Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies! These cookies are a warm hug in dessert form, combining the heartiness of oats with the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices. They’re perfect to whip up on a busy weeknight or to impress at family gatherings. Once you try them, I promise Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the chewy texture and sweet butterscotch chips. It’s a hit for everyone!
• Perfect for meal prep: Bake a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have delicious treats to enjoy throughout the week.
• Fall flavors: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice makes these cookies truly special for the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Each one adds something special to these tasty cookies!

For the Cookies

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup butter (melted, cooled)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk (at room temperature)
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (blotted with paper towels to remove most of the moisture)
• 2 cups butterscotch chips (divided)

Variations

The beauty of these Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies is their flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Change up the chips: Substitute half of the butterscotch chips with chocolate chips if you’re craving something different.
• Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together old-fashioned oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This step ensures that your spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each bite that wonderful fall flavor.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and pumpkin puree until smooth. Mixing these ingredients well helps create a creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.

Step 4: Fold in Butterscotch Chips

Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of butterscotch chips into your cookie dough. These sweet morsels will melt slightly during baking, creating delightful pockets of sweetness in every bite!

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls (about golf ball-sized) onto parchment paper or silicone mat-lined baking sheets. Flatten them slightly; they won’t spread much during baking.

Step 6: Add Extra Chips

With the remaining 1/2 cup of butterscotch chips, dot 3-4 chips on top of each cookie before baking. This little touch makes them look extra inviting!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes or until edges are golden and centers appear almost ‘set’. This step is crucial—don’t let them get too dark!

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove from heat and allow them to cool on cookie sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps maintain their soft texture as they finish cooling.

Enjoy your deliciously warm and chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

Making the perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies is easier than you think! Just follow these helpful tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your egg yolk and melted butter to room temperature helps them emulsify better, leading to a smoother batter and a more uniform cookie texture.
• Don’t skip blotting the pumpkin puree: By removing excess moisture from the pumpkin, you prevent the cookies from becoming too soggy and ensure they maintain their chewy texture.
• Chill your dough if time allows: If you can let your dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking, it will help the flavors meld and result in thicker cookies that hold their shape better.
• Check for doneness carefully: The cookies should look set but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven; they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix things up by adding nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for an extra burst of flavor and texture!

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

These delightful cookies are not only a treat on their own but can also be presented in various ways to make them even more special. Here are some ideas for serving!

Garnishes

• Drizzle with caramel sauce: A light drizzle of caramel adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the butterscotch chips beautifully.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving enhances the flavor profile by balancing the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This warm beverage perfectly complements the fall flavors in your cookies, creating a cozy vibe that’s hard to resist.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serving a warm cookie alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will love.
• Fresh fruit platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and citrus provides a refreshing contrast that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Spiced tea: A cup of spiced tea pairs wonderfully with these cookies, amplifying those warm fall spices while providing a comforting drink option.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies are sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the delightful flavors of fall anytime. With a few simple storage methods, you can keep these cookies fresh and ready to delight your taste buds!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 15-20 seconds until just warm and gooey.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies that might help you enjoy this recipe even more!

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats in Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies?

While old-fashioned oats give the best texture, you can substitute quick oats if needed. However, be aware that the cookies may turn out softer and less chewy.

How long do Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies will remain fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits to my Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure not to exceed the total volume of mix-ins so that they bake evenly.

Are Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies suitable for vegan diets?

To make these Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies vegan-friendly, substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter alternative.

What other types of chips can I use in Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies?

In addition to butterscotch chips, you can try chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed), white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a different twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making these delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies! This recipe beautifully combines the warmth of fall spices with the comforting chewiness of oatmeal. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later, I know they’ll bring joy to your kitchen. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who would love it too!