This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
These healthy pumpkin cookies are soft and chewy, and they need only three ingredients! They’re low in sugar and free of flour, eggs, and oil!
Need more healthy pumpkin recipes? Try my healthy pumpkin muffins, healthy pumpkin bread, and pumpkin protein balls next.
Fall season means cookie season in my house.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against my healthy pumpkin pie, but when I want those flavors without the big production, I make my 3 ingredient pumpkin cookies.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- 3 Ingredients. All you need are oats, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup!
- Diet-friendly. Unlike traditional cookies, these cookies are naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Fast. They’re made in one bowl, and no chill time is required. Really, the oven does most of the heavy lifting.
- Healthy enough for breakfast. My sweet tooth doesn’t discriminate. If I can have cookies for breakfast, you better believe I’m gonna!
Ingredients needed
- Oats. You can use either rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe. I used half-and-half, so they have a chewy yet soft texture.
- Pumpkin puree. For pumpkin flavor, moisture, and to bind the ingredients. I chose to make my own, but you can buy a can of pumpkin puree if you prefer. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with sugar and spices.
- Maple syrup. For sweetness. I also tested honey, and the flavor was good, but since honey is more viscous, you’ll want to add a splash of almond milk.
- Optional mix-ins. Pumpkin pie spice, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract are all great additions.
How to make healthy pumpkin cookies
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Mix the cookie dough. Combine all ingredients (including mix-ins) and stir until a thick cookie dough forms.
Step 2- Shape and bake. Use a cookie scoop to roll out 12 cookie dough balls. Press them into a cookie shape and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes at 180C/350F.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Shape the cookies how you want them. Since there is no flour or baking soda, these cookies won’t spread naturally. How they look pre-baked is how they’ll look when they’re out of the oven.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. They won’t get golden brown on top, so trust the process and remove them after the 10-minute mark so they don’t overcook.
- Make sweeter cookies. Swap out half of the pumpkin for mashed bananas for an extra dose of natural sweetness.
- Don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, ginger powder, and allspice.
- Add MORE mix-ins. The ones I listed above are just suggestions, but you can add walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, you name it!
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To freeze: Place leftover cookies in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to six months.
Freezing unbaked cookie dough: Scoop out cookie dough and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the dough balls until firm, then store them in a freezer bag for up to six months. Bake straight from frozen and add an extra 3-5 minutes of baking time.
More healthy cookies to try
- Healthy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
- Healthy oatmeal raisin cookies
- Healthy chocolate chip cookies
- Healthy peanut butter cookies
Healthy Pumpkin Cookies (3 Ingredients)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 1/4 cup maple syrup can use agave nectar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin, and syrup, and mix well. If adding chocolate chips, fold them through.
- Using your hands, form into small balls and place on the baking tray and press each ball into a cookie shape. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove and allow to cool on the sheet.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally updated August 2022, updated and republished August 2024
Thank you for such a simple yet delicious and healthy recipe. It turned out lovely! Do you know how long these should last and if they can be refrigerated?
Around 5 days.
Yum! I was skeptical when I was mixing them up, but wow! Delicious!!
Delicious! I cut the pumpkin down to 1 cup and added a very ripe banana, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice, chopped toasted pecans, and several chopped fresh dates. Cooked as directed and they were the perfectly sweet and chewy. Great fall treat!
Very nice dessert. I like pumpkin very much.
Its so good that the season of pumpkins started. I will make many of your recipes using pumpkin. Including this.
In your video it says 1 cup pumpkin puree, in your written recipe, it says 2 cups pumpkin puree. Which is correct? Thanks!
As written 🙂
I really like them, but next time, I might add some spice (pumkin pie spice) 😊
Wait these cookies have only these 3 ingredients? I cannot believe. I make them tomorrow!
I love how easy your recipes are. I can even bake without ruining them and they are yummy
I tried both sweeteners-agave syrup and also maple syrup. I think maple syrup goes better in here!
Yesterday made this! It turned soo tasty!
I really like pumpkin so much. I realized the favourite type of them is Hokkaido for me. Can it be any pumpkin type?
