Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

Name: Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 extract; 1 cup pumpkin puree (blotted to remove moisture); 2 cups butterscotch chips (divided)

Posted on October 13, 2025

Desserts & Sweets

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These Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite! With their thick, chewy texture enhanced by pumpkin and warm spices, these cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet snack anytime. The addition of creamy butterscotch chips makes them irresistible. Once you try these Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies, they will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Fall Flavors: Infused with pumpkin and spices, these cookies embody the taste of autumn.
Easy to Make: The simple steps make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile Treat: Great for parties, bake sales, or just an afternoon pick-me-up.
Chewy Texture: The combination of oats and butterscotch chips creates an enjoyable chewiness that you’ll love.
Perfect for Sharing: With 30 cookies per batch, there’s plenty to go around!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth experience while making your Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone mats
Cookie scoop

Why These Tools Matter

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
Baking sheets: They provide a sturdy surface for your cookies to bake evenly.
Parchment paper or silicone mats: These prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies are simple to make, and boast some of the best flavors of fall! Thick, soft, chewy oatmeal cookies, bolstered with pumpkin and spices, and loaded with creamy butterscotch chips! Try them once, and Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies will become a new fall classic!

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)

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together:
1. Old-fashioned oats
2. All-purpose flour
3. Baking soda
4. Cinnamon
5. Pumpkin pie spice

Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together:
1. Melted butter (cooled)
2. Sugar
3. Brown sugar
4. Egg yolk (room temperature)
5. Vanilla extract
6. Pumpkin puree

Whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture:
1. Stir until just combined.
2. Be careful not to overmix; this can result in tough cookies.

Step 5: Add Butterscotch Chips

Fold in 1 1/2 cups of butterscotch chips gently into the cookie dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping tablespoonfuls (golf ball-sized) onto your prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Flatten Slightly

Press each cookie down slightly; they won’t spread much during baking.

Step 8: Add More Butterscotch Chips

Top each cookie with 3–4 additional butterscotch chips for extra sweetness.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 13–15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and centers appear almost set.

Step 10: Cool

Remove from heat and let cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

These delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies are perfect for sharing during fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Enjoy them in various ways to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Warm Beverage

Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect morning treat.
Spiced Tea: A warm spiced chai or herbal tea complements the pumpkin flavors beautifully.
Hot Chocolate: For a sweet indulgence, serve with rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

As Dessert After Dinner

Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible dessert.
Crumble Topping: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for added texture and flavor.

At Parties and Gatherings

Cookie Platters: Arrange these cookies on a platter with other fall-themed treats for a festive display.
Gift Bags: Package them in decorative bags as homemade gifts for friends and family.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

Creating the ultimate Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Use Fresh Spices: Always opt for fresh cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to enhance the flavor.
Blot Pumpkin Puree: Remove excess moisture from the pumpkin puree to prevent soggy cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Chill the Dough (if needed): If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before baking.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should look slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue cooking on the sheet.
Experiment with Mix-ins: Try adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor variety.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

While these cookies are delicious on their own, serving them alongside complementary dishes can enhance your overall experience. Here are some side dish ideas that pair wonderfully with Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies.

Creamy Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop of creamy yogurt adds a tangy balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Lighten up dessert by serving with a refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears.
Cheese Platter: Hard cheeses like aged cheddar contrast nicely with sweet flavors, creating an exciting taste combination.
Nut Butter Dip: Serve almond or peanut butter as a dip for those who love added protein and richness.
Pumpkin Spice Granola: A crunchy granola can add texture if served alongside these soft cookies, making for a delightful mix.
Chai-Spiced Nuts: Offer spiced nuts as a savory counterpoint, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies, it’s easy to make simple errors that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the wet and dry ingredients too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can result in uneven baking. Make sure your butter is melted and cooled, and that your egg yolk is at room temperature.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Incorrect measurements can throw off the balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Skipping Parchment Paper: Baking directly on the sheet can cause sticking and uneven cooking. Always use parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy removal.
Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to undercooked cookies. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before baking.
Baking Too Long: Overbaking can make cookies hard. Look for golden edges and soft centers to determine doneness.

Refrigerator Storage

Store Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies?

Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies are delicious oatmeal cookies infused with pumpkin puree and spices, featuring creamy butterscotch chips for added sweetness.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats, but be aware that they may yield a different texture. Old-fashioned oats provide more chewiness.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, swap butterscotch chips for chocolate chips, or even include dried fruits such as cranberries.

How long does it take to bake Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies?

They typically take about 13-15 minutes to bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the edges are golden and centers are set.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies are a delightful treat that embodies the flavors of fall. With their thick, chewy texture and rich butterscotch flavor, they make a perfect snack or dessert. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or adjust spices according to your taste preferences!