• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Nutrition
  • Cooking Resources
  • Welcome to caitey jay
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
Caitey Jay
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cooking
  • Wellness
  • Start Here
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cooking
    • Wellness
    • Start Here
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Healthier Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Oct 7, 2021 · Modified: Apr 3, 2022 by Caitey Jay

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    • Email

    With only 10 minutes of prep time and 5 ingredients, you'll be set to make these delicious, healthier pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. They're gluten free, low in sugar and high in fibre. So, this is a cookie you can truly feel good about eating.

    Overhead shot of healthier pumpkin chocolate chip cookies on a baking tray with wrinkled parchment paper. Autumn dried flowers surround the scene.
    Jump to:
    • Why should you try this recipe?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Recipe Variations
    • Equipment
    • FAQs
    • Recipe Video
    • Similar Recipes
    • Healthier Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Why should you try this recipe?

    Here's why you'll love these low sugar pumpkin cookies:

    • They're easy to make. With only 10 minutes of prep time and 5 ingredients, you'll be able to make these healthy pumpkin cookies even if you don't consider yourself a baker.
    • They're gluten free. These cookies are made without flour. If you're celiac or gluten sensitive, these are a safe bet.
    • They'll help you reach your fibre intake goals. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our body can't digest. It helps regulate our digestive system and keeps our hunger and blood sugar levels in check. The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for fiber is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. But, the average person only consumes 10 to 15 grams each day. So, it's important to consume foods with high fiber content. The pumpkin puree and rolled oats in this recipe are both loaded with fibre (and other important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants too!)
    • They'll satisfy your sugar cravings. These don't taste like a traditional cookie because their consistency is more similar to a granola bar or energy ball. That said, they will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. We owe that to the natural sweetener and stevia-sweetened dark chocolate chips. If you haven't tried Lily's Chocolate Chips yet, today is your lucky day.

    Scroll down to see the printable recipe with nutritional information.

    Ingredients

    Overhead shot of ingredients needed to make healthier pumpkin oatmeal cookies. A striped dish towel outlines the scene.

    Here's what you'll need for these pumpkin oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips:

    • Oats: Rolled oats, old fashioned oats, quick oats. They'll all do the trick. Pick organic if you can as oats are heavily sprayed with pesticides.
    • Pumpkin puree: Be sure to buy a can of pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix. The first is 100% pumpkin, the second is a sugary mix used to make homemade pumpkin pie.
    • Maple syrup: I replace refined sugars with natural sugars in all my recipes. While they are still sugar, they are a better option because they have a lower glycemic index. That means your blood sugar rises more slowly after consuming them and you'll avoid that dreaded post-sugar crash. Be sure to choose 100% pure maple syrup or replace with another natural sweetener like honey or coconut sugar.
    • Cinnamon and nutmeg: Cinnamon brings the sweet and spicy, nutmeg brings the pungency. If you're looking to turn up the flavour, consider adding cardamom, ginger or cloves, which all pair well with these spices. 
    • Lily's Dark Chocolate Chips: These keto chocolate chips are sweetened with stevia, meaning they are refined-sugar free. I use these to keep the sugar content in these cookies low. However, these can be replaced with any other chocolate chips.

    Scroll down to find the printable recipe with ingredient measurements.

    Instructions

    Let’s break it down step by step to take any guesswork out of these healthier pumpkin chocolate chips cookies.

    Overhead shot of ingredients needed to make low sugar pumpkin cookies. They are in a mixing bowl that's on top of a wooden board. A wooden spoon is in the bowl.
    Overhead shot of ingredients needed to make low sugar pumpkin cookies. They are combined together in a mixing bowl that's on top of a wooden board.
    • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Be sure to keep a handful of chocolate chips aside. We will use these to top the cookies just before baking.
    Healthier pumpkin cookie dough balls on a baking tray with parchment paper. One cookie dough ball is still in a silver cookie scoop. A striped dish towel outlines the scene.
    • Use a cookie scoop to create 26 cookie dough balls on the baking sheet.
    Healthier pumpkin cookie dough balls on a baking tray with parchment paper. They have been flattened with a fork. Autumn dried flowers outline the scene.
    • Use a fork to flatten the cookie dough balls. These cookies will not spread while baking, so be sure to form them in the shape you're looking for before they go in the oven.
    • Bake for 15 minutes.
    • Remove from oven and place on cooling rack for 15 minutes.
    A pile of healthier pumpkin chocolate chips cookies on a stoneware plate. A glass of milk is in the background.
    • Take a bit and enjoy.
    • Let cool completely before storing. Storing instructions are below.

    Recipe Notes

    • Remember, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie mix are different. You will find both canned pumpkin puree ad pumpkin pie mix near the baking aisle. The mix is actually a pre-made pumpkin pie filling that's loaded with sugar. The puree is generally labeled "organic pumpkin" or "100% pure pumpkin."

    How To Store

    • Counter: store in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days
    • Fridge: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 days
    • Freezer: store in an airtight container in the freezer for 3 months

    For the full ingredient list and step-by-step directions, scroll down to view the recipe card.

