Recipe Index » Breakfast Recipes » Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

Updated:


Kids and adults alike will devour these healthy, protein-packed pumpkin oatmeal breakfast cookies – ideal for busy mornings on-the-go!

Jump

prep time15 minutes


In honor of the holiday season and my mission to eat all things pumpkin, I decided to create a pumpkin-packed version of my husband’s favorite breakfast cookie. I love creating healthy pumpkin recipes during the fall months. Packed with walnuts, chia, flax seeds, and sweetened with pure maple syrup, my Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies are fall perfection in every bite and will actually give you lasting energy, unlike many products sold in the store. Make up a big batch on a Sunday and grab them throughout the week for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a post-gym snack. You have leftover pumpkin puree in the fridge? This is a great way to not let it go to waste!

Ingredients

  • Oats: I like to use old-fashioned oats, but you could use steel-cut or rolled oats as well.
  • Flax seed meal: Mostly flavorless, but adds huge amounts of omega 3s, antioxidants, and fiber.
  • Chia seeds: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, omega 3s, and many other nutrients.
  • Fall spices: A delicious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves to really bring home the fall flavors.
  • Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent to get the cookies to rise and expand.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients.
  • Eggs: Binds the dough all together.
  • Pumpkin: Pure pumpkin puree is essential for that delicious, pumpkin flavor as well as needed moisture to the dough.
  • Milk: I use cow milk, but you could use almond milk or any other dairy alternative you have!
  • Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the cookie while pairing with the spices to taste like everything fall.
  • Coconut oil: A great butter substitute to reduce fat and sodium.
  • Vanilla: With the maple syrup, it sweetens the dough while balancing flavors.
  • Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add protein and healthy fats and antioxidants.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Pumpkin oatmeal breakfast cookies.

I always start any baking by getting all my ingredients out and doing any extra prep necessary, like spraying your baking sheets, and for this recipe: crushing your walnuts.

Then you’ll just throw all of the ingredients into a large bowl before mixing well so that it’s all wet and sticky.

Next, using your hands or a large cookie dough scoop, evenly portion your cookie dough onto a prepared baking sheet.

Toss in the oven at 350 for around 10 minutes before removing to let cool.

Grabbing pumpkin oatmeal breakfast cookies.

Remove to a wire rack and let cool completely before enjoying your delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies!

Shake It Up

  • Switch out the nuts. Don’t have walnuts? You can use almonds, cashews ,or pecans. Or if you don’t like nuts, skip them altogether!
  • Make them sweeter. Add some chocolate chips or raisins to the cookie.
  • Make it vegan. Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas in place of the eggs, and almond milk for the milk and these cookies are both gluten-free and vegan!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the flaxseed meal?

Yes! Substitute with baking flour or almond flour to keep them gluten-free.

What are breakfast cookies?

Breakfast cookies are usually a healther alternative to sugary, processed cereals and granola bars that you buy at the store.

How long do pumpkin cookies keep for?

Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days, longer in the fridge.

More Pumpkin Favorites

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Liz enjoying pumpkin oatmeal breakfast cookies.

A delicious way to start your day, my Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies will be sure to satisfy the whole family.

No fork required.

Have you tried my


Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies?

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Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

Liz Della Croce
4.49 stars average
Kids and adults alike will devour these healthy, protein-packed pumpkin oatmeal breakfast cookies.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
CourseBreakfast
Serves12 cookies

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or spray with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (oats through salt) and set aside.
  3. In another medium bowl, whisk together wet ingredients (eggs through vanilla) and slowly stir into the dry ingredients.
  4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure everything is evenly incorporated then stir in the chopped walnuts.
  5. Drop by tablespoons or a large cookie scoop two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes then let cool completely on a cooling rack before serving.

Liz’s Notes

Can I substitute the flaxseed meal? I don’t have any in my pantry.

Yes! Substitute with flour

How long do these cookies keep for?

Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.2g | Protein: 5.4g | Fat: 8.8g | Saturated Fat: 1.9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.9g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 188mg | Fiber: 4.9g | Sugar: 0.9g

Have you tried my


Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies?

Leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how you liked it in the 📝 comments and share it on Instagram, Facebook & Pinterest.

We love hearing from you! This helps us continue to provide free, high-quality recipes.


4.49 from 62 votes (47 ratings without comment)

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88 responses to “Pumpkin Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies”

  1. Dawn Avatar
    Dawn

    Can I use steel cut oats?

  2. Chris M Baker Avatar
    Chris M Baker

    I am wondering if these could be put into a pan, and cooked, then cut into bars. Similar to baking brownies. If so, how long would you say to cook it for.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I haven’t tried that before, so I’m not sure how they would turn out! If you tried, I’d just keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t over bake, and check using a toothpick to make sure fully baked in the middle.

  3. Connie Avatar
    Connie

    Too runny; there was no way to scoop them until I added a additional cup of oats. I also baked them for 25 minutes. They taste good; not too sweet and nice and chewy.

  4. Susan Meier Avatar
    Susan Meier

    I did the recipie just right except I didn’t have chia seeds. So I ground up pumpkin seeds and used those as a substitute. Not sure how that changed the results, but the cookie dough was way too runny. When I baked them for 10 min they were still raw. I baked them for 5 min more and they were a little more cookie like but still pretty raw. The taste of them was not appealing to me or my kids. I would have to change some things to make this a repeat recipe for us.

  5. Rooni Tunes Avatar
    Rooni Tunes

    Thank you for this healthy fiber-rich recipe which I used with modifications. I like that it’s focusing more on oats and less on flour though, in addition to the flaxseed meal, I used a half cup of GF flour to give the batter a little more substance as I seem to have run out of chia seeds. I used ground walnuts to add to the dry ingredients and only one egg since I recall reading that pumpkin can be used in place of eggs, so I bumped up the pumpkin to 1 cup or more. I used Swerve sweetener in place of the maple syrup and may bump up the sweetener a little bit more next time around or add a bit of brown sugar. I ended up with enough dough for 2 dozen cookies (mookies? muffin & cookie) and baked them for 17 minutes. Will definitely make again!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Great modifications! Glad you liked them.

  6. Annie Avatar
    Annie

    Hi! Same thing happened to me Re wetness of the batter. The flavors are great! But would definitely add a 20 mins “mingling” period before baking.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      They are admittedly a bit more moist of a cookie almost like a muffin :)

  7. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    Mine came out super wet too! Like the consistency of cake batter. There is no way I can scoop these as cookies. I followed the recipe exactly. Any tips?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Hmmm did you make any changes? I made these recently and didnt have that issue?

      1. Jenny Avatar
        Jenny

        I did not make any changes. I did end up letting the batter sit in my fridge for a few hours so that the chia seeds, oats and flax could absorb all the liquid. They did (like overnight oats) and I was able to scoop and bake them. They are more like baked oatmeal than a “cookie” but still very good

        1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
          Liz DellaCroce

          That’s fair. :) I hope they were still tasty jenny.

      2. Shena Avatar
        Shena

        These are great as breakfast cookies! Not too sweet – perfect for breakfast. I used psyllium eggs instead of eggs, and I omitted chia and flax and replaced with arrowroot flour and cassava flour. I did have to add extra flour because they were so wet, but they still came out very moist. Thanks!

        1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
          Liz DellaCroce

          I’m so glad you enjoyed!

  8. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Thank you so much for this recipe. I’m having to eat low FODMAP but also trying to up the fiber in my diet and this recipe is perfect for breakfast!!! I subbed in pecans for walnuts since walnuts interfere with one of my medicines. I also added in coconut!! I’m so grateful for this recipe and can’t wait to try different variations in the future.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh perfect!! Enjoy!

