🍪 Wellness Wednesday: A Healthier Thanksgiving Treat — Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

A great Thanksgiving dessert packed with fiber and much less sugar than traditional holiday desserts!

Hello wellness friends!
This week’s Wellness Wednesday recipe is a cozy, nutrient-rich treat perfect for the holiday season: Soft & Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies.

Not only are these cookies delicious and comforting — they’re also a great Thanksgiving dessert option that’s packed with fiber and significantly lower in sugar than many traditional pies and sweets. A smart way to enjoy the flavors of fall without the heavy sugar load!


🧂 Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla extract

⅓ cup pumpkin purée (blotted to remove excess moisture)

1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats


👩‍🍳 Method

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

Cream butter and sugars for 1–2 minutes. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Mix in the blotted pumpkin purée.

Add dry ingredients to the wet, then fold in the oats.

Chill dough for 30 minutes for a chewier texture.

Scoop dough (~1.5 Tbsp each), gently flatten, and bake 9–12 minutes.

Cool 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a rack.

🌿 Wellness Benefits

High in fiber thanks to oats and pumpkin — supporting digestion, satiety, and balanced blood sugar.

Lower in sugar than many traditional Thanksgiving desserts like pumpkin pie or pecan pie, making it a more balanced holiday treat.

Pumpkin provides antioxidants and vitamin A for skin, immunity, and cell repair.

Oats supply complex carbohydrates for steady energy — helpful during busy holiday weeks!

Mindful indulgence: You get all the warm fall flavors without the heavy sugar spike.


💡 Nutrition Tip from Dr. Michelle Mendoza

Pair one or two cookies with a protein source — like Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts — to create a balanced snack that keeps blood sugar stable. These also freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.

👩‍⚕️ As always, if you have specific dietary or metabolic concerns, consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Enjoy this lighter, fiber-rich Thanksgiving dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while supporting your wellness journey! 🍁✨

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