Easy and tasty. Perfect for my T2DB spouse.
First, why did you make me google the conversion for calories?
I added 1 tbsp of chia seeds. I eat a large amount of pumpkin, savory and sweet, so I could not wait for the cookies to cool to eat one.
Cookies are chewy, but not enough sweet. I don’t like sugary really sweet anything, but the maple syrup wasn’t enough, so yes, the chocolate chips are a must.
Instead of chocolate chips, I added 2 tbsp of plant based erythritol (I know it is only made from plants, but others might think it isn’t a natural sweetener).
Now they have that sweet fix that is needed when you want a treat. Even without the chia seeds they are packed full of fiber, but since I’m taking weight loss medication that causes constipation, I need tons of fiber. These cookies with the chia seeds are the perfect yummy that I need. Also, just 2 or 3s mall cookies while drinking any liquid makes me feel extra full.
Armen, I had my doubts about these holding together and being an actual cookie because of the ingredients, but I have no more doubts. Thank you for sharing.
Simple and healthy. Will make again.
Such an easy and healthy cookie. Definitely add the chocolate chips.
How much pumpkin pie spice should I add? I’ve made several other of your oats-based cookies & they have been delicious! Disappear like crazy : >
Thank you!
Hi!! 1/2 teaspoon is plenty!
My Son is a crab fisherman, he takes about 6 dozen with him and they work great at keeping him well fed as a quick pop in your mouth and keep going meal. So thank you for helping him keep healthy.
Such a fun and healthy cookie. If you want sweeter cookies though, you need to add something like syrup or choc chips.
This is the best healthy pumpkin cookie recipe I’ve ever made and i’ve made tons of them.
THESE ARE SO GOOD. So easy. I added cinnamon and used almond flour, literally such a good snack and definitely satisfies the craving. Chewy; like a just out of the oven cookie. Perfect texture and flavourful. So so good. Low in cals & sugar but high in fibre and protein – A DREAM. Love love love.
These were excellent!! Added chia seeds and warm spices. Thank you for such a killer recipe! <3
Made this last night and it was great with a few changes. I only used 1 tbsp maple syrup and added raisins, pecans and pumpkin spice/cinnamon. Great healthy bedtime snack.
Made these last night! It was so simple, chewy and delicious! Thank you for this recipe!
Just tried these since we had some leftover pumpkin. I didn’t have quite 1 cup, so I added in a 1/2 cup of applesauce. We added in pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon. Also, dark chocolate chips, pecans (because, why not?), and golden raisins. These turned out great! So easy and quick. Thank you!
So great to hear that 🙂
Delicious and simple cookies. Every week I make your keto peanut butter cookies and add protein powder as an after workout snack. I decided to make a different cookie this week (I’m not tired of the other ones but my daughter asked for something different…) and I found these to be very good. Not sweet but flavorful. I give it 5 stars, she gave it 4; she prefers very sweet so I will just eat them myself! Very nutritious. Thank you again.
For people asking if you can use regular instead of quick oats — you can make quick oats by just blitzing regular oats in the food processor. just FYI. 🙂
Thanks for the fantastic hack 🙂 Love that idea!
Could you replace the sugar with maple syrup or honey?
how many do these make???
I made 8 large cookies 🙂
Was just wondering if you could supplement the 1/4 cup of sugar or sweetener with unsweetened apple sauce? Or would it make it too runny? I already made this recipe with just regular sweetner, and they turned out just great, but I was just asking for the next time I make them which will be soon I’m sure. They were a big hit with my husband and my son as well as my self! Great Job! I love fast and easy recipes that aren’t a lot of ingredients and are good for you too! I’ve tried your recipe for energy bites too! They were awesome as well. Your definitely my go-to page for everything quick and yummy!
Hi Sara! I think it would be far too runny! You could try replacing the sugar with another granulated sweetener of choice! Thanks so much for your kind words- I hope you and your family continue to enjoy them 🙂
These little guys are in the oven now!!! My hubby requested pumpkin cookies apparently someone brought some to a work function. So off I go to make these and make them healthy!! I substituted PB2 for the nut butter, I used honey instead of sugar and I added some slivered almonds. Can’t wait for the finished product!