  9. Elaina Avatar
    Elaina

    Thanks for sharing this recipe! I’ve been looking for a moist, healthy high fiber, high protein snack and used this as a base. Loved that your recipe had chia, flax, walnuts with only a little sugar.
    I made the following additions: 1/2c hemp protein, 1/2c unsweetened flaked coconut, 1/4c chocolate chips. To compensate for the added fiber and protein, I increased pumpkin to 1c and added one flax egg. Baked at 350 for 15 minutes, cooled on pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Made 16 cookies using large ice cream scoop. They don’t spread out much, so I flattened slightly with a fork.
    Got high marks from picky hubby! I’ll definitely be making these again!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      So glad you enjoyed these!

  10. Corry Oosterhouse Avatar
    Corry Oosterhouse

    Thanks, Liz!!! Finally a breakfast cookie that isn’t loaded with sugar!! And only 4 WW smart points each!! Yeaahh!!! I’m definitely making these!????

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      YES!! I hope you love it!

    2. Jill Fisher Avatar
      Jill Fisher

      Made double batch of these flavor packed cookies just now and my 4, 5, and 9 yr old were in love immediately! I quickly put them away after I lost count after 4 per kid! My 5 yr old leaned back in his chair with this YUM! look on his face as he said, “I could eat these at the beach!!”

      Because I was short on ingredients, I substituted whole wheat flour, 50% pure maple syrup and 50% pure honey, 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce in place of coconut oil, and 75% walnuts and 25% pecans. Thanks for making our day!

      1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
        Liz DellaCroce

        I’m so happy you enjoyed them!!!! haha I want to go to the beach!

  11. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Can you substitute almond milk?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes you can!

    2. Alyssa Avatar
      Alyssa

      My family really liked these! We were surprised that the pumpkin flavor didn’t really come through, but it did keep the cookies super moist. I didn’t have enough maple on hand so subbed brown sugar and I added some dried cranberries. Next time I might throw in some diced apple, too.

      1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
        Liz DellaCroce

        I’m so glad you enjoyed them!!

      2. Melissa Reimers Avatar
        Melissa Reimers

        I made the recipe as written with the addition of 1tsp of powdered ginger. As others have written, the batter is very “loose”. I needed to bake at 350 degrees for about 13 minutes for them to lose their surface shine. Dropping by tablespoons made WAY more than 12 cookies… which I really didn’t mind because then I can have two with no guilt! I only used one baking sheet and subsequent batches were more firm. Another reviewer mentioned putting the batter in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before baking – that seems like a great suggestion.

        1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
          Liz DellaCroce

          I’m glad you enjoyed these!!! Great idea to refrigerate dough too!

  12. Liz C. Avatar
    Liz C.

    Just made a batch and my 3 year old is loving them! I used whole wheat flour instead of flax seed meal, and i didn’t have any nutmeg. The batter seemed a little wet, so I eyeballed a little more oats. These are delicious! Very excited to have an on the go breakfast option.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh I’m so glad!!

  13. Jeanine Avatar
    Jeanine

    These are awesome! Had to make some adjustments just because of what I had at home: swapped coconut flour for flax seed, mini choc chips for walnuts (for kids), and honey for maple syrup. Baked at 375 for 15 instead of 10……they’re perfect!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Sounds perfect!! Enjoy Jeanine!

  14. Natasha Avatar
    Natasha

    These look yummy – is there anything I can sub for the flaxseed?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Flour works!

  15. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    These look amazing! Can’t wait to try them. Although in the UK, unless it’s a raw pumpkin, the only other pumpkin I can find is canned pumpkin from an American store, I know it says pure pumpkin in the recipe but British people don’t seem to eat a lot of pumpkin so want to make sure I use the right thing! Thanks!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes canned pumpkin = pure pumpkin so just use any sort of cooked pumpkin. :)

  16. Jessica Avatar
    Jessica

    Made them.. And they are impossible to cook through. Wet and squishy, bland, and an expensive recipe at that. I made a double batch and can’t figure out how to make it better.. Absolutely would not make again.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Hi Jessica, I am so sorry these didn’t turn out for you! We have made them several times in recent weeks and they are always a huge hit with my boys so I’d love to help brainstorm where things went wrong for you!! Did you make any substitutions or swaps from the original recipe at all? That is often the culprit so I have to ask before we continue brainstorming! Again Im so sorry!

      1. Megan Avatar
        Megan

        Are these supposed to be a bit squishy in the middle?

        1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
          Liz DellaCroce

          Yes a little bit!

  17. Chrissa - Physical Kitchness Avatar
    Chrissa – Physical Kitchness

    Was looking for a healthy pumpkin/oat combo for my son’s breakfasts and came across this beauty on pinterest. Thank you!!!

  18. KnMJ Avatar
    KnMJ

    I REALLY wanted to love these… enough so that I ate several to be sure, but they are just not very good. :-( We certainly don’t like our food to be overly sweet, & like the natural sweeteners best, but despite having used the recommended amount of maple syrup (Organic from Trader Joes), they are so *not* sweet they just don’t taste appealing at all. I assumed I forgot some key ingredient, but on double checking the recipe, I don’t see the solution. Now to be fair, I DID add 2 TB Brewer’s yeast to make these a lactation cookie, but for all other recipes I’ve done so with, this worked as a fine addition to the intended recipe. Perhaps the addition of chocolate chips as a pp wrote would do the trick, but I was trying to be “good” & make a breakfast version I could eat guilt free. Also, I was trying to give these a 2 star, but can’t uncheck the 5 star for some reason?!??

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Hi There! First of all, I’m so sorry these cookies didn’t live up to your expectations! Of course, everyone has a different “sweetness” threshold so I completely understand they were not sweet enough for your taste. We make these cookies all the time and all of my friends and family love them. I also have readers writing to me about these all the time so I’m bummed they weren’t a hit for you! That said, any time you make a modification to a recipe (such as adding two tablespoons of Brewer’s Yeast), you have to expect that the cookie result will not be the same as the original recipe. Brewer’s yeast is a strong flavor with no added sweetness so it doesn’t surprise me that it threw off the end taste. Regardless, I am sorry that you didn’t enjoy these and certainly understand if you prefer a sweeter cookie!

      As for the rating, I’m not sure why it won’t let you change it from 5 star? It’s a plugin that I use and not one that I can control but I will try and see if there’s a glitch with it. I promise it’s not something I’ve done – hahaha!! :)

  19. Rose @ Healthyfoodforhecticlives Avatar
    Rose @ Healthyfoodforhecticlives

    I have made this recipe once before and enjoyed it. I made it a second time today and decided to add two overripe bananas I had on hand. Good addition!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      What a great idea!!

  20. Cindy Avatar
    Cindy

    Just made these today and am wondering if they need to be refrigerated – there’s just me to eat them so they will probably last a week or more.

    Thanks, Cindy

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I would, yes :) Enjoy!

  21. Mel WOW of Povert Avatar
    Mel WOW of Povert

    It was good. My son liked them. I’d use less clove next time. Also, I only had one egg. And I subbed corn syrup over the maple because mine had mold on it. Oh, and I used soy milk and I was out of chia so put in hemp powder. Nice texture. We will try this again.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I’m so glad you were able to make it work!

  22. gretchen | kumquat Avatar
    gretchen | kumquat

    this is definitely the way to start a fall day! you can’t go wrong eating “cookies” for breakfast.

  23. Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen Avatar
    Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen

    Have I told you how awesome you are? ;) I love these pumpkin oatmeal cookies. Looks like a healthy treat to me… except for knowing me, I’d probably sneak in a few chocolate chips. xo

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I miss your face!!! xoxo

  24. Ellen Parlee Avatar
    Ellen Parlee

    Healthy cookies? Sounds good to me! Now’s the perfect time to try the recipe, pumpkin flavored anything is just that much better in the fall.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Let me know if you try these Ellen!

  25. Sarah @ SnixyKitchen Avatar
    Sarah @ SnixyKitchen

    You had me at cookies for breakfast! This is definitely an upgrade from the packaged ones – lucky man!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      So excited to meet you this week Sarah!!

