If fall had an official cookie, these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting would absolutely earn the crown! Imagine a soft, spicy, oat-packed cookie that’s brimming with real pumpkin flavor and finished with the dreamiest swirl of cinnamon-kissed cream cheese frosting. The warmth of cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg in every bite takes cozy to a new level. These cookies are the kind of treat you bake for friends and family, only to watch them disappear within minutes—and you’ll see why after just one taste!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how pantry staples come together to create magic in these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Each ingredient here brings its own unique charm—think chewy oats for heartiness, rich pumpkin for moisture, and cozy spices to tie it all together. The secret is in the balance!

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creams beautifully to make the cookies rich and tender, so don’t forget to bring it to room temperature first!
Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a deep caramel note and keeps the cookies ultra-soft.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Boosts sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
Canned pumpkin puree (1 cup): Brings earthy fall flavor and wonderful moisture—be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for cookies; 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Adds classic bakery sweetness to both cookies and frosting.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Just the right amount for a tender, cakey crumb.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies their lift so they bake up puffy and light.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works together with baking soda for extra rise and softness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and makes every flavor shine.
Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons for cookies; 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): The main spice event—so cozy and fragrant!
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the pumpkin flavor and adds a gentle warmth.
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a hint of mild spice for that true autumnal taste.
Old-fashioned oats (3 cups): Bring chewiness and heartiness to every bite—skip the quick oats for the best texture.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The base of that luscious frosting, so creamy when room temperature.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Gives the frosting extra richness and helps it whip up silky-smooth.
Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sifts right into the frosting for perfect sweetness and fluffy texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start strong by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step will prevent sticking and make cleanup a total breeze when your cookies are done.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take a good 2-3 minutes of mixing, but it’s worth it for the softest, dreamiest cookies. The air you incorporate here makes all the difference!

Step 3: Add the Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Now, mix in the canned pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. This combo will turn your mixture gorgeous and golden, and it’ll smell heavenly even before you bake. Stir until everything is completely smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of all those powerful spices and leaveners.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry—Then Add Oats

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—over-mixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. Fold in the old-fashioned oats, which will give the cookies their delicious, toothsome texture.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for perfect spreading. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes—the edges should be lightly golden, and the centers just set. If you like a firmer cookie, chill the dough for 30 minutes first.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up a bit, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. The waiting is the hardest part, but this step ensures your frosting won’t melt right off!

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky-smooth. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is creamy and fluffy—this is what takes your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting to the next level.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe a generous dollop of frosting onto each one. Don’t be shy—this cinnamon-spiked frosting is the superstar! Decorate as simply or extravagantly as you like.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

A pretty dusting of extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans makes these cookies look as spectacular as they taste. For a festive touch, try adding a light drizzle of caramel or a few autumn-themed sprinkles on top of the frosting for that bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Set off your batch of Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting by pairing them with apple cider, hot coffee, or a creamy chai latte—it’s like giving fall in a mug! If you’re serving a crowd, a big glass of cold milk or a platter of mixed autumn fruit balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cookies into the star of a dessert board with marshmallows, caramel popcorn, and chocolate-dipped pretzels. Individually wrap them in wax paper and twine for homemade gifts, or stack them high on a rustic cake stand for a brunch you’ll never forget.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted cookies extra fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cool temperature keeps the cream cheese frosting perfectly set and the cookies soft and chewy.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the unfrosted Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting (sans frosting!) in layers separated by parchment paper, then pop in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving for best results.

Reheating

Allow the cookies to come to room temperature if they’ve been chilled. If you want that out-of-the-oven experience, a few quick seconds in the microwave (before frosting) will give you a warm, soft cookie—just hold off frosting until after warming.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure to purée your cooked pumpkin until smooth and drain off any extra moisture, as homemade pumpkin tends to be a bit wetter than canned. This will help keep the cookie dough from getting too loose.

Do I have to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling is optional but highly recommended if you want a slightly thicker, chewier cookie. If your kitchen is warm or your dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before scooping.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir or a quick whip before spreading it on your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking blend and double-check that your oats are labeled gluten-free. The results are just as moist and flavorful.

Can I add mix-ins like raisins or chocolate chips?

Go for it! A handful of raisins, walnuts, or chocolate chips stirred into the dough adds extra texture and flavors. Just keep mix-ins to about 1 cup to avoid overwhelming the batter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fall-inspired treat guaranteed to wow friends and family, look no further than Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. There’s magic in every bite—soft, spiced, pillowy cookies, a swoop of tangy frosting, and all the warmth of autumn. I hope you bake up a batch soon and get ready to fall in love!