If you are craving a delightful autumn-inspired treat that is both nutritious and indulgent, this Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These bite-sized morsels capture the cozy warmth of pumpkin pie spice with a rich, chocolatey twist and a wonderfully soft texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect as a no-bake snack or a quick energy boost, they combine wholesome ingredients like pumpkin purée and almond flour with the sweetness of maple syrup and a handful of mini chocolate chips. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply want a guilt-free dessert, these Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites are a charming, easy-to-make favorite you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether adding creamy texture, subtle sweetness, or that signature pumpkin-spiced flavor that sets these bites apart.
- Pumpkin purée: This brings vibrant color, moisture, and that unmistakable fall flavor to the dough.
- Almond butter (or peanut butter): Adds a creamy, nutty richness that binds the dough perfectly.
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetness that complements the spices and pumpkin effortlessly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, sweet undertone.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The secret to that authentic pumpkin taste, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the cozy spice notes.
- Almond flour: Provides structure with a tender, gluten-free base for the cookie dough.
- Coconut flour: Adds a subtle sweetness and light texture while helping the dough hold shape.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of melty chocolate that make every bite extra special.
How to Make Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by whisking together pumpkin purée, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture. This blend forms the flavorful foundation and ensures every bite is perfectly spiced and sweetened.
Step 2: Combine the Flours
Add the almond flour and coconut flour to your wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. The almond and coconut flours create a tender, gluten-free texture that makes these bites wonderfully satisfying and slightly chewy.
Step 3: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed without breaking. These little chocolate gems add the perfect contrast in texture and a touch of indulgence to the wholesome dough.
Step 4: Chill If Needed
If the dough feels too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature or pop it briefly in the fridge to firm up. This makes rolling the dough into balls much easier and keeps your hands clean.
Step 5: Shape the Bites and Chill
Scoop the dough out and roll it gently into bite-sized balls using your hands. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray or plate, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step lets the bites firm up, making them easier to enjoy and transport.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips on top right before serving for an inviting look and extra chocolate warmth. A light dusting of cinnamon or a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a beautiful finish and a little flair if you want to impress guests.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or pumpkin latte for the ultimate cozy experience. They also complement a fresh fruit platter beautifully, especially fruits like sliced pears or apples that highlight fall flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, arrange the Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites in small decorative boxes or mason jars with a rustic ribbon tied around. You could even layer them between parchment paper in a festive tin, making them easy to share and enjoy on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay perfectly soft and flavorful for up to one week, making them a great option for quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
These bites freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites last up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake recipe meant to be eaten chilled or at room temperature, there is no need to reheat. Just let frozen bites thaw for about 10 minutes on the counter if you like them softer, or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter in this Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! While almond butter adds a lovely flavor, peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be great substitutes depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Are these bites safe to eat raw?
Yes, they are completely safe to eat raw as the recipe contains no eggs or raw flour, and uses nut flours that don’t require cooking. It’s one of the reasons this recipe is so quick and convenient!
Can I make these bites gluten-free and vegan?
Definitely! This Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites Recipe is naturally gluten-free when using almond and coconut flour, and vegan if you use dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based nut butter.
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
To make a nut-free version, try substituting the almond butter with sunflower seed butter and use oat flour instead of almond flour. Just note that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What is the best way to sweeten these bites?
Maple syrup is the best choice here for natural sweetness and its complementary flavor with pumpkin and spices. However, you can try honey if not strictly vegan, or agave nectar for a lighter sweetness.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites Recipe a try because it’s a genuinely delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall anytime. Easy to prepare, wholesome, and irresistible, these little bites bring cozy comfort without any fuss or baking. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become your go-to no-bake treat that’s perfect for sharing, snacking, or just a little moment of pumpkin joy!
Print
Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 12 bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
These Pumpkin Cookie Dough Bites are a delicious, healthy, and no-bake snack perfect for fall. Made with pumpkin purée, almond butter, and warm pumpkin pie spices, these bites are vegan, gluten-free, and safe to eat raw. They combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin with the indulgence of mini chocolate chips, making them an ideal treat for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
Add-ins
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in the almond flour and coconut flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Ensure all flour is fully incorporated.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough to distribute evenly.
- Adjust dough consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, let it rest for 5–10 minutes to absorb the moisture or refrigerate briefly to firm up.
- Form bites: Scoop the dough using a spoon and roll into bite-sized balls with your hands, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Chill: Place the bites on a parchment-lined plate or tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Store: Keep the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Notes
- These bites contain no eggs and are safe to eat raw.
- Almond flour can be substituted with oat flour if preferred.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan.
- Chilling time is essential to help the bites firm up before serving.
