If you are on the lookout for a delightful way to kickstart your mornings with a burst of cozy autumn flavors, you simply must try the Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies Recipe. These hearty, wholesome cookies offer the perfect balance of tender pumpkin, warm spices, chewy oats, sweet bursts of chocolate chips, and the tangy surprise of dried cranberries. Quick to whip up and utterly satisfying, they’re ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast or a nourishing snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies with Oats, Spices, Chocolate Chips, and Cranberries Recipe, it will become a staple in your recipe box!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to making these cookies both delicious and approachable. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the unique flavor, texture, or visual appeal of this recipe.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Provides moisture, natural sweetness, and a lovely vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup creamy almond butter: Adds creaminess and a touch of nutty richness.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Delivers natural sweetness with a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for a perfect cookie texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 cup oat flour: Creates a tender crumb and keeps the cookies gluten-free if made from dedicated oats.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the cookies with classic fall spice warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and maintain a soft texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of earthiness and spice complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a mild zing that brightens the mix.
- Pinch of cloves: Provides a warm, mysterious spice kick.
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats: Introduces chewy texture and heartiness.
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of sweet delight in every bite.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, optional: Adds a tart contrast and chewy texture.
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top: Creates a beautiful finish that enhances flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat to ensure your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. This simple prep step sets the foundation for perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, creamy almond butter, pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend brings moisture and buttery richness that transforms into a soft cookie base.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Spices
Next, add the oat flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, sea salt, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of cloves to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until just combined. The aromatic blend of these warm spices creates the unmistakable fall flavor that makes this recipe extra special.
Step 4: Incorporate Oats, Chocolate Chips, and Cranberries
Fold in the old fashioned oats, chocolate chips, and if you like, dried cranberries. These add-ins bring varied texture and flavor — chewy oats, melty chocolate, and tart bursts of cranberry—making every bite exciting and satisfying.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rest
Allow your dough to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the oats a chance to absorb some moisture, which helps the cookies bake up perfectly soft and chewy.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop approximately two tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon since they will not spread much during baking. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until cookies are set but still a little soft in the center.
Step 7: Finish with a Sprinkle of Flaky Sea Salt
Right after removing cookies from the oven, sprinkle them lightly with flaky sea salt while still warm. This final touch highlights the sweet and spicy flavors beautifully. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
Garnishes
Elevate your Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies with Oats, Spices, Chocolate Chips, and Cranberries Recipe by adding a sprinkle of powdered cinnamon or a drizzle of almond butter on top just before serving. Fresh cranberries or a small dollop of Greek yogurt on the side also make delightful garnishes that complement these flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or spiced latte for an ultra-cozy breakfast experience. A side of fresh fruit or a smoothie adds balance and freshness, making your morning both nutritious and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter lined with autumn leaves for a seasonal brunch presentation. Alternatively, stack them with parchment paper between layers in a rustic wooden box or jar tied with a ribbon, making a lovely gift that shares the joy of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness. The cookies stay soft and chewy, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, the cookies won’t clump together and can be stored for up to three months.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, simply warm the cookies slightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and melted chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually one of the most convenient options. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free oat flour and oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your ingredient labels to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I substitute almond butter with another nut or seed butter?
Yes, feel free to swap almond butter for peanut butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter depending on your preference or dietary needs. It will slightly alter the flavor but remain delicious.
Can I omit the chocolate chips or cranberries?
Definitely! If you prefer a more classic cookie or want to keep it simple, leaving out the chocolate chips or cranberries is fine. The cookies will still be flavorful and satisfying.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 16 cookies, making it great for sharing or meal prepping your breakfasts for the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about the Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies. Whether you’re serving them up on a crisp fall morning or packing them for a busy day ahead, they bring together wholesome ingredients and cozy flavors in the most delightful way. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your own morning favorite!
Print
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies with Oats, Spices, Chocolate Chips, and Cranberries Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies are hearty and wholesome breakfast treats made with pumpkin puree, oats, warm spices, chocolate chips, and dried cranberries. These soft and chewy cookies provide a nutritious start to your day with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for fall mornings or any time you crave a healthy, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of cloves
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
Add-ins
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Topping
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, creamy almond butter, pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add dry ingredients: To the wet mixture, add oat flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, sea salt, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of cloves. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Incorporate oats and extras: Fold in the old fashioned oats, chocolate chips, and dried cranberries if using. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Let dough rest: Allow the dough to sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the oats can absorb some moisture and soften the texture.
- Shape cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon as they won’t spread much during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, until they are set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Add finishing touch and cool: Remove cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Letting the dough rest improves the texture by allowing oats to soften.
- Flattening the cookies before baking helps them bake evenly as they don’t spread much.
- Use old fashioned oats for best texture; quick oats might make them too soft.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia egg.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American