The cozy aroma of fall comes alive in every bite of Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies. These treats are the ultimate quick fix when the pumpkin spice craving strikes, bringing together creamy pumpkin purée, warm spices, and a hearty oat base — all without touching your oven. Each cookie is chewy, sweet, and satisfyingly spiced, making them perfect for potlucks, festive gatherings, or a little afternoon pick-me-up. If pumpkin pie and classic no-bake cookies had a love child, this would be it!

Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how straightforward these cookies are — all the magic happens with just a handful of basic staples, each one playing a special role. From silky butter that gives richness to the essential pumpkin purée infusing authentic sweetness and color, every ingredient truly matters here.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Gives the cookies their classic melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps blend all the flavors together beautifully.
Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and helps dissolve the sugars for a smooth base.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Brings the right level of sweetness while helping the cookies set.
Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds warm, caramel notes that take the flavor to the next level.
Pumpkin Purée (1/3 cup): The star of the show, giving these cookies a splash of color and unmistakable fall flavor.
Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 teaspoon): The aromatic combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives that signature warmth.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance and enhance all the sweet, cozy flavors.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out every bite with a little extra sweetness and depth.
Quick Oats (3 cups): Provide chewy texture and soak up all the delicious flavors — quick oats set up perfectly for these cookies.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies

Step 1: Heat and Blend the Base

Start by grabbing your largest saucepan (trust me, you want extra room for mixing!). Combine the butter, milk, both sugars, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and salt together over medium heat. Stir, stir, stir! As the butter melts, everything blends into a thick, glossy mixture that smells like an autumn dream. Your only job is to keep things moving so nothing sticks or scorches.

Step 2: Boil for Magic

Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then keep it bubbling for just 1 to 2 minutes — this is what helps the cookies set without needing to bake. Stir constantly, then quickly remove the pot from the heat. Over-boiling can make your cookies a bit dry, so set a timer and trust the process.

Step 3: Infuse Vanilla and Oats

The minute you pull the pan off the heat, add the vanilla extract. It will bubble up and perfume the kitchen instantly! Now, pour in all your quick oats and stir until every bit is coated and the mixture starts to thicken. This is where the texture magic happens; those oats soak up all the pumpkin-y goodness.

Step 4: Scoop and Shape

Line a sheet pan with wax paper or parchment for easy cleanup. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the sheet, making each about 2 tablespoons big. Use the back of your spoon to gently flatten them — the classic no-bake cookie shape that feels so homey and inviting.

Step 5: Let Them Set

Patience, friend! Let the cookies sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to set up (if you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge to speed things along). Once set, they’ll be perfectly chewy but hold together when you pick them up.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies

Garnishes

Top Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies with a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice, a scattering of chopped pecans, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These small touches add a beautiful, festive finish along with layers of flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm apple cider, hot coffee, or a pumpkin latte for a cozy autumn experience. These treats also pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for dessert platters.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a cellophane bag and tie with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. For parties, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and dried cranberries for a gorgeous autumn centerpiece. Or, mix in dried cranberries or white chocolate chips before scooping for extra color and flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies keep like a dream! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, pop the container in the fridge to prevent stickiness.

Freezing

To freeze, layer cookies between sheets of parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They hold up wonderfully for up to three months — just pull out a few whenever you need a pumpkin spice fix!

Reheating

No reheating required! If you like a slightly softened cookie, let frozen cookies sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before eating. For a warm treat, a 5-second zap in the microwave works wonders, making them taste freshly made.

FAQs

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

Quick oats are best for this recipe because they absorb the pumpkin mixture evenly and help the cookies hold their shape. Old-fashioned oats will yield a chunkier, chewier cookie — still tasty, but a little different in texture!

Are Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies gluten-free?

As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these cookies are naturally free of gluten. Always double-check your oat packaging if you’re baking for someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

Substitute the butter with vegan butter (or coconut oil works in a pinch), and use plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk. Double-check your sugar and oats to ensure they’re processed vegan-friendly.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries all pair wonderfully. Fold about 1/4 cup of your favorite mix-in after stirring in the oats.

Why did my cookies turn out sticky or too soft?

Sticky cookies often mean the mixture didn’t boil quite long enough, or there was too much moisture. Be sure to bring the mixture to a full, gentle boil and measure your pumpkin and oats carefully for the perfect chew.

Final Thoughts

Once you make Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies, you’ll see how a few pantry staples can transform into a magical, spiced treat that feels both nostalgic and special. Give them a try and share the warmth — your friends and family will be asking for the recipe all season long!

Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (+ setting time)
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pumpkin Spice No Bake Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the fall season. Filled with warm pumpkin flavors and comforting spices, these cookies are quick and easy to make, requiring no baking!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup pumpkin purée
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick oats

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Instructions

In a large saucepan, combine butter, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Boil for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, then add oats and mix until well combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon. Let the cookies set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for quicker setting.

Notes

For a softer cookie, reduce the oats slightly.
You can add 1/4 cup chopped pecans, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for variation.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American