Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Get ready to savor the flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfectly spiced and incredibly soft, these cookies are a cozy treat that combines the rich taste of pumpkin with the comforting crunch of oats. Topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, they make an irresistible addition to any autumn gathering or a sweet indulgence for your everyday snack. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday party or simply enjoy a comforting dessert at home, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients:

For the 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

For the 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

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.

Add the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and oats. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure tender cookies.

Bake the Cookies:

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon to ensure even baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

While the cookies cool, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is spreadable and fluffy.

Frost the Cookies:

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. This adds a sweet and creamy finishing touch to your pumpkin oatmeal cookies.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  • Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or once they have cooled completely and have been frosted. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
  • Presentation: Arrange the frosted cookies on a decorative platter or cake stand for a festive touch, especially when serving at parties or gatherings.
  • Garnish: Add a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a few pecan halves on top of the frosting for extra flair and flavor.

Storage Tips:

  • Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re storing frosted cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.
  • Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can store frosted cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This helps the frosting stay firm and fresh.
  • Freezing: To freeze cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. For best results, freeze the cookies unfrosted and add the frosting after thawing.

These tips will help ensure your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting remain delicious and enjoyable for days to come!

Variations:

1. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies:

Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a rich, chocolatey twist that complements the pumpkin and spices.

2. Nutty Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies:

Incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cookie dough for added crunch and flavor.

3. Cranberry Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies:

Stir in ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart and chewy contrast to the sweet pumpkin and creamy frosting.

4. Maple Glazed Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies:

Replace the cinnamon cream cheese frosting with a simple maple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup. Drizzle over cooled cookies for a sweet, maple flavor.

5. Spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies:

Boost the spice profile by increasing the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to suit your taste, or add ½ teaspoon of allspice for a deeper spice blend.

6. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches:

Spread a layer of frosting between two cookies to create delicious cookie sandwiches. This adds extra sweetness and a fun twist to the classic cookie.

7. Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies:

Substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg. Replace the cream cheese frosting with a vegan cream cheese alternative.

8. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies:

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Adjust the flour quantity as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

9. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with White Chocolate Chips:

Mix in 1 cup of white chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet and creamy addition that pairs well with the pumpkin flavor.

10. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies:

Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the cookie dough for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the pumpkin spice.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting to your liking or to cater to different tastes and dietary needs!

FAQs:

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Simply roast or steam the pumpkin until tender, then puree it in a blender or food processor. Make sure to drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned. They may still be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.

3. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough in portioned balls and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I freeze the frosted cookies?

While you can freeze the frosted cookies, the frosting may lose some of its texture. For best results, freeze the cookies unfrosted and frost them after thawing.

5. Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with other types of frosting such as a simple vanilla glaze, maple glaze, or chocolate ganache.

6. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make dairy-free cookies, use dairy-free substitutes like vegan butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You can also use almond or coconut milk in place of milk.

7. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats are preferred for their texture and chewiness. If using quick oats, the texture of the cookies may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

8. How should I store the cookies if I want to keep them fresh for a longer time?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

9. Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the cookie dough?

Yes, adding nuts like pecans or walnuts, or dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins, can enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Stir them in gently before baking.

10. What can I do if the cookie dough is too sticky to handle?

If the dough is too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and scoop. If needed, you can also add a little more flour to achieve the right consistency.

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect blend of spiced pumpkin, hearty oats, and creamy frosting, making them an ideal treat for fall. Their soft texture and rich flavors are sure to please anyone who tries them. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with your afternoon tea, these cookies offer a delightful taste of autumn in every bite. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring this seasonal favorite!

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Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Get ready to savor the flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfectly spiced and incredibly soft, these cookies are a cozy treat that combines the rich taste of pumpkin with the comforting crunch of oats. Topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting, they make an irresistible addition to any autumn gathering or a sweet indulgence for your everyday snack. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday party or simply enjoy a comforting dessert at home, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.


Ingredients

For the 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

For the 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.

Add the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and oats. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure tender cookies.

Bake the Cookies:

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon to ensure even baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

While the cookies cool, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is spreadable and fluffy.

Frost the Cookies:

 

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. This adds a sweet and creamy finishing touch to your pumpkin oatmeal cookies.

Notes

Serving Tips:

  • Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or once they have cooled completely and have been frosted. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
  • Presentation: Arrange the frosted cookies on a decorative platter or cake stand for a festive touch, especially when serving at parties or gatherings.
  • Garnish: Add a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a few pecan halves on top of the frosting for extra flair and flavor.

Storage Tips:

 

  • Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’re storing frosted cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.
  • Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can store frosted cookies in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This helps the frosting stay firm and fresh.
  • Freezing: To freeze cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. For best results, freeze the cookies unfrosted and add the frosting after thawing.