Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe
These Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle, incorporating pumpkin puree for extra moisture and a subtle autumn flavor. Featuring a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these soft and chewy cookies boast a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, finished with a cinnamon-sugar coating for a crisp exterior. Ideal for fall gatherings or comforting snack times, these cookies bring seasonal cheer with every bite.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (consider using a gluten-free blend for variation)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are well distributed for consistent flavor and texture.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, creating a tender crumb for the cookies.
- Add Pumpkin and Egg: Beat in the pumpkin puree, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until all wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth. The pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle earthiness to the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. This mixture will coat the cookie dough balls to give a classic snickerdoodle crust.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form dough balls and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until coated evenly. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The cinnamon-sugar topping will form a slight crisp crust as they bake.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or room temperature, storing leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and chewy; edges should be set but centers slightly soft.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best results.
- If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons and add 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or ginger.
- Cookies freeze well; store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Pumpkin cookies, Snickerdoodle, Fall desserts, Pumpkin spice cookies, Soft cookies, Cinnamon sugar cookies