Name: Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup whole wheat flour; 1½ cup Old fashioned rolled oats; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp Baking Soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground cloves; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup dried cranberries

These healthy pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. Made with natural pumpkin puree and heart-healthy oats, they are a treat you can feel good about indulging in. The best part is that they only take a few minutes to prepare and are packed with flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Photos of Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are readily available in a well-stocked pantry. However, pumpkin puree may not be a staple in your home. This ingredient is typically found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets, especially during the fall season. Also, the recipe calls for whole wheat flour and old fashioned rolled oats, which are healthier alternatives to regular flour and instant oats.

Ingredients for Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Pumpkin puree: Gives a moist texture to the cookies and adds a hint of fall flavor.

Egg: Bonds all the ingredients together.

Vanilla extract: Brings out the flavors and gives a wonderful aroma.

Whole wheat flour: A healthy alternative to all-purpose flour, adding fiber and nutrients.

Old fashioned rolled oats: They add texture and absorb the moisture to keep the cookies soft.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the flavors.

Brown sugar: It gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness and makes the cookies moist.

Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavors.

Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves): They add warmth and depth of flavor.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: They melt into the cookie, giving it a sweet and slightly bitter flavor.

Dried cranberries: Adds a tart flavor and chewy texture.

One reader, Dot Mayorga says:

These healthy pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are a game-changer! They're moist, flavorful, and guilt-free. The combination of pumpkin, oats, and chocolate chips is simply divine. I love that they're not overly sweet and are perfect for a quick, nutritious snack. Highly recommend trying this recipe!

Dot Mayorga

Techniques for Making Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature for baking the cookies.

How to line baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

How to whisk wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. This ensures that the wet ingredients are evenly mixed before adding them to the dry ingredients.

How to combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, old fashioned rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, chocolate chips, and dried cranberries. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to be mixed with the wet ingredients.

How to fold wet and dry ingredients: Gently fold together the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. This helps to ensure the cookies have a tender texture.

How to shape cookie dough: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet and slightly flatten them to the desired shape before baking.

How to bake cookies: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until they are lightly browned. This step ensures that the cookies are fully baked and have a golden color.

How to cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps the cookies set and cool down slightly before serving.

How to store cookies: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.

How To Make Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies will never go out of style. This fall-inspired recipe has cranberry and chocolate bits in a dough infused with pumpkin puree.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 12 minutes

Total: 22 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cuppumpkin puree,(not pumpkin pie filling)
1large egg
1tsppure vanilla extract
¾cupwhole wheat flour,or all-purpose flour, spoon & leveled
1½cupold fashioned rolled oats
¼cupgranulated sugar
¼cupbrown sugar,packed dark
¼tspbaking powder
½tspbaking soda
¼tspsalt
1½tspground cinnamon
¼tspground nutmeg
¼tspground cloves
½cupsemi-sweet chocolate chips
½cupdried cranberries

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl whisk together pumpkin, egg, and vanilla until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, chocolate chips, and dried cranberries.
Fold together the wet and dry ingredients until just combined – do not overmix. The cookie dough will be very thick. Taste the dough and add a pinch of salt if needed.
Drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheets and slightly flatten to the desired shape. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly browned.
Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for at least 3 minutes and transfer to a wire rack. Cookies stay fresh at room temperature for 3 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 114.01kcal
Fat: 2.67g
Saturated Fat: 1.19g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.83g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.38g
Carbohydrates: 22.01g
Fiber: 2.21g
Sugar: 11.16g
Protein: 2.49g
Cholesterol: 11.63mg
Sodium: 88.01mg
Calcium: 21.26mg
Potassium: 93.58mg
Iron: 0.95mg
Vitamin A: 64.61µg
Vitamin C: 0.34mg

Key Technique for Perfecting Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

When incorporating the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla into the dry ingredients, it's crucial to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture in the final cookies. Instead, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. This will ensure your cookies remain soft and chewy. Additionally, when adding the chocolate chips and dried cranberries, fold them in last to evenly distribute them throughout the dough without overworking it.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the cookies. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.

Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help ensure that all the cookies are uniform in size, which will result in even baking.

Chill the dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading during baking.

Double the batch: Consider making a double batch of the cookie dough and freezing half for later use. This way, you'll have cookie dough ready to go for future baking sessions.

Pre-portion the dough: If making a large batch, pre-portion the cookie dough onto baking sheets and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough portions to a resealable bag. This way, you can bake just a few cookies at a time as needed.

Substitute Ingredients For Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

pumpkin puree - Substitute with mashed sweet potato: Mashed sweet potato can provide a similar texture and natural sweetness to the cookies.
whole wheat flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor and a moist texture to the cookies.
old fashioned rolled oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes have a similar texture and nutty flavor, adding a nutritious twist to the cookies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index, providing a healthier alternative to granulated sugar.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and can enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.
semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with cacao nibs: Cacao nibs provide a rich, chocolatey flavor without the added sugar, offering a healthier alternative to chocolate chips.
dried cranberries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins add a natural sweetness and chewy texture, complementing the other flavors in the cookies.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Elevate the plating: When presenting the cookies, consider using a beautiful, rustic wooden board or a sleek, modern plate to showcase the cookies. The choice of plating can enhance the visual appeal and create a stunning presentation.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Integrate seasonal elements such as small decorative pumpkins, autumn leaves, or edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and tie in the theme of the pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each cookie on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and presented with care. Precision in plating demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.
Utilize complementary colors: Consider incorporating a pop of color by adding a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to create visual interest and enhance the overall presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the plate with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of finely chopped pistachios to elevate the visual appeal and provide a subtle hint of complementary flavors.

