinnamon on still-warm cookies looks beautiful and layers in a bit more fragrance. For an extra-delightful touch, drizzle with a little melted dark or white chocolate after cooling.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a mug of spicy chai latte or hot apple cider. For a decadent dessert plate, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or tuck a couple into a snack board with autumn fruits like fresh pear slices or apple wedges.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in glass jars adorned with ribbon as sweet homemade gifts. For an after-dinner twist, sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies and roll the sides in mini chocolate chips. If you’re hosting brunch, pile cookies on a rustic wooden tray beside fresh berries and a carafe of coffee for effortless elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep their chewy, moist texture for up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Slip a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, and you’ll extend the cookie bliss all week long.
Freezing
Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies freeze beautifully! Once the cookies are completely cool, arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. Separate layers with parchment paper, and you’ll have homemade cookies on hand for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, pop one in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds, or place a few on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for four to five minutes. They’ll taste freshly baked and make your kitchen smell incredible all over again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade purée is well-drained so your cookies don’t turn out too wet. Homemade works great and adds a personal touch to Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Should I chill the dough before baking?
While you can bake the dough straight away, chilling it for at least 30 minutes yields chewier cookies with more developed flavors. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth the extra patience.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?
Of course! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips are all delicious in these cookies. Choose your favorites to make Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies uniquely yours.
Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?
If you substitute the all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free blend and be sure to use certified gluten-free oats, you can enjoy a gluten-free batch of these autumn favorites.
How do I keep the cookies soft for several days?
Store them in a tightly sealed container with a slice of bread or a marshmallow—the cookies soak up just enough moisture to stay soft, never crumbly. It’s a tried-and-true bakery trick!
Final Thoughts
If autumn had an official cookie, I think these Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies would win by a landslide. With their warm spices, hearty oats, and ribbons of melty chocolate, they bring a smile to every cookie lover’s face. Share them, gift them, or keep a secret stash just for yourself—no judgment! Give them a try and make your season a little sweeter.
PrintPumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the fall season. Soft and chewy with the warm flavors of pumpkin spice, they are studded with gooey chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix wet ingredients: Mix in the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are set and tops look dry.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg