Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

The Perfect Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe for Fall Baking

Iced pumpkin oatmeal cookies blend autumn’s warmth with sweet, comforting textures that dance across your palate.

Seasonal spices mingle delightfully within a soft, chewy base that captures the essence of cozy gatherings.

Rich pumpkin provides a deep, earthy undertone that reinvents ordinary oatmeal cookies into something extraordinary.

Delicate icing adds a delectable contrast, creating layers of intricate flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Each bite promises a harmonious balance between hearty oats and creamy pumpkin notes.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers, making these cookies an irresistible treat for fall celebrations.

Baking these cookies connects you to time-honored traditions of comfort and indulgence.

Why Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Work Year-Round

  • Capture Autumn's Warmth: These cookies embody the cozy, comforting flavors of fall with rich pumpkin and warm spices that dance on your taste buds.
  • Texture Perfection: Enjoy a delightful contrast between soft, chewy oatmeal cookies and a smooth, sweet cinnamon glaze that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
  • Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute dessert cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Great for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, school bake sales, or as a sweet treat to brighten up any ordinary day with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Cozy Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • Oats: Hearty base that adds texture and nutty flavor, old-fashioned rolled oats work best.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cookie dough together, unbleached flour recommended.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help cookies rise and achieve soft texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm fall spices that complement pumpkin and create cozy flavor profile, freshly ground preferred.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Melted butter adds rich flavor and moisture, unsalted butter recommended for better control of salt.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture and classic autumn taste, pure pumpkin puree preferred over pie filling.
  • Granulated Sugar, Molasses: Sweet components that contribute to cookie's texture and depth of flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and complexity, pure vanilla extract gives best results.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure, large room temperature eggs work best.
Icing Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze for cookies.
  • Cinnamon: Adds spicy note to icing.
  • Water, Vanilla Extract: Helps achieve proper icing consistency and enhances flavor.

How to Bake the Best Spiced Oatmeal Cookies

Step 1: Warm up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F. Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, mix together:
  • Rolled oats
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Whisk until everything looks evenly combined.

Step 3: Whip Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Molasses
  • Vanilla extract

Crack in the eggs and whisk until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together without any flour streaks.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the sheets into the oven for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, rotate the sheets for even browning. Cookies should look golden around the edges.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Dreamy Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Water
  • Vanilla extract

Adjust the consistency by adding water one teaspoon at a time.

Step 9: Decorate with Glaze

Once cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze generously over each cookie. Let the glaze set and harden before storing.

Tips for Soft Centers and Crisp Edges

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure consistent cookie texture and flavor, especially with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create a chewier, more dense cookie.
  • Room Temperature Matters: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing to help ingredients blend more smoothly and create a better cookie structure.
  • Don't Overbake: Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges are lightly golden, as they'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet and can quickly become dry.
  • Icing Consistency: Start with less water when making the glaze, adding gradually to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able icing that sets nicely without being too runny.

Keeping Pumpkin Cookies Iced and Delicious

  • Refrigerate: Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor and soft texture.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to restore their soft, delectable consistency.

Beverages and Bites to Serve with These Cookies

  • Enhance Pumpkin Sweetness with Caramel Latte: Pair these cozy cookies with a warm caramel latte to amplify the pumpkin's rich, autumnal flavor. The creamy coffee's caramel notes complement the cookie's subtle spices perfectly.
  • Boost Flavor with Chai Tea: Serve alongside a spiced chai tea to elevate the cookie's warm cinnamon and nutmeg undertones. The tea's complex blend of cardamom, ginger, and cloves creates a delightful taste harmony.
  • Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the iced cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. The cool, creamy vanilla balances the cookie's warm spices and provides a luxurious contrast in temperature and texture.
  • Match with Aged Rum: For an adult twist, enjoy these cookies with a small glass of aged rum. The spirit's caramel and oak notes beautifully enhance the cookie's deep, molasses-infused flavor profile.

Icy Glazes and Add-Ins to Mix It Up

  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: Enhance the classic recipe by folding in a cup of semisweet chocolate chips into the dough for an extra layer of sweetness and rich chocolate flavor.
  • Nutty Autumn Cookies: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch and a deeper nutty dimension that complements the pumpkin spice profile.
  • Maple Glazed Version: Replace the vanilla water icing with a maple-infused glaze by substituting maple syrup for water and adding a touch of maple extract for a cozy autumn taste.
  • Cream Cheese Frosted Option: Create a tangy cream cheese frosting by blending softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla for a luxurious topping that balances the cookie's warm spices.
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Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Creamy pumpkin and hearty oats dance together in these irresistible iced pumpkin oatmeal cookies. Warm autumn spices and delicate glaze make these treats a perfect companion for chilly afternoons when you crave something sweet and comforting.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (595 ml) old fashioned oats
  • 2 ⅓ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) molasses
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Icing Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
  • 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the kitchen environment to 350°F and prepare baking surfaces with parchment paper, ensuring even cookie placement.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients – oats, flour, leavening agents, and aromatic spices – in a medium mixing vessel, creating a uniform powder mixture.
  3. Melt butter and integrate with pumpkin puree, sugars, and liquid enhancers in a separate spacious bowl, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
  4. Incorporate eggs into the wet ingredients, blending thoroughly to create a smooth, rich base.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet components, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
  6. Deploy rounded tablespoon portions onto prepared baking sheets, maintaining consistent spacing to allow proper expansion during baking.
  7. Transfer cookies to preheated oven, rotating sheets midway through the cooking process to ensure uniform golden-brown edges.
  8. Allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheets, then transition to wire cooling racks for complete temperature reduction.
  9. Craft a smooth glaze by whisking powdered sugar with cinnamon, water, and vanilla extract, adjusting liquid proportions for optimal drizzling consistency.
  10. Once cookies have completely cooled, generously apply the spiced icing, allowing the glaze to set and harden before storage.

Notes

  • Pumpkin Spice Magic: These cookies blend warm autumn spices with creamy pumpkin for a delightful seasonal treat that captures fall’s cozy essence.
  • Perfect Texture Balance: Expect soft, chewy oatmeal cookies with crisp edges that provide a satisfying mouthfeel and comforting homemade taste.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them ideal for meal prep or gifting.
  • Baking Precision Matters: Use room temperature eggs and measure ingredients carefully to ensure consistent cookie texture and flavor.
  • Icing Tip: Let cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent runny, messy icing that won’t set properly.
  • Customize Easily: Experiment by adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the dough for extra flavor and interesting texture variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 204
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 119 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 32 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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