  26. Sommer @greenmom Avatar
    Sommer @greenmom

    These look so delicious. I love anything with pumpkin. I bet my kids would eat these right up! Thanks for sharing!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You must make these Sommer!! So good and easy!

  27. Katie Carl Avatar
    Katie Carl

    Hi Liz!! It’s your fan from Ohio!! Made these last night because 1. #pumpkineverything, 2. I was looking for something similar to a Lara bar (LOVE Lara bars, don’t love the price!!). I was too tired to scoop cookies, so I made them in a 9×9 bar pan and they turned out wonderfully!!! Thank you for another good recipe for my snack arsenal!!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh what a great idea to put them in a pan!!! Thanks so much for letting me know!

  28. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen the.boy eat a breakfast cookie, but I don’t doubt that he’d down a batch of these in no time. I’m sure I would also! Pumpkin FTW!

  29. Gaby Avatar
    Gaby

    What a great breakfast option!

  30. Laura Dembowski Avatar
    Laura Dembowski

    I love a good breakfast cookie! Healthy and delicious!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Me too friend!! Thank you!

  31. Chelsey Avatar
    Chelsey

    These look so delicious!!! Officially added to my to-make list! Have a great weekend, Liz!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thank you so much Chelsey!

  32. Nutmeg Nanny Avatar
    Nutmeg Nanny

    Cookies for breakfast are the best!

  33. Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen Avatar
    Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen

    I want these right now! So yummy!

  34. bell Avatar
    bell

    I am vegan and gluten free and cannot eat oats (even Gluten free oats)
    Do you have a suggestion as to how to substitute oats in this recipe and your granola bar recipes, please?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Hi Bell, I’m not sure what else to recommend – oats are my go-to gluten free option. So sorry I’m not of much help but I just can’t recommend anything I haven’t tested in my own kitchen. So sorry!

      1. Char Avatar
        Char

        Hi Liz, you know that oats aren’t gluten free right? You have to buy special (and expensive!) de-glutenised oats. Not an issue if your not allergic to gluten but for celiacs this is misleading. They look very tastey though!

        1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
          Liz DellaCroce

          Hi Char – Yes that’s correct. I will make a note in case others don’t realize that though!! Great point.

  35. Michelle @ Healthy Recipe Ecstasy Avatar
    Michelle @ Healthy Recipe Ecstasy

    I’m so excited about these cookies – they look scrumptious and healthy! P.S. I adore going to Costco and Target. :)

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You and me both!! Why is it so magical?

  36. Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living Avatar
    Jeanette | Jeanette’s Healthy Living

    Love the idea of pumpkin cookies for breakfast – so healthy and full of goodness!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Thanks Jeanette!

  37. Amanda Avatar
    Amanda

    I love this recipe! So fun!

  38. Liz@Virtually Homemade Avatar
    Liz@Virtually Homemade

    These look crazy healthy and delicious! I love that they are gluten free

  39. Bubble Girl Avatar
    Bubble Girl

    These look divine! I can’t wait to whip up a batch this weekend!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I hope you love them!

  40. Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) Avatar
    Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)

    I love a good throwback picture!!! :) These breakfast cookies sound wonderful, love how you packed them with so many healthy ingredients. Gotta make these!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      hahaha it’s a throw back alright!! :)

  41. sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer Avatar
    sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer

    Looks delish, Liz. I could eat several of these cookies right now! :)

  42. Erin | The Law Student's Wife Avatar
    Erin | The Law Student’s Wife

    I love seeing this old picture! You are clearly a superhero, and breakfast cookies are your secret weapon.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I don’t think Rich had seen the photo yet…can’t tell if he will laugh or kill me. ;) So great seeing you this week!!

  43. Lauren at Keep It Sweet Avatar
    Lauren at Keep It Sweet

    Aw you two have come a long way! And that picture from your trip is adorable:-)

    I should really make a batch of these and freeze them, they would be the perfect post-baby breakfast or snack!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Adorable or ridiculous? I’m not sure ;)