When the leaves begin to turn, and the air grows crisp, there’s one flavor that immediately comes to mind—pumpkin spice. While pumpkin pies and lattes tend to steal the spotlight, there’s another easy, cozy treat that deserves just as much attention: Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies. These cookies combine the convenience of a no-bake recipe with the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall spices, making them a must-try for the season.
No bake cookies have been beloved for decades because they’re quick, easy, and require no oven time. Perfect for busy bakers, apartment dwellers with limited kitchen equipment, or anyone who wants a fast and tasty dessert, they’re as simple as boiling, stirring, and cooling. With a base of oats coated in a sweet, spiced pumpkin mixture, these cookies are chewy, flavorful, and impossible to resist. They’re also a great alternative to traditional baked cookies when you want to keep things simple but still impress.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 40 minutes with no oven required.
- Perfectly spiced – A cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Seasonal twist – Pumpkin puree makes these a fall must-have.
- Great for beginners – No special equipment or advanced baking skills needed.
- Crowd-pleaser – Makes about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing.
- Customizable – Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps bind ingredients.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness.
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar – Adds depth with a hint of molasses.
- 1/4 cup whole milk – Smooths out the sugar-butter mixture.
- 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree – The star ingredient; use 100% pumpkin.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Rounds out flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A classic pumpkin spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds warmth.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger – Provides subtle heat.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves – Deepens flavor.
- A pinch of fine sea salt – Balances sweetness.
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats – The chewy base of the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start the base mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and milk. Stir frequently over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. - Bring to a boil
Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. - Add pumpkin and spices
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sea salt until fully incorporated. - Add oats
Fold in the oats until they are completely coated in the pumpkin-spice mixture. - Shape the cookies
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper. Leave a little space between each cookie as they will spread slightly. - Let them set
Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until firm. - Store
Once fully set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving ideas:
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea on a chilly fall day.
- Serve alongside a cheese board for a sweet contrast.
- Wrap individually in parchment for lunchbox treats.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for a firmer texture, up to 7 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree: Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
- Texture tip: For chewier cookies, slightly undercook the sugar mixture before adding oats.
- Mix-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or dried cranberries for added flavor.
- Oat choice: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best chewy texture; quick oats may result in softer cookies.
- Control sweetness: Reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. - Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?
No, but refrigerating can help them set faster and last longer. - Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk as substitutes. - What’s the difference between these and traditional no bake cookies?
Traditional recipes often include cocoa, while this one highlights pumpkin and warm spices. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger saucepan to avoid overflow when boiling.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies are the perfect treat when you want something seasonal, sweet, and simple. They capture the essence of autumn with cozy spices and pumpkin flavor, while their no-bake method makes them incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re short on time, avoiding turning on the oven, or just looking for a fun recipe to make with kids, these cookies are a must-try.
Chewy, spiced, and just sweet enough, these cookies fit right into any fall celebration, from Halloween gatherings to Thanksgiving dessert tables. They’re also a fantastic way to introduce pumpkin spice into everyday snacking. Make a batch, share them with friends and family, and enjoy the seasonal joy in every bite.
