Delight in these healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with warm autumn spices. Made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin purée, oats, and whole wheat flour, these cookies offer a nutritious twist on a classic treat. Perfect for a cozy snack or a festive dessert, they are subtly sweetened with brown sugar and honey, and can be enhanced with optional nuts for added crunch.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed to infuse the spices throughout the cookie base.
In a separate bowl, blend the butter, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract using a mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
Incorporate the large egg into the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined for a uniform texture.
Mix in the pumpkin purée thoroughly, ensuring the batter is smooth and well-blended.
Add the dry oat and flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cookies.
If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts carefully for added crunch and flavor.
For softer cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This step is optional but recommended for better texture.
Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion out equal amounts of dough, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
Slightly flatten each dough portion, as the cookies do not spread much during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set, lightly golden around the edges, yet still soft in the center.
While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle with extra toasted nuts on top to enhance flavor and crunch.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack. They will remain soft and chewy inside once completely cooled.
Keywords: pumpkin oatmeal cookies, healthy cookies, soft chewy cookies, autumn recipes, fall desserts, pumpkin recipes, oatmeal desserts
