Cozy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies for Two: A Small-Batch Recipe
These pumpkin oatmeal cookies are the perfect treat for a crisp fall day. This small-batch recipe is designed for two people, so you won’t be stuck with dozens of cookies tempting you. They’re soft, chewy, and full of warm pumpkin spice flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Small Batch:** Just the right amount for two people to enjoy without leftovers piling up.
* **Easy to Make:** Simple instructions and readily available ingredients make this recipe a breeze.
* **Delicious Flavor:** A perfect balance of pumpkin, spice, and oatmeal creates a comforting and satisfying cookie.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries.
* **Perfect for Fall:** The quintessential autumn flavor in a delightful cookie form.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 56 grams), softened. Softened butter is crucial for proper creaming, which helps create a tender cookie.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup (50 grams), packed. Brown sugar adds moisture and a chewy texture to the cookies. The molasses in brown sugar also contributes to the warm, caramel-like flavor.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 2 tablespoons (25 grams). Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly.
* **Egg Yolk:** 1 large. The egg yolk adds richness, moisture, and helps bind the ingredients together. Separating the yolk from the white ensures a chewier cookie.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon. Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors in the cookies, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.
* **Pumpkin Puree:** 1/4 cup (60 grams). Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup (60 grams). All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookies. Measure accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dry cookies.
* **Baking Soda:** 1/4 teaspoon. Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the cookies, complementing the pumpkin flavor.
* **Ground Ginger:** 1/4 teaspoon. Ginger provides a subtle spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** 1/8 teaspoon (a pinch). Nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor that rounds out the spice blend.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. Salt enhances the sweetness of the cookies and balances the flavors.
* **Rolled Oats:** 1/2 cup (45 grams). Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick-cooking oats, for the best texture. Rolled oats add chewiness and a slightly nutty flavor.
* **Optional Mix-ins:** 1/4 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or raisins.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing Bowl:** For creaming the butter and sugar.
* **Electric Mixer:** (Handheld or stand mixer) To cream the butter and sugar. You can also use a whisk and some elbow grease.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Cookie Sheet:** To bake the cookies on.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** To prevent the cookies from sticking to the cookie sheet.
* **Cookie Scoop or Spoon:** To portion the dough evenly.
* **Wire Rack:** To cool the cookies on.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Preheat and Prep
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
### 2. Cream Butter and Sugar
* In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Proper creaming incorporates air into the butter and sugar mixture, resulting in a tender cookie.
### 3. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
* Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg yolk is fully incorporated to ensure a smooth batter.
### 4. Mix in Pumpkin Puree
* Add the pumpkin puree and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can lead to tough cookies.
### 5. Combine Dry Ingredients
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
### 6. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour disappears.
### 7. Stir in Oats and Mix-ins
* Stir in the rolled oats and any optional mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries. Fold the oats and mix-ins in gently to avoid overmixing.
### 8. Drop Dough onto Cookie Sheet
* Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies, or simply use a spoon.
### 9. Bake the Cookies
* Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies.
### 10. Cool and Enjoy
* Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart.
* Enjoy your warm, delicious pumpkin oatmeal cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
## Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
* **Use Softened Butter:** Softened butter is crucial for proper creaming, which creates a tender cookie. If you forget to take the butter out of the refrigerator ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it in 5-second intervals, being careful not to melt it.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Overmeasuring flour is a common mistake that can result in dry, tough cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much and result in a chewier texture. If you choose to chill the dough, you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
* **Use Parchment Paper or a Silicone Baking Mat:** This prevents the cookies from sticking to the cookie sheet and makes cleanup easier.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
* **Let the Cookies Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking apart.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, for added texture and flavor.
* **Dried Cranberries:** Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a tart and chewy addition.
* **Raisins:** Add 1/4 cup of raisins for a classic oatmeal cookie flavor.
* **Spices:** Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. You can also add other spices, such as ground cloves or allspice.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.
* **Vegan:** Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of applesauce, and ensure any mix-ins are vegan-friendly.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute the granulated sugar with maple syrup. Reduce the amount of liquid (pumpkin puree) by 1 tablespoon.
## Serving Suggestions
* Serve warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
* Enjoy as a dessert after a cozy fall meal.
* Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
* Share them with a loved one on a special occasion.
* Enjoy as a snack any time of day.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* (Per cookie, without mix-ins) Calories: Approximately 150-180
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Protein: 2-3g
* Fat: 7-9g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* **Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?**
* No, you should use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
* **Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats?**
* It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick-cooking oats may result in a softer, less chewy cookie.
* **Can I make this recipe with a stand mixer?**
* Yes, you can use a stand mixer or a handheld electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar.
* **Can I double or triple this recipe?**
* Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch. Simply multiply all the ingredients by the desired amount.
* **Why are my cookies flat?**
* Flat cookies can be caused by several factors, including using melted butter, overmixing the dough, or using too much sugar. Make sure to use softened butter, avoid overmixing, and measure the ingredients accurately.
* **Why are my cookies dry?**
* Dry cookies can be caused by overmeasuring flour or overbaking. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour and bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
* **Can I add other spices?**
* Yes, feel free to add other spices such as ground cloves, allspice, or cardamom to your liking.
## Conclusion
These pumpkin oatmeal cookies for two are the perfect treat for a cozy fall evening. They’re easy to make, delicious, and just the right amount for two people. Enjoy!
Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious pumpkin oatmeal cookies! They’re a delightful way to embrace the flavors of autumn. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different mix-ins and spices to create your own signature version. Happy baking!