These healthy Pumpkin Cookies are so impressively soft and light—and have a surprisingly small amount of added sweetener for how good they taste. Plus, the batter simply stirs together, so this is a recipe that even your little kids can help you cook!
Baking with kids can often seem like a monumental task—they can be so unpredictable in the kitchen!—but this recipe has such an easy method that it’s perfect to bake together. And, if you love pumpkin recipes or are looking for easy cookies for kids to make and share this fall, you’ll love this one.
I love to share these Healthy Pumpkin Cookies with chocolate chips as an afternoon snack or to tuck one into toddler lunches as a fun surprise.
The first time my oldest kiddo and I made these, I couldn’t believe how light and airy they were. They really have a wonderfully fluffy texture that’s super moist and fun to eat.
They sort of taste like a cross between healthy pumpkin bars and a cookie, and are really lovely to eat right out of the oven…or after a few days in a container in the fridge. They’re our favorite soft pumpkin cookies.
(You may also like Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, Easy Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins, and Easy Pumpkin Muffins.)
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
I love that the ingredient list in these healthy pumpkin cookies is so straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need so you know what to have on hand.
- Pumpkin puree: You can make it at home or buy it. If buying canned pumpkin, look for unsweetened pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. (The cans look similar, so double check!)
- Unsweetened applesauce: This adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
- Egg: Adding one large egg to the batter helps the batter hold together nicely and have a fluffy final texture.
- Maple syrup: I add a little maple syrup to round out the flavors, though you can substitute honey here if you prefer (for kids over age 1).
- All-purpose flour: Using all-purpose flour in this recipe ensures that the cookies bake up tender and light.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These help ensure that the final texture is airy and light.
- Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract: The combination of these ingredients adds cozy flavor to the pumpkin cookies.
- Mini chocolate chips: I like to use mini chocolate chips in this recipe since they are really the main source of sweetness—and the mini ones are easier to evenly distribute throughout the cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 style of gluten free all purpose baking mix.
- You can use honey instead of the maple syrup.
- If you have regular size chocolate chips, simply chop them up a bit before adding to the batter.
- You can use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose if you prefer. Check for doneness on the shorter end of the baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a quick look at the easy process involved in making these Healthy Pumpkin Cookies. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full information, including the amounts and timing.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.
- Stir together gently.
- Dollop out cookies onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. You can use a measuring spoon or a small ice cream scoop to make them all the same.
- Bake!
TIP: I use a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon or mini ice cream scoop to easily portion out the cookie dough.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can totally make them ahead. Just let them cool on the baking sheet, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5. You can serve them chilled, at room temperature, or even slightly warmed.
If you’d rather not use chocolate chips, you can use raisins or dried cranberries instead. You may want to add a little additional maple syrup to ensure that the cookies taste sweet enough without the chocolate, but that’s up to you!
As long as it’s smooth, any kind will work. I usually use a plain one (rather than cinnamon) so the pumpkin comes through.
How to Store
To store these healthy pumpkin cookies, let them cool on the baking sheet, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5.
You can also freeze the cookies after they are completely cooled. Just place into a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, seal, and freeze for up to 6 months.
Best Tips for Success
- Stir the batter together gently, but thoroughly.
- Use raisins or dried cranberries instead of the chocolate chips if desired. Know that these may not taste as sweet.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper so the cookies easily come off the pan.
- Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or ginger for more fall flavor.
- Check out my easy sugar cookie recipe, too.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear what your family thinks of this recipe if you try it, so please comment below to share!
Healthy Pumpkin Cookies (with Chocolate Chips)
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and stir together gently.
- Dollop out 1-tablespoon sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are lightly golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly and serve.
Equipment
Video
Notes
- To store, let them cool on the baking sheet, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5.
- Stir the batter together gently, but thoroughly.
- Use raisins or dried cranberries instead of the chocolate chips if desired.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper so they easily come off the pan.
- Gluten-free: Use cup for cup gluten-free flour.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- You can use whole wheat pastry flour in place of the all-purpose. The cookies will likely be done on the shorter end of the baking time.
Nutrition
This post was first published November 2019.