Ahh that sounds delicious, Candace- Hope you all enjoy! 🙂
Hi! Do you think these would work with gluten free *not* quick oats (old fashioned kind that take like 20 minutes to make oatmeal)?
Hi Kay! Absolutely! As long as they aren’t the steel cut oats, they’ll be fine! 🙂
Hello! I love this recipe so much! I am curious about how the dough will last it if I make it the night before, place in the fridge overnight, and make them the next morning. Will the dough get super mushy?
Thank you so much!
Hi Olivia! I wouldn’t recommend making it the night before- It will become a little too thick (The oats will continue soaking up the pumpkin).
Hi CAN you add blueberries instead of nuts and chocolate? I am dairy, gluten and nut free.
Hi Tabitha! Absolutely! 🙂 You may need to add a little more oats to combat the moisture.
What is nut butter you use with this recipe?
Hi Carol! I’ve tried it with both almond butter and peanut butter 🙂 The peanut butter is very evident.
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies, with addition of 1/4 c. almond butter were great! Did an addition of raisins to basic batter, then topped with sugar free choc. chips, some dried cranberries, and a piece of walnut. Very moist! Love that it’s packed with nutrients!
Donna! Those additions sound wonderful! I love how it is a PIECE of walnut 😉
Have a great day! 🙂
Hi,
I’m really looking forward To trying this recipe but i don’t catch a point: how can i mix raw pumpkin with the other ingrs? Shall i boil or grate it before? Many thnx, greetings from Ibiza 🙂
Hi there! Oh I’m so sorry- I assumed most people had cooked pumpkin on hand! I recommend you boil it until it is very moist and use it from there 🙂
My cookies came out too doughy after baking them for 15 minutes. The only thing I did different was I used regular oats vs quick oats. Any suggestions as to why?
Hi Leah! they should be soft and chewy- A little doughy but still perfectly edible- Using different oats shouldn’t have an issue- Was your pumpkin from a can or homemade?
Hello Arman. I’ve stumbled onto your blog via another one that mentioned this recipe (and said it was good!). I have a (maybe) stupid question. Which size can of pumpkin are you referring to? The 15oz or the 29oz can? I stocked up on the larger cans when they were on sale last month but before I begin making these it would be nice to know if I need to double the other ingredients! I probably would be able to figure it out by the consistency but it would help to know before starting. Did I miss it somewhere? Thanks for what seems like a simple but delicious recipe.
Hi Carol! That’s not stupid at all! It’s my own fault for not being for accurate- It’s 15 oz so I’ll make a note of it 🙂
Enjoy!
I have a can of pumpkin just waiting to meet oats and raw sugar. Seriously, lately I’ve been on the hunt in the last few days for low sugar cookies and I love pumpkin.
Yay! That’s awesome, Lauren! 🙂
I tried this pumpkin cookie recipe out tonight. I try to avoid granulated sugar so I subbed in some of my local honey. These cookies were way to dry and chewy for me. I don’t know what I could do different to make them a little more moist? Maybe add some milk to the batter? Tasty, but way way too dry 🙁 loved the pumpkin flavor!
Hi Jess! You’d need to add more pumpkin to add moisture and remove from from the oven when still semi moist- They firm up once cooled 🙂
Hi there! I live in VT and wondered if you could somehow sub maple syrup for the sugar?
Hi Gail! I don’t see why not- You’ll just need to perhaps add more oats and pumpkin to balance out the wet ingredients! 🙂
These were delicious and even my picky 3 year old loved them. Thank you for the great quick and easy recipe.
Oh yay! Thanks so much Crystal! I am your 3 year old’s biggest fan now 🙂
Can I used regular quick cooking oats? I don’t know where to find gluten free oats. Can I also use brown sugar if so do I need to decrease the amount?
Hi Shell! You sure can- Definitely keep the brown sugar the same measurement too!
How much cinnamon do you put in? I was thinking of adding some nutmeg too.
Hi Sarah! I did around a teaspoon but go for adding nutmeg- That sounds so delicious! 🙂
Hi! I’m just trying to figure out the nutrition facts before I make these. How many cookies does this recipe make? Thanks!
Hey Mary! It really depends on what size you make them 🙂 The easiest way is to bake a batch then calculate it after 🙂
Love your recipe. This is a great on the go healthy breakfast. Although, I believe they need to be kept in the fridge, because of the moisture in them. I made them on Sunday and when I went to take the last one four days later it was fuzzy.
Thanks so much for letting me know, Richelle! I think the inner cookie monster in me ate them all up before any fuzz appeared!
Do you think you could use the same amount of mashed or pureed sweet potato? I love sweet potato, and it’s easier to make that fresh that it is to do fresh pumpkin, plus it’s usually a little sweeter naturally.
Hey Kim! Pureed sweet potato would be the perfect substitute 🙂 It really is so much sweeter too 🙂
Hi! is there a reason you list pumpkin and then say not pumpkin pie filling? What’s the difference?
Thanks!
Hi Franchesca! Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and I include some granulated sweetener in the recipe. You’re more than welcome to use it but then just cut back on the added sugar! 🙂
ohh! ok Thanks!
Anxiously awaiting the homemade bottled water recipe. In the meantime, all these pumpkin recipes will just have to tide me over 😉
Oh it’s a winner. Goodbye Evian!
Pfffft. Since when are cinnamon and chocolate chips optional? Since never. Stop talking crazy, and keep on with the quick and easy recipes — you know I’m lazy.
Way more to come! 😀
You’re like a magician with your 3 ingredient recipes! These look amazing and I’m excited to see what else you’ve got coming!
Thanks Sarah! As long as it’s Harry Potter, then i’m game! 😀
You had me at pumpkin. I’m a huge fan of simple recipes so I can’t wait to try these out. It’s also a great way to get kids to eat veggies 😉 I’m sure my toddler will approve!!!
YES! thanks so much, Kelly! 🙂
All cookies. All pumpkin. All the time. I love to always have hot coffee or tea with my cookies, so with that in mind, I do love something with some crunch so I can play the dunk game. But if there’s chocolate, then nothing else really matters. PS – i’m finally saying hi after following your adventures for so long. Can I just say thank you for making “baking” in the summer a complete breeze and being a constant saviour to my “I need something fast and easy and delicious NOW” cravings?
Hello there and welcome 🙂 You are so welcome and thanks for chiming in 🙂
Thick and chewy cookies for the win!! Seriously, Arman, you are king of creating awesome recipes with like 2-4 ingredients. At this rate you could move back to NYC because you just dont need much kitchen space at all. Like a drawer for ingredients and maybe a spoon. We both know you don’t really need that oven. 🙂 These cookies look awesome!
This comment actually made me spit water on my screen. I could live with the troll in Central park.
I can’t wait to see your recipe/tutorial for bottled water 😉 .
I’m all about soft and chewy cookies. It’s a pity Germany still hasn’t jumped on the pumpkin wagoon [read: canned pumpkin isn’t available].
It wasn’t in Australia either, but that is where homemade is great 🙂
Arman, I love these cookies!!! and I’m all about texture when it comes to cookies so thanks for the tip! hooray for pumpkin!
Thanks so much! 😀 I am a texture fiend too and can’t play favorites so keep half a batch in it slightly longer!
It’s funny, I feel like I can’t get into pumpkin until the temperature drops below 80…. but then again I kinda want to run out and buy 10 cans of pumpkin puree right now! I love using oats as a flour base and do so all the time.
YES!!! Such a good, doughy base!
Ohhhh these look so good! I love easy recipes – so thank you 🙂
My fav cookie recipe lately is banana, oats, pb + optional chocolate chips. With only three ingredients though – this is even better. Can’t wait to try them!
YES! I love making cookies out of those 3 too which inspired these- Enjoy! 🙂
My ideal cookie is really crispy on the outside and then soft and chewy in the inside. I’m a sucker for a good crust! Also choc chips make everything amazing!
