Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Enjoy a delightful autumn treat with these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
4. Combine and Scoop:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
7. Frost the Cookies:
   • Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per cookie

Variations

• Extra Touch: Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top of the frosting before serving.
• Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Frosted cookies can be refrigerated for up to a week.

FAQs

1. Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices?
   Yes, you can substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
2. Can I freeze the cookies?
   Yes, freeze un-frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Frost after thawing.
3. What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?
   You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute for cream cheese.
4. How can I make the frosting less sweet?
   Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to your taste preference.
5. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, bake and store cookies in an airtight container. Frost just before serving.
6. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
   Old-fashioned oats are preferred for texture, but quick oats can be used as a substitute.
7. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
   Ensure the butter is not too soft and chill the dough before baking.
8. Can I use gluten-free flour?
   Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.
9. How do I adjust for high altitude?
   Reduce baking powder slightly and add extra flour if needed.
10. What’s the best way to store the frosting?
    Store unused frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect autumn treat, combining the warmth of pumpkin and spices with a rich, creamy frosting. Ideal for fall gatherings or cozy moments at home!

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