Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies with Maple Frosting: Your Go-To Fall Dessert Recipe

Embrace the cozy essence of autumn with our irresistible Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies. These delightful treats feature soft, chewy spiced oatmeal cookies infused with real pumpkin, generously filled with a velvety, buttery maple frosting. Each bite is a harmonious blend of classic fall flavors that will transport you to crisp autumn afternoons and festive gatherings. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a personal indulgence, these homemade pumpkin cookies are sure to become a beloved seasonal tradition.

Our oatmeal cookies with pumpkin are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. The cookies themselves boast a satisfying chewiness from the oats, beautifully complemented by the rich, earthy notes of pumpkin puree and a fragrant medley of warm spices. Sandwiched between these flavorful cookies is a luscious maple buttercream that adds a creamy texture and a sweet, nuanced maple finish. This combination creates an unforgettable treat that perfectly embodies the spirit of the fall season, making them ideal for any occasion that calls for a touch of autumnal charm.

Experience the Authentic Taste of Fall with These Pumpkin Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies truly encapsulate the essence of autumn with their thoughtfully crafted flavors and textures. From the moment they begin to bake, your kitchen will be filled with the inviting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a welcoming ambiance that defines the fall season. Each cookie is crafted to achieve a delightful balance: a soft, chewy interior studded with wholesome oats, paired with slightly crisp edges that offer a satisfying bite. The natural sweetness and moistness of pumpkin puree are subtly present, creating a depth of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated.

What elevates these cookies from delicious to truly exceptional is the rich and smooth maple frosting. This creamy, buttery filling isn’t just a sweet layer; it’s a vital component that brings the entire sandwich cookie together. The distinct, warm notes of maple perfectly complement the spiced oatmeal cookies, creating a delightful contrast in both taste and texture. Imagine the tender, spiced cookie yielding to the silky-smooth, sweet frosting—it’s a textural symphony that’s hard to resist.

Beyond their incredible taste, these Autumnal Sandwich Cookies are incredibly versatile. They are an absolute showstopper for any fall gathering, holiday party, or bake sale, easily impressing guests with their homemade charm. Their robust structure and satisfying size also make them an excellent choice for packing in lunchboxes, enjoying as a pick-me-up with an afternoon coffee or tea, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet solitude. Their convenient sandwich form makes them easy to handle and share, ensuring they’re a hit wherever they go.

Why These Homemade Pumpkin Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Will Be Your New Fall Favorite

• Unforgettable Flavor Combination: These Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies offer a flavor profile that is truly in a league of its own. The earthy sweetness of real pumpkin puree is perfectly balanced with a generous blend of classic autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a cookie that is both comforting and exciting. The star of the show, the rich and creamy maple buttercream frosting, provides a decadent counterpoint, with its warm, distinct maple notes harmonizing beautifully with the spiced oat cookies. This creates a symphony of taste that celebrates the very best of fall.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While they are undeniably the ultimate fall dessert and a must-have for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or cozy autumnal evenings, these pumpkin oat treats are surprisingly versatile. They’re impressive enough to grace any holiday dessert table or cookie exchange, yet simple and comforting enough for a quiet evening treat. Their delightful appearance and delicious taste make them fantastic for bake sales, potlucks, or even as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Straightforward and Rewarding Baking Process: Don’t let their gourmet taste fool you; this Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Recipe is remarkably simple to follow. Using readily available pantry staples, the steps are clear and concise, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. The satisfaction of baking these fragrant cookies from scratch is immense, and the ability to prepare components in advance means less stress on busy days, allowing for easy entertaining and gifting. You’ll love how effortlessly you can create such a spectacular dessert!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

