If you’ve been craving something sweet yet guilt-free, these Healthy Pumpkin Oat Cookies are the perfect answer. With just a handful of simple ingredients, they’re a breeze to whip up and are ready in less than 20 minutes.

Think of them as the ideal balance between a nutritious snack and a cozy, seasonal treat. The subtle pumpkin flavor, the hearty oats, and the touch of sweetness make them a satisfying option without weighing you down.

What’s even better is that this recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and can easily be adapted to be sugar-free.

Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast on the go, a post-workout refuel, or a midday pick-me-up, these cookies will become a go-to in your baking repertoire.

Plus, they’re an excellent way to use pumpkin puree outside of pies and lattes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these cookies, but the biggest one might be their simplicity. With only three base ingredients, there’s no fussing over complicated steps or hard-to-find products.

You can mix everything in one bowl, shape the dough by hand, and have fresh cookies on your counter in no time.

These cookies are also light on calories—coming in at under 80 calories each without add-ins—while still offering a satisfying texture.

And because they’re allergen-friendly, you can confidently serve them to family and friends who follow different dietary lifestyles.

It’s the kind of recipe that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick oats work)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade, unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar (or sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit)

Optional Add-Ins (up to 3/4 cup total):

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Pumpkin seeds
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Shredded coconut

Optional Spices:

• 1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of ground ginger and nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin puree, sweetener of choice, and any optional spices or add-ins you’re using. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated, forming a thick and uniform dough. This dough doesn’t require delicate handling—you can mix confidently without worrying about overworking it.

If the mixture feels too dry, add a small splash of non-dairy milk. If it feels too wet, stir in an extra spoonful of oats. The goal is to have a consistency that’s easy to shape but not sticky.

Step 2 – Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, form the dough into 12 equal cookie shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. These cookies will not spread during baking, so be sure to flatten and shape them exactly as you want them to look once baked.

For a uniform size, you can use a cookie scoop, but hand-shaping works perfectly fine and gives them a rustic, homemade charm.

Step 3 – Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes, or until they feel firm and slightly golden on the edges. Remove the tray from the oven and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

You can enjoy them warm for a soft, comforting bite or let them cool completely for a chewier texture.

Tips for Success

• Choose quality pumpkin puree: A good-quality puree can make a big difference. Organic brands like Farmer’s Market or E.D. Smith work beautifully.
• Make them your own: Mix and match your favorite add-ins for different flavor profiles—chocolate chips for sweetness, nuts for crunch, or seeds for a nutrient boost.
• Spice it up: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, a simple blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg will still give a warm, seasonal aroma.

FAQs

What do they taste like?
These cookies are more of a wholesome snack than a rich dessert. Their flavor is subtly sweet with earthy pumpkin notes, and their texture is soft—similar to baked oatmeal or a hearty muffin. Adding chocolate chips makes them feel more indulgent without losing their healthy appeal.

How should I store them?
Let the cookies cool completely before storing. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 6 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, simply pop them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm them in the oven.

Recipe Card

Healthy Pumpkin Oat Cookies

While tasty and satisfying, these healthy pumpkin oat cookies are more of a simple, healthy snack than a decadent dessert or sweet cookie. Chocolate chips are recommended!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2.5 cups 250 g rolled oats or quick oats
• 1 cup 240 g pure pumpkin puree
• 3 tbsp maple syrup agave syrup or coconut sugar
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon optional but recommended
• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips optional but recommended
• pinch of salt optional but recommended

Equipment

• Oven

Method

 

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix all ingredients, including the optional ingredients if using, in a bowl to form a thick dough. If your’e adding any additional ingredients like nuts, seeds or coconut, add those as well. Start with 3 tbsp of sweetener and adjust sweetness as desired. The cookies are not very sweet with 3 tbsp and this can be increased if desired.
3. Use your hands to create 12 cookie shapes. The cookies will not spread or change shape during baking so be sure to create the shape you want before baking.
4. Prepare a baking pan with parchment paper or place cookies directly on the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and enjoy warm after a few minutes. Let cool completely before storing. Store at in a sealed container at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.

Notes

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