Was disappointed by this recipe. While putting it together, I was wondering why oil wasn’t incorporated somewhere. They came out dense and I was not a fan of them unfortunately. The ingredients are similar to other healthy versions of this cookie I have tried, but without oil and the extra baking powder here, I think the recipe was a bit off. Sad I made a double portion of it, but they will still get eaten haha.
Hello Amy
I would like to make these but I am not sure what Pumpkin Pie Sauce is? Is there a substitute?
Hi- If you’re in the US, look for it in the spice aisle.
So fluffy and delicious! I have made 3 batches already and my family requested the recipe when I brought them to Thanksgiving. I used gluten free flour due to celiac disease.
Thank you for all your quick and tasty recipes–I SO appreciate a trusted source to turn to and recipes that work, bravo! I saw your recent pumpkin cookie recipe, but did not want to bust out the kitchenaid, so searched and found this option instead. I did make a few tweaks to sneak in some grains and fats for my little, but the base recipe is great! So delicious and SO easy whip up. I added a couple tablespoons of avocado oil, and used 25% whole wheat flour and 25% oat flour (hahaha, really trying to hit all the notes here!). Topped with chocolate chips for mama, pepitas for little dude (how does MY son not like chocolate?!). YUM. Baked up perfectly even with the adjustments. Thank you!
Glad to hear all of that and thanks for sharing how you made them work for you!
These were great! Easy to make and came out perfect. They’re mildly sweet and have a soft muffin top texture and naturally dairy free! Thanks, Amy! You’re our favorite!
Made these today. They are amazing. I replaced 1/3 cup of the flour with 1/3 cup of old fashioned oats. Everything else is the same as the original recipe. I loved that these are light and fluffy. The spice level is perfect. My husband and I can’t stop eating them.
I’m glad to hear that!
These tasted decent and were easy to throw together, but the texture was a little weird. It was a little too spongy for me. My son never even tried them, but that doesn’t say much because he won’t try most things. My husband, however, thought these were super yummy and ate them all up. lol
Can you put these in the freezer to save for later?
I haven’t ever frozen them but I think that should work fine!
I freeze these – I wrap each cookie individually in parchment paper and put them in a bag.
Could I sub oat flour for the flour in the recipe ?
I haven’t tested them that way and they may not hold together the same exact way.
Mine stick to the parchment – what am I doing wrong?
They stuck after they were done baking?
The exact same thing happened to me. I stuck to the recipe and the cookies were stuck to the parchment paper after they were done baking.
I haven’t had that happen but feel free to lightly spray the paper with nonstick spray. Enjoy!
This was a wonderful cookie recipe! However, my batter was too sticky qnd I added more flour. It then tasted like it had TOO much flour. I used gluten free flour and reg. Flour . To compensate I added more maple syrup about another tablespoon! Still healthy and great cookie! Thank you!
Hi, what can I use to substitute the applesauce?
Many thanks!
You could use another egg but they will be less sweet so you may want to add a little sugar to compensate.
Hi Amy! Can I steam and blend fresh pumpkin into a puree or would that not obtain the same result? Thanks for your brilliant recipes!
Yes, that should work just fine. Just be sure it’s not too liquidy. I use this recipe and it works well.
Hi Amy! Is there a way to make these vegan? Our little one is allergic to eggs. Will an egg substitute (like flax seed egg) work in lieu of a real one?
Hi! I haven’t tried these without eggs but I think it should work if you omit the egg, add 2 tablespoons milk, and increase the baking soda to 1 teaspoon. Let me know if you try it!
My son adores these cookies, I substitute with sultanas. Great for an on the go lunchbox, without the worry of too much sugar.
I’m so glad!
Pillowy deliciousness of chocolate pumpkin heaven!
My 2.5 year old and I enjoyed making these together, they were so easy. I also appreciate that this recipe yields a reasonable amount in a batch. Living in always-hot Singapore, the chocolate stays just the right amount of melty. These will become a regular for our family for sure, thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad to hear that!
We made these, just like mentioned above not much of a cookie but light & airy & crunchy on the outside.
Chocolate chip gives all the sweetness, it perfect for the not so sweet cookie:
Instantly my daughter loved it, she picky eater too.
I will be making these more often.
I can’t wait to try your other recipes. THanks Amy.
Jelita