Introduction
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect fall treat, combining the warmth of pumpkin spice with the chewy texture of oatmeal. These cookies are not only deliciously soft and flavorful, but they also have the added indulgence of a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or a cozy snack with a cup of coffee, these cookies capture the essence of the season in every bite.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe begins with a soft and spiced pumpkin oatmeal cookie dough, which is easy to prepare and packed with fall flavors. The cookies are baked until golden brown and then cooled before being topped with a creamy, cinnamon-infused cream cheese frosting. The combination of chewy cookies and smooth frosting creates a delightful contrast in texture and taste. This recipe makes enough cookies to share, and they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup softened butter
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 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
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup softened butter, ¾ cup white sugar, and ¾ cup packed brown sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until all the wet ingredients are well combined and smooth.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 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, and 1 cup old-fashioned oats.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon to help them spread evenly while baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Make the Frosting:
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together ½ cup softened cream cheese and ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Adjust the consistency if necessary by adding a little more powdered sugar if the frosting is too thin.
6. Frost the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top of each one. Ensure the cookies are fully cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are best enjoyed fresh, with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make a wonderful addition to any fall-themed dessert table or holiday gathering. The cookies can be served plain or with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top for an added touch of flavor and decoration. Pair these cookies with a glass of milk for a classic combination that highlights the creamy richness of the frosting.
Variations of the Recipe
- Nuts and Raisins: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a sweeter, more decadent treat.
- Spiced Frosting: For an extra spice kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the frosting.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting will firm up slightly when chilled.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature and frost them just before serving.
Health Benefits
While these cookies are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the pumpkin and oats.
- Pumpkin: Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which is important for vision, immune function, and skin health. It also contains fiber, which supports digestive health.
- Oats: Oats are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote heart health. They also provide essential nutrients like magnesium and iron.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
- Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Use the same amount as the canned pumpkin in the recipe.
2. What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own by combining 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground allspice, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves.
3. How can I make the cookies softer?
- For even softer cookies, you can slightly underbake them by reducing the baking time by 1-2 minutes. Ensure you don’t overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tougher.
4. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature and stir before spreading it on the cookies.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful treat that embodies the flavors of fall. The combination of soft, spiced pumpkin oatmeal cookies with a creamy, cinnamon-infused frosting makes these cookies irresistible. Perfect for any autumn occasion or simply as a cozy snack, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven or store them for later—either way, they’re a delicious way to celebrate the season!