Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe

Imagine biting into soft, chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe that perfectly capture autumn’s warmth and sweetness all at once. These cookies marry the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices with hearty oats, while their luscious maple frosting adds just the right touch of sweet indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, an afternoon treat, or just because, this recipe is an absolute showstopper that’s sure to bring smiles and nostalgic hugs from the very first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy butter to the fragrant spices, these pantry staples come together to create a cookie that’s irresistible inside and out.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds moistness, vibrant color, and that unmistakable fall flavor.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm and sweet aroma.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to softness.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for cookie dough, providing structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spiciness essential to fall baking.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: A strong spice that enhances depth without overpowering.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights spices.
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats: For wholesome texture and heartiness.
• For Maple Frosting:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melts into the syrup for a creamy frosting base.
• 1 cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and that rich maple flavor.
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted: Ensures the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting with a sweet and mellow note.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Getting Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, setting you up for cookie perfection from the start.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins—creaming incorporates air that helps create tender cookies with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Adding Pumpkin, Vanilla, and Eggs

Next, add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and eggs to the bowl. Mixing these in combines moisture, flavor, and structure for cookies that are delightfully soft yet hold their shape.

Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of spices and prevents lumps, giving your cookies that consistent, flavorful bite.

Step 5: Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as that can make the cookies tough—just enough to bring everything together.

Step 6: Adding Old-Fashioned Oats

Fold in the oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Oats give the cookies their hearty texture and satisfyingly chewy bite, making every mouthful a comforting experience.

Step 7: Portioning the Dough

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing ensures the cookies have room to spread nicely without merging into one another.

Step 8: Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. This is when the cookies develop that perfect combination of soft center and slightly crisp edge that makes oatmeal cookies so adored.

Step 9: Preparing the Maple Frosting

While your cookies cool on a wire rack, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add maple syrup and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes. This helps concentrate the syrup’s wonderful flavor and thickens it slightly.

Step 10: Finishing the Frosting

Remove the syrup mixture from heat and whisk in sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. This creamy frosting will complement the spiced cookies with its luscious maple sweetness.

Step 11: Frosting the Cookies

Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the maple frosting on the top of each one. This step turns your cookies into little works of art, adding a glossy, inviting finish.

Step 12: Setting the Frosting

Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing the cookies. This helps the frosting firm up just enough to hold together while staying soft and spreadable when bitten into.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon over the maple frosting can elevate the look and add delightful texture. These simple garnishes personalize your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe and make them extra gift-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai tea or a rich, creamy latte. The warm spices in the beverage beautifully complement the pumpkin and maple flavors, creating a cozy pairing perfect for chilly afternoons or holiday celebrations.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, stack the cookies with wax paper between layers in a decorative tin or clear jar tied with a rustic ribbon. You can also serve them on a platter with fresh fruit slices or a small bowl of whipped cream for dunking—turning this simple cookie into a charming dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure the frosting has completely set before stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze both unfrosted cookies and the maple frosting separately. Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Freeze the frosting in a sealed container and thaw before spreading on fully cooled cookies.

Reheating

If you prefer your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe slightly warm, gently microwave a single cookie for 10-15 seconds. This warms the cookie without melting the frosting too much, giving you a fresh-from-the-oven experience any time.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe and is actually the most common form used. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.

Can I substitute quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While quick oats can be used in a pinch, old-fashioned oats provide better texture and chewiness. They hold up well during baking and give you that classic oatmeal cookie feel.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour will work nicely. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a safe, delicious treat.

How do I store frosted cookies without making a mess?

Let the maple frosting fully set before stacking or storing. Using parchment paper or wax paper between cookies can prevent them from sticking and keep your frosting intact.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup in the frosting?

You can substitute honey, but the flavor will be slightly different. Maple syrup brings a unique, rich depth that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin and spices, so it’s worth trying the original for that classic taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about baking Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe from scratch—it’s like capturing the essence of fall inside each bite. Whether you’re making them for yourself or to share with loved ones, this recipe brings together wholesome ingredients and cozy flavors in an easy, approachable way. I can’t wait for you to experience these cookies; once you do, they’ll surely become one of your season’s favorites too!

Print