Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?
These are soft and chewy fall-themed cookies made with pumpkin puree, oats, raisins, and warm cinnamon spice.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be heartier and the cookies will be slightly chewier.
Should I use canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling?
You should use pure pumpkin puree, either canned or homemade, rather than pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.
How do I store these cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Are these cookies healthy?
They contain nutritious ingredients like oats and pumpkin, but they still contain sugar and butter, so they should be enjoyed as a treat.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
What can I use instead of raisins?
You can substitute raisins with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts like pecans.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn't required for this recipe, but chilling for 30 minutes can help deepen the flavors and prevent spreading.
Can I use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon?
Yes, replacing the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice will add extra notes of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
What is the purpose of the pumpkin puree in this recipe?
Pumpkin puree adds moisture, vitamins, and a soft, cake-like texture to the cookies.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
Is it necessary to sift the flour?
Sifting the all-purpose flour helps ensure there are no lumps and makes the cookies lighter.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set but still look slightly soft.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the additional salt in the recipe by half.
Why are my cookies so soft?
The moisture from the pumpkin puree naturally makes these cookies softer and more cake-like than traditional oatmeal cookies.
Can I substitute brown sugar with more white sugar?
You can, but the cookies will be less moist and lack the deep molasses flavor that brown sugar provides.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe typically yields approximately 24 to 30 cookies depending on the size of the scoops.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used as a substitute for regular flour.
Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree, just ensure it is well-drained so the dough isn't too wet.
What temperature should the butter be?
The butter should be softened to room temperature so it creams properly with the sugars.
Can I omit the salt?
Salt is important to balance the sweetness, so it is recommended to keep it in the recipe.
How long should I let the cookies cool?
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I add white chocolate chips?
Yes, white chocolate chips pair very well with the pumpkin and spice flavors in these cookies.
What if I don't have baking soda?
Baking soda is necessary for browning and lift; baking powder is not a direct 1:1 substitute in this specific recipe.
Can I use honey as a sweetener?
Honey can be used, but because it is a liquid, you would need to adjust the flour ratio to keep the dough consistency correct.
Are these cookies good for kids?
Yes, they are a great way to incorporate oats and pumpkin into a treat that kids usually enjoy.
Can I use margarine?
Margarine can be used, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly from cookies made with real butter.
What makes these cookies chewy?
The combination of brown sugar and oats provides the signature chewy texture.
Can I make these into cookie bars?
Yes, you can press the dough into a greased 9x13 inch pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.