Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Crisp autumn winds often inspire me to whip up delightful pumpkin snickerdoodles that dance with warm spices.

Memories of childhood baking sessions flood back whenever these cookies emerge from the oven.

Soft, pillowy textures promise pure comfort in every delectable bite.

Cinnamon swirls and pumpkin’s gentle sweetness create magic beyond typical cookie expectations.

Seasonal baking becomes an adventure when you mix traditional techniques with playful ingredients.

Fragrant spices and unexpected twists make these cookies irresistible to anyone seeking a cozy treat.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these snickerdoodles belong in your weekend baking lineup.

Storing Pumpkin Snickerdoodles for Maximum Freshness

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen cookies maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Keep cookies in a sealed container with a tight lid. Place a piece of bread inside to maintain softness. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste.
  • Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts to prevent hardening. Add a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Common Questions About Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Answered

  • What makes pumpkin snickerdoodles different from regular snickerdoodles?

The addition of pumpkin puree creates a softer, more moist cookie with a rich autumn flavor and a slight orange tint.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Canned pumpkin works best because it has consistent moisture and texture, whereas fresh pumpkin can be too watery and affect the cookie’s consistency.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and baking, which helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

  • Are these cookies good for people who like mild spice flavors?

Yes, the blend of cinnamon and nutmeg provides a gentle warmth without being overwhelming, making them perfect for those who enjoy subtle spice notes.

What Makes Pumpkin Snickerdoodles a Seasonal Favorite

  • Bake with Seasonal Flair: Transform classic snickerdoodles into a festive autumn treat that captures the warmth and comfort of pumpkin spice flavors.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare these delightful cookies in under half an hour, perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or sudden sweet cravings.
  • Family-Friendly Baking: Engage kids in rolling dough balls and coating them in cinnamon-sugar, making this recipe a fun and interactive cooking experience that creates delicious memories.
  • Cozy Comfort Dessert: Enjoy soft, pillowy cookies with a perfect blend of warm spices that instantly evoke feelings of home and holiday cheer.

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Core Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, rich ingredient that adds moisture and subtle sweet flavor to the cookies.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with caramelization during baking.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie dough.
Flour Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The main dry ingredient that gives structure to the cookies.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor and add depth to the cookie's taste.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Cinnamon, Sugar: A sweet and spicy mixture that creates a delightful crispy exterior for the cookies.

How to Bake Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Like a Pro

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready for your delicious cookies.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Goodness

Use an electric mixer to whip together softened butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy. Add in pumpkin puree and egg, mixing until everything is smoothly combined.

Step 3: Create Cookie Dough

Gently fold in the following ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Mix until a soft, tender dough forms that’s easy to handle.

Step 4: Shape Tasty Treats

Roll the cookie dough into small round balls. Prepare a separate bowl with a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll each dough ball in this sweet coating, ensuring they’re completely covered.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the coated cookie balls on a clean baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for edges turning light golden and cookies becoming slightly firm.

Step 6: Cool And Enjoy

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, spiced pumpkin snickerdoodles with a glass of milk or hot tea.

Helpful Tips for Flawless Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste or texture.
  • Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to enhance the warm, autumnal spice profile of the cookies.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create more defined cookie shapes.
  • For extra moisture, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned, ensuring it's well-drained to maintain the right consistency.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and prevent drying out.

Delicious Variations of Pumpkin Snickerdoodles to Try

  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, decadent flavor that complements the warm pumpkin spices.
  • Pecan Crunch Pumpkin Snickerdoodles: Fold chopped pecans into the dough and sprinkle extra on top for a nutty, crunchy texture that elevates the classic cookie.
  • Maple Glazed Pumpkin Cookies: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the cooled cookies, creating a sweet and autumnal finish that enhances the pumpkin's natural sweetness.
  • Cream Cheese Filled Snickerdoodles: Insert a small cream cheese center into each cookie before baking, adding a tangy and creamy surprise to the traditional recipe.

Best Pairings to Complement Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

  • Pair Creamy Chai Latte: The warm, spicy notes of chai perfectly complement the pumpkin and cinnamon in these snickerdoodles, creating a cozy autumn flavor explosion.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced cookies, balancing their rich texture and enhancing the overall dessert experience.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: The sweet, buttery caramel and espresso undertones of this drink highlight the cookie's deep autumn spices, making each bite more indulgent and complex.
  • Enjoy with Spiced Apple Cider: The crisp, fruity warmth of apple cider echoes the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors, offering a traditional fall beverage that perfectly accompanies these snickerdoodles.
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Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Warm spices dance through these delightful Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, blending autumn’s comfort with classic cookie charm. Cinnamon-sugar coating and rich pumpkin flavor create an irresistible treat you’ll crave all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Cookies:

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened (113 grams)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (120 milliliters)
  • 1 egg

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Coating:

  • Cinnamon-sugar mixture

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  3. Introduce pumpkin puree and egg into the butter-sugar mixture, whisking vigorously until all components are seamlessly integrated.
  4. Gradually fold in flour, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, carefully transforming the wet ingredients into a cohesive, malleable dough.
  5. Shape the dough into uniform, round balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
  6. Create a separate shallow dish with cinnamon-sugar mixture for coating the cookie spheres.
  7. Gently roll each dough ball through the cinnamon-sugar blend, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Arrange the coated cookie spheres on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each cookie.
  9. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges and slightly firm centers.
  10. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Notes

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the same soft texture and delightful flavor.
  • Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to enhance the warm, autumnal spice profile and create more depth in the cookie’s taste.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create a more compact, perfectly shaped snickerdoodle.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture and softness for several days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 143 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 37 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 17 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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