There has been a lot of pumpkin around these parts lately. Last week, I ate a pumpkin-laden something or other every single day. This week, I’ll be cooling my pumpkin jets, but just because I am taking a pumpkin break doesn’t mean you should…

These oatmeal cookies are magical because the only “glue” holding them together is 1 egg and 1/2 cup pumpkin puree. No butter, no oil. Just pure pumpkin goodness. Reminiscent of a trail mix cookie, every bite is full of something oaty, fruity, doughy, and chocolatey. Who else is with me in that they love the softness of a chocolate chip once it has been baked into something?! So tempting to pick out all of the chips from the cookies!

You know when you make something with pumpkin puree and always have leftover puree to finish off? These cookies are perfect for using up that last 1/2 cup of puree. You could also swirl some puree into hot cereal…

Don’t like pumpkin? Try using mashed bananas instead!

Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

from Sally’s Baking Addiction

makes about 12-15 cookies

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 
  
• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup sugar (I used 1/4 cup granulated and 1/4 cup dark brown)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (I used chopped, dried figs and dried blueberries)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl whisk together pumpkin, egg, and vanilla until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, chocolate chips, and dried fruit. Fold together the wet and dry ingredients until just combined (I like to use my hands at the end!). The dough will be very thick.
3. Drop by spoonfuls onto cookie sheets and slightly flatten to the shape you want your cookie. Bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly browned. Allow to cool on the cookie sheet for at least 3 minutes and transfer to a wire rack. Cookies stay fresh at room temperature for 3 days in an airtight container.

Tags: chocolate chips, cookies, fall, healthy, holidays, oatmeal, oats, pumpkin