Creating truly exceptional Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Shortening (1 cup): This is key for achieving the perfect texture. Shortening contributes to a wonderfully tender crumb and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, ensuring they are delightfully rich without being overly greasy.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Packed brown sugar not only provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness but also adds essential moisture to the cookie dough, resulting in a chewier texture and a more complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spices.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): White granulated sugar offers a clean, straightforward sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges while keeping the cookie centers soft. The combination of both sugars ensures a balanced and appealing sweetness.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs are crucial binders in baking. They emulsify the fats and liquids, providing structure to the cookies, adding richness, and helping them rise to create a soft yet sturdy base for the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A touch of high-quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the cookies, adding a warm, aromatic depth that completes the overall taste experience.
• Pumpkin Puree (1 cup): The star ingredient! Pure pumpkin puree infuses these cookies with authentic autumnal flavor and contributes significantly to their moist, tender texture. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Ground Cloves (¼ tsp): Offering a strong, pungent, and warm flavor, cloves add a distinctive spice note that is classic in fall baking and complements pumpkin beautifully.
• Ground Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Nutmeg brings a warm, sweet, and slightly woody aroma, contributing to the comforting and traditional pumpkin spice blend.
• Ground Ginger (½ tsp): Ginger provides a subtle spicy kick and a bright, zesty warmth that perfectly balances the sweetness and richness of the pumpkin and other spices.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): The quintessential fall spice, cinnamon delivers a warm, inviting, and slightly woody flavor that is truly the essence of autumn baking and the backbone of these delicious cookies.
• Salt (½ tsp): A crucial flavor enhancer, salt balances the sweetness and deepens the overall taste profile of the cookies, ensuring no flavor is overwhelmingly sweet.
• Baking Powder (½ tsp): This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, giving them a lighter, softer texture as they bake.
• Baking Soda (2 tsp): Working in conjunction with the acidic pumpkin puree and brown sugar, baking soda helps the cookies spread and become wonderfully soft and airy.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): Flour provides the primary structure for the cookie dough, ensuring the cookies have the right consistency and chewiness.
• Quick Oats (1 ½ cups): Quick oats add a delightful chewiness and wholesome texture to the cookies, making them truly “oatmeal” cookies and enhancing their rustic appeal.

Ingredients for the Dreamy Maple Buttercream Frosting

The rich, creamy filling is what truly transforms these into sandwich cookies. Here’s what you’ll need for the luscious maple buttercream:

• Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Using melted butter helps create a smooth, homogenous frosting, contributing to its rich, buttery taste and creamy texture.
• Milk (1 ½ tablespoons, plus more if needed): Milk is essential for achieving the perfect spreading consistency for your frosting. Start with the recommended amount and gradually add more, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creaminess.
• Maple Extract (2 teaspoons): This is where the magic happens! Maple extract provides that unmistakable, warm, and sweet maple flavor that perfectly complements the pumpkin and spices in the cookies, making it a signature fall element.
• Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this finely milled sugar is crucial for a smooth, lump-free frosting. It dissolves easily and provides the bulk and sweetness for the perfect buttercream consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies

Preparation is Key for a Smooth Baking Experience

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Proper oven temperature is vital for consistent baking, so consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Prepare your baking sheets by spraying them lightly with non-stick cooking spray, or for easier cleanup and guaranteed non-stick results, line them with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set these prepared sheets aside, ready for the cookie dough.

Mixing the Flavorful Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to thoroughly cream together the shortening, packed brown sugar, and granulated white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which is essential for a tender cookie. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla extract and the pumpkin puree, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Now, it’s time to add the aromatic spices. Incorporate the ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and salt into the wet mixture. Stir gently until these warm flavors are evenly distributed. For a convenient alternative, if you prefer, you can substitute the individual cloves, nutmeg, and ginger with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice blend.

Finally, gradually add the dry ingredients: baking powder, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Stir in the quick oats last, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough should be cohesive but still soft.

Baking Your Perfect Pumpkin Oat Cookies

Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop (for uniform size), drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and set, but the centers still appear slightly soft. This recipe typically yields about 20-24 individual cookies, enough to create 10-12 delightful Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial they are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.

Crafting the Maple Buttercream and Assembling Your Sandwich Cookies

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the luscious maple buttercream frosting. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and maple extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, whisking continuously until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (½ teaspoon at a time) until it reaches a desired spreading consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time for assembly! Take one cookie and spread a generous spoonful of the prepared maple buttercream frosting onto its flat bottom side. Then, gently press another cookie on top, flat side down, to create a perfect sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies and frosting.

Allow the assembled Pumpkin Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies to set for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature, or briefly chill them if you want the frosting to firm up quickly. This helps the cookies and frosting meld together beautifully. Once set, they are ready to be served and thoroughly enjoyed!

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Enjoying Pumpkin Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies Without Gluten

Absolutely! These delicious Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies can be wonderfully adapted to be entirely gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful fall treat. The key to a successful gluten-free conversion lies in two main substitutions: using certified gluten-free oats and a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It’s crucial to select oats that are specifically labeled “certified gluten-free” to avoid cross-contamination that can occur during processing.

