Healthy Pumpkin Cookies
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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!
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.
I was inspired to make these after several readers asked for a pumpkin version of my oatmeal breakfast cookies– and because my partner was getting sick of bananas. I swapped those out for unsweetened pumpkin puree, and adjusted the ratios to yield soft, chewy, and wholesome pumpkin cookies. We now make these at least once a week when pumpkin is in season. My partner loves them for breakfast with a smear of peanut butter on top, and I personally love adding a handful of chocolate chips to the dough.
I’ll be honest, though- these aren’t your traditional butter-and-sugar-laden cookies. They aren’t overly sweet, and they don’t have the rich, mouth-feel that only butter can provide. But- if you want to enjoy all the festive flavors without a sugar crash or calorie-dense treat, these cookies are for you.
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 with no chill time required. Really, the oven does most of the heavy lifting.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make healthy pumpkin cookies, along with notes from my kitchen. The measurements are in the recipe card below.
- 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. I’ve made these gluten-free using certified gluten-free rolled oats (love Bob’s Red Mill), and they tasted the same.
- 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
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 350°F.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Shape the cookies however you want. 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 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- 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 the dough onto 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, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
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
- Mix-in ideas: I typically use chocolate chips or a chopped-up chocolate bar.
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
More healthy pumpkin recipes
Originally updated August 2022
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! 🙂