Healthy Pumpkin Cookies

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5 from 1170 votes
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These healthy pumpkin cookies are soft, chewy, and need just 3 ingredients! No flour needed, they are wholesome and made in one bowl! 

healthy pumpkin cookies

When pumpkin season rolls around, we are all about the healthier treats.

Fall is infamous for rich and hearty desserts but actually, some of our favorites are actually healthy! These include pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, and, of course, pumpkin cookies. 

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • 3 Ingredients. Just oats, pumpkin puree and maple syrup is needed.
  • No eggs, no butter, no milk. Unlike traditional cookies, these have none of the usual suspects! 
  • Naturally vegan. As there is no dairy or eggs in this, those who follow a vegan diet can enjoy them. 
  • Fast. From prep the plate, these cookies take less than 10 minutes to bake. 

What I love about this cookie recipe is just how perfect they are for an all-around and versatile cookie. You can enjoy them for breakfast or for a healthy snack between meals! 

Ingredients needed

You will love the simple ingredient list to make this recipe. If you don’t already have everything in your pantry, then surely your local grocery store will. Here is what you’ll need: 

  • Rolled Oats. I prefer rolled oats, as they give the cookies a chewy and sturdy texture. If you prefer softer cookies, use quick cooking oats. To keep these cookies gluten free, be sure whichever you use is certified gluten free. 
  • Pumpkin Puree. Unsweetened pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling. I used canned pumpkin, but feel free to make your own if you’d like! 
  • Maple Syrup. Gives the cookies some natural sweetness, without being overpowering. You can also use agave nectar, or keep these cookies sugar free, and use sugar free syrup.
  • Chocolate Chips. Optional, but highly recommended! 

How to make healthy pumpkin cookies

With less than two minutes hands-on time, this recipe is very simple and the oven takes care of all the hard work.

Start by mixing your oats, pumpkin, and maple syrup, until combined. If using chocolate chips, fold them through at the end.

Step 2- Bake the cookies

Scoop out balls of cookie dough and place on a lined tray or baking sheet. Press each ball into a cookie shape and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on the sheet. 

3 ingredient pumpkin cookies

Tips to make the best recipe

  • Do not over-bake the cookies. They will not spread and will not typically brown on top. Remove them around the 10 minute mark, but no longer than 12 minutes. 
  • Add extra spices and mix-ins into the dough. Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon are great, as are raisins, nuts, and seeds. 
  • To make pumpkin protein cookies, add 1-2 scoops of protein powder into the dough. 
  • If you prefer super sweet cookies, swap out half the pumpkin with mashed banana. You will get the extra dose of natural sweetness. 

Storage instructions

  • To store: Cookies are best stored in the refrigerator, as they are quite soft and won’t keep well at room temperature. They will keep well refrigerated for up 1 week.
  • To freeze: Place leftover cookies in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
pumpkin oatmeal cookies
pumpkin oat cookies

Healthy Pumpkin Cookies With 3 Ingredients | Bakes In 10 Minutes

5 from 1170 votes
These healthy pumpkin cookies are soft, chewy, and need just 3 ingredients! No flour needed, they are wholesome and made in one bowl! 
Servings: 12 Cookies
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 12 minutes

Ingredients  

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

TO STORE: Cookies are best stored in the refrigerator, as they are quite soft and won’t keep well at room temperature. They will keep well refrigerated for up 1 week.
TO FREEZE: Place leftover cookies in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1CookieCalories: 84kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 114mgFiber: 2gVitamin A: 3177IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 14g
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 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!

    1. 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 🙂

  2. 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!

  3. Hi! Do you think these would work with gluten free *not* quick oats (old fashioned kind that take like 20 minutes to make oatmeal)?

  4. 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!

    1. 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).

    1. Hi Carol! I’ve tried it with both almond butter and peanut butter 🙂 The peanut butter is very evident.

  5. 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!

    1. Donna! Those additions sound wonderful! I love how it is a PIECE of walnut 😉

      Have a great day! 🙂

  6. 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 🙂

    1. 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 🙂

      1. 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?

      2. 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?

  7. 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.

    1. 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!