Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat Recipe

There is something utterly magical about the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in one delightful cookie, and that is exactly what you get with these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat Recipe. Picture a soft, chewy bite bursting with pumpkin goodness, warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with that classic snickerdoodle cinnamon sugar crust that offers just the right touch of sweet crunch. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just craving a seasonal pick-me-up, these cookies deliver irresistible comfort with every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry essentials and fresh pumpkin puree to create those perfect chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the butter lending richness and tenderness, to the spices that bring that unmistakable autumn aroma and flavor.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy base and moist texture for chewy cookies.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that delicate crisp edge.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings moistness and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling): Imparts natural moisture, sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the softness of each cookie.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors and adds warmth.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure without weighing them down.
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar: Essential for snickerdoodles—adds a slight tang and helps with the classic chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the cream of tartar to give the cookies lift and lightness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that iconic spicy warmth intertwined throughout the cookie.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth with its sweet, nutty spice flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a subtle hint of zest and complexity.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a lightly crunchy, sugary coating.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling): Infuses the coating with irresistible spicy sweetness.

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This step is the heart of your cookie’s texture, building that luscious tenderness you’ll love in every bite.

Step 2: Mix in the Pumpkin, Eggs, and Vanilla

Next, add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar blend. Mix gently on a low speed until everything is well incorporated, making sure you scrape down the sides so no flavorful bits are left behind.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger. These spices and leaveners work in harmony to give your cookies their character and chew.

Step 4: Gradually Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing here; you want to keep that tender, chewy texture without developing too much gluten.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial—it helps the flavors meld and makes rolling the dough into balls so much easier.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the dough chills, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This simple blend is going to give your cookies their signature sweet and spicy crust.

Step 7: Preheat Oven and Line Baking Sheets

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into small balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. The size is perfect for soft centers and slightly crisp edges.

Step 9: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This coating will bake into a beautiful crackled, flavorful top.

Step 10: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading without crowding.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges look set, and the tops have those charming little cracks. They might seem a bit soft in the center, but they firm up nicely as they cool, giving you that ideal chewiness.

Step 12: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they hold their shape and texture beautifully.

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat Recipe

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation, sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate over the cooled cookies. For an extra autumnal touch, place a small cinnamon stick or a roasted pecan on top as a garnish.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy latte. For a festive spread, consider serving alongside spiced apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a comforting and indulgent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these pumpkin snickerdoodles with layers of pumpkin spice cream cheese frosting in between for an irresistible cookie sandwich. Or arrange them on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by autumn leaves and miniature pumpkins to charm your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy while preserving the fresh pumpkin flavor and spiced aroma.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Pop them into a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever fall cravings hit.

Reheating

Warm your frozen or stored cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives their softness and enhances the warm pumpkin spice scent that makes them so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling because pie filling contains added sugars and spices which could throw off the balance of flavors and moisture in your cookies.

How do I make sure my cookies stay chewy?

To keep these cookies chewy, avoid overmixing the dough and do not overbake. Also, chilling the dough before baking helps control spreading and maintains a soft texture.

Can I substitute the spices if I don’t have all of them?

Yes! Cinnamon is the most important spice here. You could omit or reduce the nutmeg and ginger if needed, but the cookies will still have a lovely pumpkin spice flavor.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-free diets.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies will bake faster and be crispier, while larger ones may need extra minutes and will have a chewier center.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the cozy, welcoming taste of Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat Recipe to celebrate the flavors of fall right in your own kitchen. These cookies bring together all the nostalgic autumn spices and the perfect chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—it’s a true seasonal treasure that warms the heart and delights the taste buds!

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