The Best Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe Ever

Magical fall afternoons call for my irresistible chewy pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies that dance between comfort and pure excitement.

Warm spices and soft textures create an instant connection to cozy memories.

These delightful treats promise something special with every single bite.

Some recipes feel ordinary, but this one stands out like a culinary adventure waiting to happen.

Cinnamon and pumpkin blend together in a harmony that speaks directly to your soul.

Pulling these golden-edged cookies from the oven, filling your kitchen with an incredible aroma.

Baking these treats will make you the neighborhood hero everyone wants to know.

Step-by-Step for Baking Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Create Creamy Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

• Pumpkin puree
• Egg yolk
• Vanilla extract

Mix everything until the mixture looks silky and consistent.

Step 2: Craft Magical Dry Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cream of tartar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Pop the dough into the refrigerator and let it chill for half an hour.

Step 3: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Create a delightful coating by mixing cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.

Step 4: Shape Delectable Treats

Scoop out small rounds of chilled dough and roll into perfect balls. Roll each ball generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely coated.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when edges look set but centers remain soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. Get ready to experience a burst of autumn magic in every bite!

Why Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Are a Fall Favorite

• Maximize Autumn Comfort: These cookies capture the warm, cozy essence of fall with rich pumpkin and classic snickerdoodle spices that instantly transport you to crisp autumn afternoons.
• Texture Perfection: Designed to be delightfully chewy with soft centers and slightly crisp edges, these cookies offer a satisfying bite that perfectly balances tender and crisp textures.
• Quick and Simple Creation: Requiring just one bowl, basic ingredients, and minimal prep time, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal kitchen effort, making it ideal for busy bakers or spontaneous dessert cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combining the beloved snickerdoodle cinnamon-sugar coating with unexpected pumpkin richness, these cookies provide a unique twist on a classic treat that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Butter: Soft and creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps create a tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that provide sweetness and help with cookie caramelization.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, autumn flavor, and beautiful orange color to the cookies.
• Egg Yolk: Binds ingredients and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create the perfect cookie consistency.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help cookies rise and become light.
• Cream of Tartar: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, chewy texture.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: Warm spices that give classic fall flavor and aroma.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sweet coating that adds extra crunch and flavor to the cookie exterior.

Tips for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and enhance the chewy, soft cookie consistency.
• Measure Pumpkin Precisely: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the right moisture balance and prevent overly wet dough.
• Roll Evenly for Consistent Baking: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform-sized dough balls, ensuring even baking and consistent cookie shape.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the ground spices to your taste, adding more or less cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a personalized flavor profile.
• Store for Maximum Freshness: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage and enjoy a delicious treat anytime.

Keep Snickerdoodles Fresh and Soft

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Thaw: Remove frozen cookies and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Restored cookies will maintain their soft, chewy texture.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 8-10 seconds or in a 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and softness.

Treats to Serve with Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Brew a fragrant chai tea that echoes the warm spices in the cookies. The cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger in the chai will beautifully complement the pumpkin snickerdoodle's rich autumn flavors.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The smooth, sweet vanilla notes of a latte create a perfect harmony with the cookie's soft texture and warm spice profile. Its creamy warmth balances the cookie's slightly crisp edges.
• Serve with Caramel Apple Cider: A cozy mug of hot apple cider drizzled with caramel sauce will enhance the cookie's pumpkin and cinnamon undertones. The fruity, rich cider provides a delightful seasonal companion to these chewy treats.
• Complement with Maple Pecan Ice Cream: A scoop of maple-infused pecan ice cream offers a cool, luxurious contrast to the warm, spiced cookie. The nutty maple flavor deepens the cookie's autumnal essence.

Flavor Changes for Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Nutty Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Enhance the cookie's texture by adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough, creating a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before rolling the dough balls, adding a rich chocolate element to the classic recipe.
• Maple Glazed Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over cooled cookies, mixing powdered sugar with maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness and autumn flavor.
• Spiced Cream Cheese Filled Snickerdoodles: Create a small well in each cookie dough ball and fill with a dollop of spiced cream cheese mixture before baking, introducing a creamy surprise center.

Common Questions About Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Why use cream of tartar in these cookies?

Cream of tartar helps create the signature tangy flavor of snickerdoodles and provides a soft, chewy texture. It also helps prevent sugar crystallization, making the cookies smoother and more tender.

• Can I make these cookies without pumpkin?

No, pumpkin is a key ingredient that adds moisture and flavor to these snickerdoodles. Removing it would significantly change the cookie’s texture and taste. If you want a classic snickerdoodle, use a traditional snickerdoodle recipe instead.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly golden edges and a soft center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake. When you remove them from the oven, they should look slightly underdone in the middle but set around the edges.

• Why is refrigerating the dough important?

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and allows the flavors to develop. It also makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Aim to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Nostalgic warmth meets autumn charm in these pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies, blending cinnamon-spiced comfort with seasonal delight. Sweet, chewy bites promise pure happiness that will transport you directly to cozy kitchen memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Wet):

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sugars:

• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed

Dry Ingredients (Flour and Spices):

• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Craft a velvety base by whipping softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until ethereally light and airy. Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
2. In a separate vessel, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just integrated. Envelope the dough and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
3. Ignite the oven to 350F (175C) and drape a baking sheet with parchment paper. Concoct a sparkling coating by amalgamating cinnamon and sugar in a shallow dish.
4. Excavate spherical portions of dough using a tablespoon, rolling each into perfect globes. Lavish each orb with a generous tumble through the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Arrange the sugar-kissed dough balls on the prepared sheet, allowing generous breathing room between each. Slide into the heated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for set edges and tender centers. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack, where they’ll achieve their ultimate chewy perfection.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and enhance the cookie’s chewy texture, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper complexity.
• Swap out regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful soft consistency.
• Use pumpkin pie spice blend instead of individual spices for a more streamlined and intensely warm autumn flavor profile that simplifies the ingredient list.
• Reduce sugar content by 25% and replace with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia for a lower-calorie version without compromising the cookie’s rich taste and tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg