Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that blends cozy autumn flavors with the hearty chew of oats and the irresistible sweetness of butterscotch, look no further than these Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies. They perfectly capture the essence of fall in every bite, combining tender pumpkin puree with warming spices and pockets of melty butterscotch chips for a cookie experience that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Trust me, once you make these, Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies will quickly become your go-to treat for snacking, sharing, or pairing with a cup of your favorite hot drink.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies just right is all about simple, wholesome ingredients working together to create a perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the hearty oats and tender pumpkin to the sweet glow of butterscotch chips, each component plays an essential role.

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats: These provide that classic chewy texture that makes oatmeal cookies so comforting.
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour: The flour forms the base structure, ensuring your cookies hold together perfectly.
• 1 tsp. baking soda: This leavens the dough gently, giving the cookies a light rise without making them cakey.
• 2 tsp. cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, a key spice that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice: Brings a signature autumn flavor, combining nutmeg, cloves, and other cozy spices.
• 1 cup butter, melted and cooled: Butter adds rich flavor and tenderness, while melting it ensures even mixing.
• 1 cup sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness that balances the spices and pumpkin.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances the butterscotch chips.
• 1 egg yolk (at room temperature): Egg yolk enriches the dough and helps with that chewy texture everyone loves.
• 2 tsp. vanilla: A flavor booster that rounds out the spices and pumpkin with a sweet, fragrant note.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (blotted to remove excess moisture): This delivers tender moistness and that unmistakable pumpkin charm.
• 2 cups butterscotch chips (divided): The star of the show—the melty, buttery sweetness in every bite.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. This blend of dry ingredients is your cookie’s foundation, setting the tone with hearty texture and inviting spice. Whisking them together ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk melted and cooled butter with sugar, brown sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and pumpkin puree until everything is smooth and creamy. This step infuses moisture, richness, and that all-important pumpkin flavor into the base of your dough. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot or it can cook your egg yolk.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here because you want your Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies tender, not dense or tough. The dough should be thick and a little sticky.

Step 4: Fold in the Butterscotch Chips

Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of the butterscotch chips, distributing those sweet bursts of buttery goodness throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto parchment paper or a silicone mat–lined baking sheet. Each scoop will be about the size of a golf ball. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingertips since these cookies don’t spread much while baking.

Step 6: Add Butterscotch Toppings

Top each cookie with 3 to 4 of the remaining butterscotch chips, gently pressing them into the dough for a pretty finish and extra pockets of sweetness on top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 13 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden and the centers look almost set but still a bit soft. Don’t worry if they seem slightly underbaked—they firm up beautifully as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to finish setting, giving you that perfect chewy yet tender bite.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies

Garnishes

While these cookies are fantastic as they are, you can add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the butterscotch’s sweetness with a subtle contrast. For an extra festive touch, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar over warm cookies adds a little sparkle and aroma that immediately evokes cozy vibes.

Side Dishes

Serve your Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or a robust cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes a dreamy dessert pairing, complementing the cookie’s warm notes with cool creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies on a rustic wooden board accented with cinnamon sticks and mini pumpkins for a beautiful autumn display. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or pumpkin butter for an irresistible twist that feels a little fancy but is super easy to do.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Storing them this way ensures they retain their chewy texture and stay fresh without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch (and why wouldn’t you?), you can freeze the cookies after they’ve cooled completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making it easy to enjoy these treats anytime you crave that pumpkin-spiced goodness.

Reheating

To warm your cookies after storage, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or gently heat in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that just-baked softness and melts the butterscotch chips, giving you a freshly baked feel every time.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies. Just be sure to blot it with paper towels to remove excess moisture, or your cookies might spread too thin or become too soft.

Can I substitute the butterscotch chips with chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap butterscotch chips for chocolate chips if you prefer. The flavor profile will be different—rich cocoa instead of buttery sweetness—but still delicious. Just keep the quantity the same.

Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats give these cookies the perfect chewy texture, so it’s best to stick with them. Quick oats can make the cookies too soft or cakey, which will change the classic oatmeal scotchie feel.

Why do I only use the egg yolk and not the whole egg?

The egg yolk adds richness and helps achieve that tender, chewy texture you want in Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies. Using just the yolk instead of the whole egg keeps the dough from becoming too cakey or dry.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

To make these cookies vegan or dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free butterscotch chips (if available) or swap for vegan chocolate chips. You’ll also want to replace the egg yolk with a flaxseed or chia seed egg. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

Making these Pumpkin Oatmeal Scotchies is like baking a little slice of autumn happiness. The way the spices mingle with pumpkin puree and the sweet surprise of butterscotch chips just feels so comforting and nostalgic. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies bring a cheerful warmth that’s hard to beat. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover just how easy it is to make fall magic happen in your kitchen!

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