When choosing a gluten-free flour blend, look for one that is designed for baking and ideally contains xanthan gum. If your chosen blend does not include xanthan gum, you may need to add about ¼ to ½ teaspoon per cup of flour to help improve the cookie’s texture, elasticity, and prevent crumbling, as gluten provides these properties in traditional flour. Beyond these two primary ingredient swaps, the rest of the recipe’s components—such as pumpkin puree, sugars, spices, and frosting ingredients—are naturally gluten-free, allowing you to create a fantastic, allergy-friendly version with confidence.

Nut-Free Options for Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

Adapting these Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies for individuals with nut allergies is quite straightforward, as the original recipe does not inherently call for nuts. However, vigilance is key for complete safety. The primary step is to ensure that no nuts are intentionally added to the recipe. If you typically incorporate nuts into your oatmeal cookies (though this recipe doesn’t), simply omit them entirely or consider safe alternatives. Great nut-free replacements for added crunch or texture could include roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds, ensuring they are from a certified nut-free facility.

Beyond direct additions, it is paramount to carefully check the labels of all packaged ingredients, especially the pumpkin puree, oats, flour blends, and spices. Many products are processed on shared equipment with nuts, leading to potential cross-contamination. Opt for brands that clearly state they are produced in a nut-free facility or are certified nut-free. This diligent label-checking applies to every component, ensuring that your delightful pumpkin oat treats are safe and enjoyable for everyone with nut sensitivities.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches Fresh

Proper storage is essential to maintain the delicious taste and tender texture of your Pumpkin Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies. Once they have fully cooled and the maple buttercream has set, transfer the cookies to an airtight container. Due to the fresh ingredients and especially the creamy buttercream frosting, these sandwich cookies are best stored in the refrigerator. When kept chilled in an airtight container, they will remain wonderfully fresh and enjoyable for up to 5 days. This method ensures that the flavors meld beautifully and the frosting stays perfectly intact.

For optimal presentation and to prevent the delicate buttercream from sticking to the cookie above it, it’s a smart practice to place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of cookies when stacking them in your storage container. This simple trick makes it easy to retrieve individual cookies without any mess or damage. Storing them correctly means you can enjoy these delightful fall treats throughout the week, ready whenever a craving strikes or an unexpected guest arrives.

Creative Serving Ideas for Your Delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies make a delightful treat for various occasions, and their versatility allows for many creative serving possibilities. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy them to the fullest:

• Classic Pairing: Enjoy these Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies as a comforting afternoon treat. They are absolutely delightful served alongside a tall glass of cold milk, which perfectly complements their rich flavors, or with a steaming cup of hot tea for a cozy moment.
• Autumnal Beverages: Elevate your fall gatherings by pairing these cookies with seasonal drinks. Imagine sipping a warm pumpkin spice latte or a spiced apple cider, with these cookies offering a perfect sweet complement. Arrange them artfully on a festive platter to create an inviting focal point for holiday parties or intimate family dinners.
• Indulgent Ice Cream Sandwiches: For an extra decadent dessert, transform these cookies into seasonal ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream (or even pumpkin ice cream for a double pumpkin punch!) between two cookies. The soft cookies and creamy ice cream create an unparalleled textural and flavor experience.
• Thoughtful Gift Option: These beautiful and delicious homemade pumpkin cookies make exceptional gifts. Package them neatly in decorative tins, charming boxes, or cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon. They are perfect for showing appreciation to teachers, delighting neighbors, or surprising coworkers during the crisp autumn months, spreading cheer with a homemade touch.
• Dessert Charcuterie Board Addition: Impress your guests by featuring these cookies on a stunning fall-themed dessert charcuterie board. Arrange them alongside other autumnal delights such as sliced caramel apples, candied pecans, miniature pumpkin tarts, and a selection of cheeses and crackers. This creates an attractive, varied, and interactive spread that is sure to be a hit.

Explore More Irresistible Pumpkin-Flavored Treat Recipes

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• WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIP PUMPKIN OATMEAL COOKIES
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• PUMPKIN PUDDING COOKIES

In conclusion, these Oatmeal Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to experience the very best of autumn. With their perfectly spiced, chewy oatmeal cookies, rich pumpkin essence, and luscious maple buttercream, they deliver a satisfying blend of taste and texture that truly captures the heartwarming spirit of the season. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, sharing with loved ones, or simply indulging in a moment of fall-inspired joy, these homemade pumpkin cookies promise to be a delightful and memorable treat. Embrace the cozy flavors of fall and create lasting memories with every delicious bite!