If you’re craving a seasonal treat that bursts with cozy flavors and irresistible texture, you’ve got to try this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cookies perfectly balance the warmth of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spices with the hearty chew of oats, all topped with a luscious, cinnamon-kissed cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want to brighten up your afternoon snack, this recipe brings a vibrant fall vibe straight to your kitchen in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors just right in this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe depends on a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each component complements the others to create a wonderfully moist cookie with a hint of spice and a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth.
- ½ cup softened butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb to your cookies.
- ¾ cup white sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that perfect cookie crust.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds natural moisture, softness, and warm autumn flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its sweet, fragrant notes.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and body for the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay light.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives a gentle lift and helps with browning.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The essential spice that adds warmth and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty, spicy undertone.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Gives a slight pungent heat that complements the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A perfect blend of spices enhancing the pumpkin flavor.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: For chewy texture and a wholesome touch.
- ½ cup softened cream cheese: The creamy base of the divine frosting.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a silky finish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the frosting with that hallmark spicy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Balances sweetness with pure flavor behind the frosting.
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Getting this step done ahead ensures everything flows smoothly once your dough is ready.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is key to creating that tender, soft cookie texture we all love.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. The pumpkin will keep your cookies moist and flavorful, while the egg helps everything stick together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and oats. These spices and oats give the cookies their wonderful texture and signature fall flavor profile.
Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. This careful mixing prevents overworking the dough, ensuring the cookies stay soft and chewy.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets and flatten each slightly for even baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the center feels set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, which is essential before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, blending until the frosting is light, fluffy, and bursting with that perfect cinnamon kick.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Spread or pipe the luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting atop the cooled cookies. This step turns a simple oatmeal cookie into an indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring yourself.
How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of additional ground cinnamon or grated nutmeg on the frosted cookies for a little extra spice and a beautiful finish. For a festive touch, consider adding a few mini pumpkin seeds or crushed pecans on top to add crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like chai tea, hot apple cider, or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The spices in the cookies complement the warmth of these drinks, making them a perfect afternoon indulgence or after-dinner delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe on a rustic wooden platter, lined with parchment and garnished with cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices. For parties, stack a few cookies with frosting in between like mini sandwich treats or package them individually in clear bags tied with twine for cute, edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting will stay creamy, and the cookies themselves will maintain their softness for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. When ready, thaw them at room temperature and apply the frosting fresh for the best taste. If you freeze frosted cookies, use parchment layers between them and thaw gently in the fridge to avoid frosting damage.
Reheating
For a just-baked feel, warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or place them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. This revives the softness without melting the frosting too much when left to cool slightly afterwards.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it first to replace canned pumpkin puree one-to-one. Just make sure the puree isn’t watery for the best cookie consistency.
Is it okay to substitute quick oats for old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned oats are best for texture because they hold their shape better. Quick oats can make the cookies softer but less chewy, so it’s fine if you don’t mind a different mouthfeel.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
You can swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or chia egg in place of the large egg. For the frosting, use vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes. The flavors will still come through beautifully!
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking to let the flavors deepen. Just scoop and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if the dough is cold.
What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?
Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip or round tip to swirl the frosting elegantly on each cookie. If you don’t have one, simply spread it with an offset spatula for a delicious, rustic look.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a superstar in any cookie lineup. It’s full of warm spices, tender oats, and the ultimate creamy topping that turns simple cookies into an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re making them for loved ones or a cozy yourself moment, these cookies bring the spirit of fall right to your fingertips. So go ahead, bake a batch today, and watch smiles light up around your kitchen!
Print
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies topped with a creamy cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spices and loaded with wholesome oats, these cookies bring autumn to your taste buds with a sweet, tangy frosting to complement every bite.
Ingredients
Cookies
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the canned pumpkin puree, the egg, and the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and old-fashioned oats. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Shape cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Gently flatten each mound slightly to ensure even baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating continuously until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cinnamon cream cheese frosting onto each cookie. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