Essential Tools for Making Oatmeal Cookies

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the cookie dough.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to place the cookie dough and bake the cookies in the oven.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: These are used to line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking and making for easy cleanup.
Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla until well blended.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are used to accurately measure the ingredients for the recipe.
Cookie scoop or spoon: A cookie scoop or spoon is used to drop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the cookies after baking, allowing air to circulate around them.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag. Separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. You can also microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up slightly before serving.
If you prefer to freeze the cookie dough instead of baked cookies, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and let them thaw slightly before baking as directed in the recipe.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid storing the cookies in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become dry and crumbly.

How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

To reheat leftover healthy pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and slightly crispy around the edges. This method will help restore the texture and flavor of the cookies, making them taste almost as good as when they were freshly baked.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Check the cookies and repeat the process if needed, heating them in 5-second intervals until they reach the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cookies, as this can cause them to become soggy or rubbery.
For a quicker and more convenient method, you can reheat the cookies in a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies directly on the rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and slightly crispy. This method is perfect for reheating a small batch of cookies without having to preheat a full-sized oven.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can wrap the cookies in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving them. This will help add moisture to the cookies and prevent them from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave the wrapped cookies for 10-15 seconds, then check their temperature and repeat if necessary.
For a more indulgent treat, try reheating the cookies in a skillet with a small amount of butter. Melt a teaspoon of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and heat them for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are warm and slightly crispy. The butter will add a rich, decadent flavor to the cookies and enhance their overall taste.

Interesting Fact About Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

The recipe contains pumpkin and chocolate chips, which are rich in antioxidants and can help boost heart health.

Is Making Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

This healthy pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, and old fashioned rolled oats, are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips and dried cranberries may slightly increase the cost, but they can be optional or substituted with more affordable alternatives. Overall, this recipe offers a nutritious and delicious treat at a reasonable price. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its cost-effectiveness and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10.

Are Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Healthy?

The pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookie recipe has several healthy ingredients, such as whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and pumpkin puree, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds flavor without increasing calorie content. However, the recipe also contains a significant amount of sugar (both granulated and brown) and semi-sweet chocolate chips, which can contribute to added sugar intake.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar by half, or replace them with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or date paste
Use dark chocolate chips with a higher percentage of cocoa (70% or above) instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, as they contain less sugar and more antioxidants
Replace a portion of the whole wheat flour with almond flour or coconut flour to increase the protein and healthy fat content
Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to boost the protein, healthy fats, and texture of the cookies
Experiment with using mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce as a partial substitute for the pumpkin puree to naturally sweeten the cookies and add moisture

Editor's Opinion on This Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

The combination of pumpkin, oats, and chocolate chips in this recipe creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The use of whole wheat flour and pumpkin puree adds a healthy twist, making these cookies a guilt-free indulgence. The addition of dried cranberries provides a pleasant tartness, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate chips. The spices add warmth and depth to the cookies, making them perfect for the fall season. Overall, these healthy pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies are a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Enhance Your Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Try serving these cookies with a side of creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a savory and comforting contrast.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Pair these cookies with some colorful and flavorful grilled vegetable skewers for a healthy and vibrant side dish.

Citrus Kale Salad: Balance out the sweetness of these cookies with a refreshing and tangy citrus kale salad for a burst of freshness.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Complement the flavors of these cookies with some tender and sweet honey glazed carrots for a delightful side dish.

Berry Spinach Salad: Serve these cookies with a light and refreshing berry spinach salad for a nutritious and colorful accompaniment.

Similar Recipes to Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Savory Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of butternut squash, carrots, and warm spices creates a delicious and nutritious dish.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Marinated in a zesty lemon herb sauce, this grilled chicken is bursting with flavor. It's the perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing: A refreshing and vibrant fruit salad tossed in a sweet and tangy honey lime dressing. This colorful dish is a great addition to any brunch or picnic spread.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites are filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a crispy finish.

Bruschetta: Slices of toasted baguette are topped with a flavorful mixture of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic vinegar, creating a refreshing and light appetizer option.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: For a light and flavorful main course, try grilling salmon with a zesty lemon and herb marinade. The combination of the smoky char from the grill and the bright citrus flavors creates a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a colorful and satisfying main course by stuffing bell peppers with a savory mixture of quinoa, black beans, and vegetables. Top with melted cheese for a gooey finish, and serve with a side of tangy salsa for a burst of fresh flavor.

Why trust this Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies Recipe:

This recipe uses pumpkin puree and whole wheat flour to provide a nutritious base. The addition of old fashioned rolled oats and dried cranberries adds fiber and antioxidants. The use of semi-sweet chocolate chips provides a touch of indulgence without overwhelming the health benefits. The combination of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warm, comforting flavors. With a careful balance of wholesome ingredients, these cookies offer a delicious and nutritious treat.

Want to discuss this Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies recipe further? Share your thoughts, ask questions, or post your own healthy cookie creations in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use canned pumpkin in place of pumpkin puree. Just make sure it's 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour if you prefer. The texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it will still work well in the recipe.

Can I omit the chocolate chips and dried cranberries?

Absolutely, you can omit the chocolate chips and dried cranberries if you prefer. You can replace them with nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.