Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, wholesome treat that feels like autumn in every bite, these Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies are exactly what you need. Packed with warm spices, tender oats, and just the right sweetness, they make breakfast feel like a special occasion without any fuss. Whether you’re rushing out the door or lingering over a slow morning, these cookies bring comfort, flavor, and a touch of pumpkin magic to start your day right.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies comes from a simple collection of everyday pantry staples, each chosen to create a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and wholesome goodness. From the oats that provide hearty chewiness to the pumpkin puree that adds moisture and that delicious seasonal flair, every ingredient plays its part beautifully.

• Quick cook oats: These give a soft yet chewy texture, making the cookies hearty but still tender.
• Oat flour: Adds structure while keeping the cookies gluten-friendly and tender.
• Baking soda: Provides just the right lift ensuring the cookies aren’t dense.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that delivers that classic pumpkin flavor we crave.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant blend that deepens the autumnal essence.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweetness and spice, balancing the flavors perfectly.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient bringing moisture, natural sweetness, and that rich color.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds gentle sweetness and keeps the cookies moist without extra fat.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that also helps create a tender crumb.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together, making each cookie hold its shape.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle, comforting note.
• Mini chocolate chips: These bring pops of rich sweetness, a delightful surprise in every bite.

How to Make Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in. Lightly grease your baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray so your cookies won’t stick and come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Mix your dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the quick cook oats, oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This blends the spices evenly throughout the cookie batter and creates the base for your Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies’ delicious texture.

Step 3: Combine your wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, honey, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and a blend of sweet and spicy notes that make the cookies so comforting and full of flavor.

Step 4: Bring wet and dry ingredients together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, then add the egg. Stir gently just until everything is combined. You want to be careful not to overmix here so the cookies stay tender and soft after baking.

Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. These little bursts of chocolate take your Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies to the next level of deliciousness.

Step 6: Shape the cookies

Use an ice cream scoop to portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Press each mound down slightly to promote even baking and create that classic cookie shape you love.

Step 7: Bake and cool

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the edges are set, and the tops look just firm. After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the pan for 10 minutes to finish setting up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them hold their shape and ensures the texture is perfection.

How to Serve Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra touch of indulgence, try topping your Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies with a light spread of cream cheese or a drizzle of maple syrup. Chopped toasted pecans or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also make for a lovely garnish that adds texture and elegance.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee for a cozy start to your morning. Fresh fruit such as sliced apples or pears pairs beautifully, adding a crisp and juicy contrast to the soft, spiced cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies on a rustic plate tied with a ribbon for a charming brunch centerpiece or pack them in cute mason jars for a grab-and-go breakfast gift. You can even sandwich a bit of yogurt or nut butter between two cookies to make a fun, handheld morning treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This maintains their ideal soft yet chewy texture without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze them after baking and cooling completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick breakfast or snack option.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave them for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a toaster oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and enhances their spiced aroma, making every bite as delightful as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for these cookies?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully and is actually the easiest option to maintain consistent moisture and flavor in your Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour, then yes, these cookies can be gluten-free. Always check your ingredients to be sure.

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes, you can replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness and texture. Just keep the amount equal to the recipe’s honey measurement.

Do these cookies need to be baked immediately after mixing?

No need to rush! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking without affecting the taste or texture, which makes this a great make-ahead recipe.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Of course. The cookies will still be deliciously spiced and moist, but the chocolate chips add that delightful contrast of flavor and texture that many love.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies have quickly become one of my favorite ways to welcome fall mornings, bringing together comforting spices, wholesome oats, and the bright, happy notes of pumpkin in every bite. I encourage you to try them soon—whether for a cozy breakfast, a midday snack, or a heartfelt gift. Once you taste these, you’ll see why Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies deserve a permanent spot in your seasonal baking rotation.

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