Name: Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (260 g) canned pumpkin puree; 2 cups (240 g) all purpose flour; 1 cup (80 g) quick cooking or old fashioned oats; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, cold and sliced; ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) molasses; 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract; 1½ cup (180 g) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice; 2 – 3 tablespoons (30 – 45 ml) milk, as needed

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If you’ve been on the hunt for a cozy, comforting treat that perfectly balances tender pumpkin flavor with hearty oats and a touch of sweet spice, then this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s soft and chewy, bursting with warm autumn spices, and finished with a luscious spiced glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and zing. These cookies are an absolute game-changer for pumpkin lovers and oatmeal enthusiasts alike, making every bite feel like a warm hug from the inside out.

A stack of five square oat bars is shown on a white marbled surface, each bar thick with a rough, crumbly texture. The bars have a warm, golden-brown color with visible oats and small bits inside. A light beige glaze is drizzled over the top of each layer, slightly dripping down the sides. The bars are neatly stacked, with the top bar partially broken, showing the dense oat filling inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the list intimidate you—each ingredient in this recipe is straightforward and plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and taste. From the moist pumpkin puree to the blend of spices and generous hit of oats, every component ensures these cookies come out irresistibly delicious and beautifully autumnal.

1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Blotted to remove excess moisture for perfect cookie texture.
2 cups all purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together.
1 cup quick or old fashioned oats: Adds chewy heartiness and fiber.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Warms the flavor with familiar fall spice.
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice: The signature blend that makes these cookies unmistakably festive.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly fluffy yet tender.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and sliced: For richness and that tender crumb.
¾ cup light brown sugar: Brings deep sweetness and moisture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Adds crispness to the cookie edges.
1 large egg yolk: Provides richness and helps bind all the ingredients.
2 tablespoons molasses: Infuses a subtle, complex sweetness reminiscent of fall.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a creamy note.
1½ cups powdered sugar: For the luscious spiced glaze topping.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a smooth, fragrant lift to the glaze.
½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with that cozy spiced vibe.
2–3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to just the right consistency for dipping.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Start by gently blotting the canned pumpkin puree on paper towels to remove extra moisture. This step is crucial because it keeps your cookies from turning out soggy. After about 5 to 10 minutes of blotting and a gentle squeeze, you’ll have a thick and slightly drier pumpkin base, ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients evenly ensures that every bite is bursting with balanced flavors and the perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Soften the cold butter slices briefly in the microwave, then beat them together with the brown and granulated sugars until silky smooth and fluffy. This creamy mixture forms the rich, sweet foundation of the cookies that helps with moisture and structure.

Step 4: Incorporate Pumpkin, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla

Blend in the blotted pumpkin puree, egg yolk, molasses, and vanilla extract on low speed until everything is evenly combined. These wet ingredients add moistness, flavor depth, and a lovely pumpkin warmth that makes these cookies so special.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing here—this keeps the cookies tender and chewy. Once mixed, cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours; this chilling step dramatically improves chewiness and flavor melding.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) well in advance for even heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them spaced out on the baking tray. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers remain soft and slightly puffed—a true sign of success.

Step 7: Reshape and Cool

Once out of the oven, gently reshape the cookies with a round cutter to perfect their shape while still warm, then let them rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. This cooling process is essential for the cookies to set just right.

Step 8: Make and Apply the Spiced Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon or pumpkin spice, and enough milk to create a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of completely cooled cookies into this glaze, shake off any excess, then return to the rack to let the glaze set for about 30 minutes. This sweet, spiced coating is what transforms good cookies into unforgettable ones.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe

The image shows two neat rows of brown oatmeal cookies with a rough, crumbly texture. Each cookie has a thick layer of white icing drizzled unevenly on top, with some parts of the icing appearing smooth and others slightly clumpy. The cookies are closely packed together, filling the frame with a warm, inviting look. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dash of extra cinnamon on top of the glaze just before it sets gives your cookies an inviting crunch and an extra pop of aroma. If you want to get festive, tiny candy pumpkins or edible gold dust can make these treats truly sparkle at any gathering.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a glass of cold milk, a steaming cup of chai tea, or even a rich latte amplifies their warm, cozy vibe. For brunches or parties, serve alongside a bowl of spiced apple cider or pumpkin spice coffee for a harmonious autumnal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies into a charming tower tied with rustic twine for gifting or display on a wooden platter with autumn leaves scattered around. You can also use the cookies as sandwich bases for a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or cream cheese frosting to impress your guests with a layered dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their soft, chewy texture while preserving the glaze’s delightful sweetness.

Freezing

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe freezes beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature when you’re ready for a quick cozy bite.

Reheating

If you want that “fresh-baked” warmth, gently reheat cookies for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or place them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back softness while slightly melting the glaze for an irresistible treat.

FAQs

Can I substitute the canned pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you cook and puree it first, making sure to remove as much moisture as possible through blotting or draining to achieve the right consistency for the cookie dough.

What type of oats work best for this recipe?

Both quick cooking oats and old fashioned rolled oats work well. Old fashioned oats give a heartier texture, while quick oats result in a slightly softer cookie. Use whichever you prefer!

Can I make the glaze vegan?

Absolutely! Swap powdered sugar for organic vegan powdered sugar, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and it’ll still create a delicious spiced glaze topping that’s dairy-free.

How do I make the cookies chewier?

Chilling the dough longer—up to 2 hours—helps develop a chewier, softer cookie. Also, slightly underbaking them so the centers remain soft contributes to that perfect chewy texture.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe without worry.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you try these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Spiced Glaze Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them during pumpkin season. They’re delightfully chewy, beautifully spiced, and topped with a glaze that elevates every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, these cookies embody cozy fall vibes and are sure to become a beloved staple in your cookie jar. So grab your ingredients, get that oven preheated, and dive into this seasonal joy—you won’t regret it!

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