Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container
Quick Answer
These Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies are easy to make, delicious, and a perfect treat for the holiday season.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, the air in New York City is filled with the rich aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg, tantalizing everyone to begin their baking adventures. One recipe that's been a standout in my kitchen this season is Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies. These cookies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and health, making them a fantastic treat for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings spent by the fireplace.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Healthy yet indulgent, making them perfect for guilt-free snacking during the holidays.
- Easy to make, even for novice bakers, with simple ingredients found in your pantry.
- The combination of pumpkin and chocolate creates a deliciously unique flavor.
- Packed with fiber from oats, making them a wholesome option for any time of the day.
- Versatile; customize with nuts or dried fruits according to your taste!
Ingredients
Get ready to gather the following ingredients for these scrumptious cookies:
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- ¼ cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
Mix-Ins
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
How to Make Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delightful cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You'll love the cozy atmosphere that fills your kitchen as it warms up!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to blend everything until smooth, enjoying the vibrant colors coming together.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the rolled oats, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula, making sure each oat is coated in the pumpkin goodness, allowing the fall scents to envelop you.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Stir in the dark chocolate chips and imagine the delightful experience awaiting your guests as they savor the combination of flavors.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop generous amounts of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. Don't forget to peep in that oven door!
Step 6: Cooling Time
Once baked, let the cookies rest on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to be patient-it's hard, but worth it!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree, which can alter flavor and texture.
- Overmixing the dough, leading to dense cookies instead of light and chewy delights.
- Skipping the cooling time, which may cause cookies to fall apart when moved.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a delightful twist, consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Allow the cookies to sit for a day in an airtight container to enhance their flavors even further.
- Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary and you want those centers to remain moist.
Variations
- Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Use coconut oil instead of almond butter for a different flavor profile.
- Replace dark chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a sweeter variation.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a glass of almond milk or your favorite nut milk.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy as a midday snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh-baked experience.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to three months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe multiple times, I discovered that the flavors develop beautifully over time, making them an excellent treat even several days after baking. I also appreciated how easy it is to adjust the sweetness depending on personal preferences - a little less maple syrup still yields delicious results.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 12 cookies · Serving Size: 1 cookie
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~120 calories · 2g protein · 15g carbs · 6g fat
Recipe by:
Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Sprinkle in the rolled oats, pumpkin spice, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold with a spatula.
- Stir in the dark chocolate chips.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop dough onto it, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter of your choice. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the cookies.
How do I store the cookies for freshness?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! To make these cookies vegan, simply ensure that the chocolate chips you use are dairy-free. The other ingredients are already plant-based.
