These Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are the ultimate autumn treat. With the nutty flavor of brown butter, the richness of pumpkin, and the warm spices of cinnamon and ginger, they create the perfect cozy dessert to enjoy with a hot drink on a chilly day. The combination of chewy oats and optional white chocolate chips and pecans adds texture and depth to each bite.
Not only do these cookies taste incredible, but their inviting aroma fills the air as they bake, making them a must-bake recipe for fall. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to become a fall favorite that you’ll return to again and again.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup canned pumpkin puree
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
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1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, swirling occasionally, until the butter begins to foam and turn golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk until combined. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
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Fold in the oats, white chocolate chips, and chopped pecans, if using.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press down lightly on each cookie to flatten slightly.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Why Brown Butter?
Brown butter is the secret ingredient that takes these cookies from good to great. The process of browning butter involves cooking it over medium heat until the milk solids in the butter begin to caramelize, turning the butter a rich golden brown and releasing a nutty aroma. This adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the cookies, creating a deliciously unique, slightly toasted taste that pairs beautifully with pumpkin. The nutty undertones of brown butter elevate the spices in the cookies, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The result is a cookie that is both comforting and indulgent, with a depth of flavor that is truly memorable.
The Role of Pumpkin in These Cookies
Pumpkin puree is not only a quintessential fall ingredient but also a key player in the texture and flavor of these cookies. Its natural moisture helps keep the cookies soft and chewy, ensuring that each bite is tender and satisfying. Pumpkin also provides a subtle, earthy sweetness that enhances the spices and brown butter without overpowering them. Furthermore, pumpkin is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin A and beta-carotene, making these cookies a more wholesome indulgence compared to other sweet treats. With its bright orange hue, pumpkin also adds a beautiful color to the cookies, giving them a warm, inviting appearance that mirrors the cozy vibes of autumn.
Oats: The Heartiness in Every Bite
Old-fashioned rolled oats are the perfect addition to this recipe, giving these cookies their signature chewy texture. Oats are naturally high in fiber and antioxidants, offering a nutritious boost while still being incredibly delicious. The oats not only contribute to the texture but also help balance the richness of the brown butter and the sweetness of the pumpkin. As they bake, the oats absorb some of the moisture from the pumpkin and butter, giving the cookies a satisfying bite. They also add a wholesome, slightly nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
White Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Optional but Delicious Additions
While the basic version of these Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies is already fantastic on its own, the addition of white chocolate chips and chopped pecans takes them to the next level. White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices and pumpkin, creating a rich contrast to the nutty brown butter. Meanwhile, pecans bring a lovely crunch and a deep, toasty flavor that enhances the overall taste experience. Both ingredients are optional, but they can make the cookies even more indulgent and decadent, perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re in the mood to treat yourself.
Baking Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
To ensure that your cookies come out perfectly every time, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to let the brown butter cool slightly before adding it to the sugar and pumpkin mixture. If the butter is too hot, it could cook the egg prematurely, leading to a less-than-ideal texture. Additionally, when mixing the dry and wet ingredients together, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in dense cookies, so mix until the ingredients are just combined. If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, which will help the cookies hold their shape during baking. Finally, remember to keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Store Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked taste.
Why You’ll Love These Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
There are countless reasons to love these cookies. For starters, they offer the perfect balance of flavors. The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the warmth of the pumpkin and spices, while the oats provide a hearty texture that makes these cookies feel more like a comforting snack than a sugary treat. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, treating yourself to a cozy dessert, or gifting them to a friend, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Their unique combination of flavors makes them stand out from other pumpkin treats, offering a fresh twist on classic autumn baking.
In addition to their delicious flavor, these cookies are also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. If you don’t have white chocolate chips on hand, you can substitute them with milk or dark chocolate chips, or leave them out entirely. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans. You can even experiment with adding other spices, like cloves or allspice, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Conclusion: A Must-Bake Autumn Delight
Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies are the epitome of fall baking. They combine all the best flavors of the season—warm spices, pumpkin, and brown butter—into a soft, chewy cookie that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, enjoying them with a cup of tea, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies are the perfect way to embrace the flavors of autumn. With a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a batch of cookies that are as comforting as they are delicious. So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the most delightful fall cookie ever.