Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that perfectly captures the season’s spirit, look no further than this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe. These cookies combine the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the hearty texture of oats and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin. Topped with a luscious, buttery maple frosting, they offer a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds—trust me, these are the kind of cookies you’ll want to share but secretly keep all to yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity, yet every ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cookies so they hold together beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a lightness to the dough for a soft texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice essential to pumpkin treats.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the pumpkin.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Introduces a gentle zing behind every bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and moisture to the cookies.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a lovely depth and chewiness.
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: Brings moistness and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds to the cookie’s softness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness with a floral note.
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats: Gives hearty texture and wholesome goodness.
• Maple Frosting:
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The base of the frosting that makes it luxuriously creamy.
• 1/2 cup maple syrup: Infuses natural sweetness and an earthy maple flavor.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Thickens and sweetens the frosting perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting’s flavor with warmth and depth.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Combining these spices with the leavening agents distributes flavor and lift evenly through the dough, creating that signature pumpkin-spiced taste and tender texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and light. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies a soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality that will make this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe unforgettable.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The pumpkin lends moisture and that perfect autumnal flavor, while the egg binds the mixture together for a harmonious dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to ensure your cookies stay tender rather than cakey.

Step 6: Stir in the Rolled Oats

Fold in the oats gently so they remain evenly distributed throughout the dough, providing that satisfying chew and wholesome feel in every bite.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread and bake evenly without merging into one another.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are set and lightly browned on the edges. You’ll know they are done when they look slightly golden and smell amazing—your kitchen will smell like autumn happiness!

Step 9: Prepare the Maple Frosting

While the cookies cool, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the maple syrup and bring to a boil before immediately removing from heat. This warm mixture will form the base of your frosting.

Step 10: Finish the Frosting

Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. This creates a thick, luscious frosting that perfectly complements the pumpkin oatmeal cookies.

Step 11: Frost Your Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the maple frosting over the top of each cookie. This finishing touch adds a sweet, silky layer that makes these treats absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a little extra flair elevates these cookies beautifully. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the maple frosting for added crunch and nuttiness. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few delicate pumpkin seeds can also bring a charming finish that makes the presentation as delightful as the taste.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy latte for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy dessert that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies with a layer of frosting in between to create sandwich cookies that look as impressive as they taste. For gatherings, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra maple syrup and cinnamon sticks for a beautiful seasonal display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cookies have cooled and been frosted, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh without the frosting becoming sticky or runny.

Freezing

To enjoy these cookies later, freeze them unfrosted in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and then add the maple frosting fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

If you want to warm your cookies slightly, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings out the spices and makes the texture pleasantly soft again, but skip reheating once they’ve been frosted unless you want the frosting to melt.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

You absolutely can! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth and slightly reduce any excess liquid for the best consistency in your cookie dough.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to enjoy these delicious cookies without gluten worries.

How long do the cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh and soft for about three days at room temperature. Beyond that, their texture may change but freezing will keep them fresh longer.

Can I skip the maple frosting?

While the maple frosting is a highlight, these cookies are still wonderfully delicious on their own. Alternatively, dust them with powdered sugar or a light glaze for a simpler version.

What’s the best way to make frosting drizzle neat and pretty?

Use a spoon or a piping bag with a small tip to drizzle the frosting carefully over the cookies. If you want a thicker coat, let the frosting cool slightly before spreading it gently with a butter knife.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Maple Frosting Recipe is a warm hug in dessert form. Every bite brings comfort and joy, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a chilly day. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with these cookies just as much as I have!

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