Oh yes! that sounds absolutely delicious!!!!
Are these single serving. How many calories if I substitute broccoli stems for chocolate chips. Thanks Amen.
Hi Amen. One Alexis sized cucumber pack.
I despise Paula Deene. She gives butter a bad name.
Also I totally did an anti-pumpkin post today. Ha! I still adore you though.
You, my friend, are the king of simple, easy, quick, and delicious cookies. And this one has pumpkin in it…I mean, hello????
Thanks so much, mate!
I think I lean more towards thick and chewy, but really…cookies in general make me happy.
YES. Except protein cookies made of protein powder and water.
Thick and chewy for sure! Keep the pumpkin love coming!
YES! 🙂 thanks so much, Heather! More to come!
These will be perfect for my fall dinner party in October! So easy and they sound delicious!
Thanks so much, Becki!
um, yum! and super easy too!
Right? Thanks!
I just bought like 5 cans of pumpkin this weekend and can’t wait to start using it! Bring on the orange skin.
YES! Enjoy!
I totally thought you were going to use a cake mix as one of the ingredients. You didn’t, yes! Love these and can’t wait to try out this recipe!
Thanks so much 🙂
Okay LOVE these simple treats! Except how do you stop from eating the WHOLE batch!?!? Glad to see you posting on fitfluential, I’ll be able to follow more of your posts now which have been leaving a serious gap in my blog world for the last couple months! #bloggerproblems
right? Alexis and I ate a whole batch between us both! Haha no worries- Welcome back!
3 ingredients and one of them is pumpkin! Holla!
I have that silly song in my head now. Ain’t no hollerback girrrrrrl.
I love that so many of your cookies are also breakfast options 🙂 I also love the OC reference. I may or may not have all four seasons on DVD.
OMG. Seriously, the best. Me and my sister would skip 3/4 of season 4 because….Once Marissa died so did the series.
My eyes are NOMMING hard core right now
Right? thanks so much, Gigi!
I am headed into the kitchen to make these right now!!
YES! thanks so much, Leigh! 🙂
Boom. Snap. Crackle. Delicious!!!!
Thanks so much, Allie!
Mmm… Pumpkin anything, just yes. I shall watch for your bottled water recipe 🙂 I’m sure it will go viral!
It is so good, you’ll be jealous of it 😉 It’s life changing. There’s a secret ingredient- Life changing water.
Homemade bottled water? OMG Yum. What’s in it? Is it gluten-free? Will it help me lose 3 pounds? 😉
Jokes aside, these cookies do look awesome. I’ve done the whole pumpkin/boxed cake mix deal, but these are obviously a lot healthier.
Hahahahahaha. The bottled water recipe is a keeper! 😉
Thick and chewy are definitely my cookie preferences, but I don’t discriminate. 🙂 I bought somee pumpkin so I could make your pumpkin fudge and then I saw these! It’s going to be a pumpkin fiesta in my kitchen this week! <3
Oh yes!!!! 😀 Thanks so much, Jessica!
So for the pumpkin (not puree) do I have to actually buy a pumpkin or can I go to the store and get canned pumpkin that is gluten free?
Hey Adam! You don’t need to at all- as long as you have canned pumpkin, it will work 🙂
Away in Chicago, making these when up I get back on Wednesday. They are a perfect seasonal treat. Also I have used plantains blended as the base for cookies with pumpkin and they taste awesome.
OH Please do! 🙂 Plantains? what a great idea!
Love this recipe, Arman! Can’t wait to try them. I bet my kids would even love them. Pinned and making soon (maybe even today)! 🙂
Thanks so much, Blair! 🙂
I think it’s thick and chewy for me but it really depends on my mood 🙂 you are totally reading my mind with these recipes – I was just dreaming up pumpkin chocolate chip ideas last night.
What an epic dream haha- I dream of silly things like getting yelled at lol!
Just found this recipe in Feb of 2023. Fabulous is all I can say. I did it with 1/2 banana, some pumpkin pie spice and chopped walnuts and handful of raisins. Spectacular snack!! Enjoying now with some tea☺️