Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful fall treat, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with the chewy texture of oats. Topped with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting, these cookies are perfect for cozy afternoons and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup softened butter
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup softened cream cheese
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Cookie Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, and oats. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

4. Bake the Cookies:

Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Frosting:

While the cookies cool, prepare the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.

6. Frost the Cookies:

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

7. Serve:

Enjoy these delightful cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Serving:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

Variations:

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix in some white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies.
• Spiced Up: Increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of ginger for an extra spicy kick.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cookies.

Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the frosting in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it soften at room temperature before spreading on the cookies.

Q: Can I substitute the oats with quick oats?
A: You can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture.

Q: What can I serve these cookies with?
A: These cookies pair well with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or a spiced latte. They’re also delicious with a glass of cold milk.

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. Soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!

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