Maple Pumpkin No-Bake Cookies

Maple Pumpkin No-Bake Cookies! Think the classic no-bake cookie, created with the fall cozies in mind. They pair well with coffee, tea and a fuzzy blanket.

We have a nighttime ritual these days that makes my heart a crazy amount of happy. After my boys have read a few books, brushed teeth, showered off, snuggled up in pajamas, and prayed we spend a few minutes watching baking videos on Instagram. You know the ones – where you see an elaborate cake/cookie/cupcake or some other goodness that have been shot in time lapse mode, and set to a snazzy tune. My wild, rambunctious little guys love the artistry that goes into creating that perfect bite of dessert, and admittedly I love it too.

It was during one of these bedtime viewings that I ran across a recipe video for vegan no-bake cookies that were supposed to “melt in your mouth.” The gal who made it had these cookies looking so amazing, I just HAD to try them…and they failed. Like a massive fail. But I just couldn’t get the idea of a no-bake pumpkin cookie out of my head!

After many, many, MANY attempts at various pumpkin no-bake cookie recipes, I finally cracked the code and I am ecstatic to share the winner with you. Don’t be fooled, though – while these cookies do contain pure pumpkin puree and rolled oats, they aren’t health food. Unless you call it health food because they’re so good they make you smile – in which case, yes they are totally, 100% healthy!

A couple quick notes for you though. First, I use maple extract in this recipe; if you don’t have maple extract (or don’t want to go buy some) just sub vanilla extract instead. Still yummy. Also, I have made these using gluten free rolled oats, quick-cooking oats, and regular gluten-filled oats. All good – use what you have. I used coconut sugar, but you can use any kind of granulated sugar (not sugar substitute – I didn’t use any so I can’t speak to them) you want. Finally, I made giant cookies with these (using a 1/4-cup ice cream scoop), but you can make them as big or small as you want. I think the general idea is just to make them…and as soon as possible!

Enjoy!

MAPLE PUMPKIN NO-BAKE COOKIES
Makes 14 giant cookies
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup milk of choice (I used almond milk)
• 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
• 1/2 cup chunky almond butter (smooth works fine too)
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Combine the butter, coconut sugar, and milk in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the ingredients over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes together smoothly.
3. Remove from the heat and add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, maple extract, and almond butter.
4. Allow to sit so the almond butter can soften in the heat.
5. While the mixture is sitting, combine the rolled oats and dried cranberries in a large bowl.
6. Stir together the wet ingredients until smooth.
7. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir until completely combined.
8. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
9. Scoop the mixture into even drop cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Refrigerate to solidify.
11. Serve cold.
12. Enjoy!