    Recipe Variations

    • Swap the add-ins. These cookies can be easily customized with your favourite add-ins. Mix and match up to ½ cup of chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, chocolate chips and raisins.
    • Mix up the spices. While I love cinnamon and nutmeg, you can also play around with other warming spices like pumpkin pie spice, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg.
    • Make them sugar-free. If you're avoiding sugar altogether, use monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup and be sure to use sugar-free chocolate, like Lily’s Dark Chocolate Chips.
    • Sub the pumpkin. While these healthier pumpkin cookies are the perfect treat for fall - or even Halloween - they're also possible to make without pumpkin. You can swap 1:1 for almost any roasted and pureed squash or sweet potato.

    Equipment

    Here's what you need to make this recipe.

    • Cookie Scoop: This isn't a necessity, but works great to make evenly sized cookies.
    • Rimmed Baking Sheet: To avoid any spillover during baking, go with the rimmed sheet.
    • Parchment Paper: I've recently been buying pre-cut parchment paper, which is a real time saver!

    FAQs

    Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to make pumpkin cookies.

    What do these low sugar pumpkin cookies taste like?


    These cookies taste more similar to a healthy snack than a dessert. Think: baked oatmeal, chewy granola bar or energy ball. That said, they’re still extremely delicious and certainly hit the spot when a sugar craving hits. Bonus: they're a healthier option to satisfy that craving too.

    Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree?

    Yes, these terms are used interchangeably in recipes. Both are 100% steamed and pureed pumpkin.

    How do you freeze pumpkin oatmeal cookies?


    Place the cooled healthier pumpkin chocolate chips cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet. Make sure they aren't touching. Then, place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1 hour or until the cookies are frozen solid. Transfer the cookies to a freezer bag and store.

    Recipe Video

    Want to see how I make this recipe? Watch the video below!

    Similar Recipes

    Still hungry? If you enjoyed this recipe for pumpkin oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips, I invite you to check out my collection of other healthy dessert recipes or check out the ones below that I hand selected for you.

    • Hemp Cookies With Dark Chocolate Chips
    • Paleo Brownies In A Mug (Made Without Flour)
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    Healthier Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    ★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews
    • Author: Caitey Jay
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Cook Time: 15
    • Total Time: 25
    • Yield: 26 1x
    • Category: Dessert
    • Method: Bake
    • Cuisine: American
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    With only 10 minutes of prep time and 5 ingredients, you'll be able to bake these delicious, healthier pumpkin cookies. They're gluten free, low in sugar and high in fibre. So, this is a cookie you can truly feel good about eating.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2.5 cups large flake oats
    • 1 can of pumpkin puree
    • 4 tablespoons of maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
    • ½ cup of Lily's Dark Chocolate Chips (sugar free)

    Instructions

    1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Be sure to keep a handful of chocolate chips aside. We will use these to top the cookies just before baking. 
    3. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper (optional).
    4. Use a cookie scoop to create 26 cookie dough balls on the baking sheet.
    5. Use a fork to flatten the cookie dough balls. These cookies will not spread while baking, so be sure to form them in the shape you're looking for before they go in the oven.
    6. Bake for 15 minutes. 
    7. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack for 15 minutes. 
    8. Let cool completely before storing.
    9. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, in the refrigerator for 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

    Notes

    • Remember, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie mix are different. You will find both canned pumpkin puree ad pumpkin pie mix near the baking aisle. The mix is actually a pre-made pumpkin pie filling that's loaded with sugar. The puree is generally labeled "organic pumpkin" or "100% pure pumpkin."
    • These don't taste like a traditional cookie because their consistency is more similar to a granola bar or energy ball. But, they will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth thanks to the natural sweetener and stevia-sweetened dark chocolate chips. 

    Keywords: healthy desserts, baking recipes, easy recipes

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @caiteyjay on Instagram


    I want to hear from you!

    If you made these healthier pumpkin chocolate chips cookies or any other recipe on CaiteyJay, please take a minute to rate it and leave a comment below. It helps me see what you like. And, it helps everyone thinking of making this recipe.

    Take some pictures? Please tag me on Instagram or use the hashtag #caiteyjay. I'll be sure to share your creations to my stories.


    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Twitter
    • Email
    « Hemp Cookies With Dark Chocolate Chips
    Creamy Vegan Chipotle Ranch Dressing »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a comment! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Kate

      October 07, 2021 at 6:35 am

      Loved these. Good for a breakfast cookie.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Well Hello There

    I’m Cait, the holistic nutritionist, recipe developer and food photographer behind Caitey Jay. Welcome to my little piece of the Internet, a recipe collection for amateur cooks looking for approachable, real-ingredient recipes that are designed to nourish your body and mind. ♡ Get to know me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Banana Chocolate Protein Muffins
    • Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Thighs
    • Healthy Air Fryer Granola
    • Ayurveda Golden Milk
    • Immune Boosting Turmeric Shot
    • Pumpkin Protein Muffins

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2020 CaiteyJay

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.