Meet your newest fall favorite: Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies. These chewy, irresistible little treats capture everything we love about pumpkin spice season: cozy spices, real pumpkin, sweet oats, and a touch of white chocolate magic. They’re quick enough for last-minute cravings and totally fuss-free—no oven, no stress—just the comfort of classic homemade cookies with an upgraded autumn twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies is in their simplicity. Every ingredient truly pulls its weight here—some offer creaminess, some bring sweetness and structure, and others infuse those signature fall flavors that will make your kitchen smell heavenly.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies richness and helps bind everything together for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps set the cookies.
- Brown Sugar: Infuses a subtle caramel flavor and a touch of moisture.
- Pumpkin Puree: Brings authentic pumpkin flavor and a gorgeous sunset orange hue—make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling!
- Milk: Provides the necessary liquid to make the mixture smooth and glossy; any milk type Dessert.
- Salt: A tiny amount balances all the sweet and savory notes.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This autumnal blend is the flavor foundation of the whole cookie. Don’t skip it!
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts and rounds out the warmth of the spices.
- Quick Oats: The heart of these no bake cookies, giving them their classic, chewy bite.
- White Chocolate Chips (Optional): A creamy, melt-in-your-mouth surprise that pairs perfectly with pumpkin and spice.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by adding the unsalted butter, both sugars, pumpkin puree, milk, salt, and pumpkin pie spice to a large saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. As you stir, watch the butter melt and everything come together into a golden, fragrant base that really sets the tone for these festive pumpkin treats.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Keep stirring as the mixture warms through, and notice when it starts to gently bubble. Once it hits that rolling, gentle boil, let it cook for exactly one minute. This helps the sugars dissolve properly and gives your Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies the perfect set and chew.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Remove your saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will bloom in the warm mixture and weave its lovely aroma right into the cookies.
Step 4: Fold in the Oats
Next comes the quick oats. Tip them in and stir until every last oat is coated with that spiced, pumpkin-y syrup. The mixture may look loose at first, but it thickens quickly as the oats soak up the flavor.
Step 5: Add the White Chocolate Chips
If you’re using white chocolate chips (I highly recommend it!), wait a minute or two to allow the mixture to cool slightly before folding them in. This helps them keep their shape and adds delightful pops of creamy sweetness to each bite.
Step 6: Shape and Set
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of your mixture onto a parchment- or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Try to shape them into neat mounds for that classic no bake cookie look. Let the cookies set at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, or speed things up in the fridge if patience isn’t your strong suit.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies
Garnishes
Add a little flair before serving! Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice over the top while the cookies are still a bit tacky, or press a single white chocolate chip into each mound for a sweet polka-dot look.
Side Dishes
To make snack time extra cozy, pair your Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies with a warm mug of chai, hot chocolate, or coffee. Fresh apple slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a handful of dry roasted pumpkin seeds on the side will round out a festive snack plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in a rustic tower on a wooden board, or arrange them in a basket lined with a plaid napkin for the ultimate fall vibe. For gifting, wrap a few cookies in parchment paper and tie with twine—these treats look and taste like a sweet autumnal hug!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They’re happiest at room temperature for up to 4 days, though you might notice them disappear much sooner than that!
Freezing
For even longer storage, freeze your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Reheating
You don’t actually need to reheat these cookies, but if you like a softer texture, let them sit out for a few minutes after chilling or freezing. For a luxurious treat, zap one in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds—just enough for the white chocolate to get slightly gooey.
FAQs
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you absolutely can! Old-fashioned oats will make your cookies a little chewier and heartier. If you prefer a more classic soft texture, stick with quick oats.
Is canned pumpkin pie filling okay for this recipe?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree, as pie filling contains added spices and sugar that can throw off the balance of the recipe. You want all the flavor goodness to come from your own mix of pumpkin and spices!
How can I make Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies dairy free?
Easy! Use a vegan butter or coconut oil, and swap in your favorite plant-based milk. The cookies set up just as beautifully and taste amazing.
Why aren’t my cookies setting up?
If your cookies are too soft or take forever to set, it could be that the mixture didn’t boil long enough. Make sure you let it come to a full, gentle boil for a minute—this helps the cookies hold their shape once cooled.
Can I add nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins?
Absolutely—chopped pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or dried cranberries are all fantastic additions. Just fold them in with the oats or sprinkle on top before the cookies set for extra flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magic about how these Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies turn simple, familiar ingredients into pure autumn comfort with so little effort. I can’t wait for you to experience how quick and satisfying they are—perfect for busy days, late-night snacking, or sharing with anyone who could use a little extra fall joy. Give them a try and let pumpkin spice season live a little longer in your kitchen!
Print
Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus setting time)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies. Quick and easy to make, these no-bake treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with a hint of pumpkin spice goodness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups quick oats
Optional:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cook the Mixture: In a saucepan, combine butter, sugars, pumpkin, milk, salt, and spice. Boil and simmer.
- Add Flavor: Stir in vanilla and oats until coated. Fold in white chocolate if desired.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool and set before storing.
Notes
- Swap quick oats for old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and milk.
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