Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are the ultimate fall treat. Imagine a cookie that combines the warm spices of cinnamon and pumpkin pie with the classic flavor of a Snickerdoodle. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack, a Thanksgiving dessert, or just whenever you crave something sweet and comforting. This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a twist on a classic cookie and wants to bring a little bit of fall into their kitchen.

Let’s dive into the full recipe, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best Pumpkin Snickerdoodles ever!

Ingredients Needed

To create these delicious Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup pure pumpkin purée (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

this RECIPE

Equipment Required

Before starting, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment:

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Preparation Steps

Follow these easy steps to bake the perfect batch of Pumpkin Snickerdoodles:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, pumpkin purée, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Blend slowly to avoid overmixing, stopping as soon as a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This will create the sweet and spicy coating for your cookies.
7. Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
8. Flatten and Arrange: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers to ensure even baking.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown. The centers should remain soft for a chewy texture.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures they maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Tips for the Perfect Texture

• Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter creates a creamy texture that helps to form the perfect cookie dough.
• Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tougher cookies.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be slightly underbaked when removed from the oven to achieve that signature chewy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Melted Butter: Melted butter can make the dough too soft and lead to flat, crispy cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
• Skipping the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: The coating is what gives these cookies their classic Snickerdoodle flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Overbaking: Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies. Aim for golden edges and soft centers.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some creative variations to try:

• Add White Chocolate Chips: For an extra touch of sweetness, add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the dough.
• Incorporate Chopped Nuts: Add a crunchy texture with 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Use Brown Sugar for Coating: Swap out the granulated sugar for brown sugar in the coating to add a caramel-like flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve Warm: Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa for a comforting treat.
• Decorate with Pumpkin Seeds: For a seasonal touch, sprinkle a few roasted pumpkin seeds on top of the cookies before baking.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Pumpkin Snickerdoodles fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
No, pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, which will alter the taste and texture of the cookies. Always use pure pumpkin purée for the best results.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it includes xanthan gum to maintain the chewy texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall in a delicious, chewy cookie. Easy to make and packed with pumpkin spice, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Try the recipe today, and let the aroma of freshly baked cookies fill your kitchen!

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