If you’re looking for a cozy, delightful treat to capture the essence of fall without heating up your oven, this Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Squashing the usual baking hassles, these cookies blend the warm, aromatic flavors of pumpkin spice with the wholesome goodness of oats and the creamy richness of peanut butter. They’re quick, fuss-free, and perfect for whenever you crave that pumpkiny comfort wrapped in a chewy, chocolatey bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for autumn snacking and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet come together to create an irresistible balance of flavor, texture, and that signature fall color. Each component adds its own magic—from the earthiness of rolled oats to the velvety pumpkin puree that gives these no bake cookies their heart.
- 3 cups rolled oats: The base of the cookie adding a hearty, chewy texture that’s so satisfying.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Brings natural sweetness and moisture, and the vibrant fall flavor we adore.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Adds creaminess and a subtle nutty depth that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup: For natural sweetness and a touch of stickiness to hold everything together.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Introduces a rich chocolate undertone to balance the autumn spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The star spice blend that delivers warmth and that unmistakable pumpkin pie charm.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Enhances the spice profile adding extra depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the taste with a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A tiny pinch to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Peanut Butter and Sweeteners
Start by combining the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup if you prefer), cocoa powder, and salt in a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is the key stage where the chocolate and peanut butter meld beautifully, creating a luscious base for your cookies.
Step 2: Incorporate the Pumpkin and Spices
Once your peanut butter mixture is silky, remove it from the heat and stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. These ingredients infuse the mixture with that quintessential Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe aroma and flavor, making your kitchen smell absolutely divine.
Step 3: Add the Rolled Oats
Now, fold in the rolled oats until every oat is evenly coated with the pumpkin-spiced chocolate mixture. The oats not only give these cookies their delightful chew but also help soak up the flavors, resulting in a perfectly textured bite.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of this sticky, aromatic mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Feel free to customize their size to your liking, but try to keep them fairly consistent so they set evenly. These are fun to shape—grab a spoon and get creative!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pop the cookie tray into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it allows the cookies to firm up, making them easy to handle and irresistible to look at. After they’ve set, you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these cookies by sprinkling a pinch of extra cinnamon or a dusting of cocoa powder just before serving. If you want an added crunch, finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top provide a wonderful texture contrast that complements the soft bite.
Side Dishes
These no bake cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy latte, bringing out their autumn spice beautifully. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the rich, chewy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies into a mini tower tied with a rustic twine for a charming gift, or arrange them on a decorative platter sprinkled with fresh pumpkin seeds and cinnamon sticks for a festive centerpiece at your next fall gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will maintain their softness and flavor, making for a quick snack anytime your pumpkin cravings hit.
Freezing
Want to keep these goodies longer? Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy a taste of fall whenever you want.
Reheating
No need to reheat since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. However, if you prefer them softer, let them thaw at room temp for about 10 minutes after freezing and they’ll be perfectly chewy again.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree?
You can use either canned pumpkin or homemade fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure the puree is smooth and not too watery for the best cookie texture.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey and check that your peanut butter has no added dairy. This will keep your Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe entirely plant-based and delicious.
Can I substitute peanut butter with a different nut butter?
Yes, almond or cashew butter work wonderfully, but keep in mind that different nut butters might slightly change the flavor profile, making it uniquely your own.
How long do these cookies last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, these pumpkin spice cookies last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts into the recipe?
Definitely! Stir in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries when you add the oats to add extra bursts of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to bring the essence of cozy fall flavors into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a pumpkin fanatic or just love easy, wholesome treats, these cookies have a little something special that’s hard to resist. I can’t wait for you to try them and enjoy every bite!
Print
Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies are a delicious and easy treat perfect for fall or anytime you crave a quick, healthy snack. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and warming spices, these cookies come together in just 40 minutes without any baking required. They are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, making them a flavorful and nutritious alternative to traditional desserts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare peanut butter mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), cocoa powder, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add pumpkin and spices: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until everything is evenly mixed and fragrant.
- Combine oats: Add the rolled oats to the saucepan and stir thoroughly until the oats are fully coated with the pumpkin and peanut butter mixture.
- Form cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shaping them into cookie-sized portions.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. Once set, they are ready to serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter for a healthier option without added sugars or oils.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
