Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Soft and chewy, these Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are perfect for fall baking. They shine with a delightful pumpkin spice flavor and are perfect for any occasion, from cozy gatherings to festive celebrations. The unique blend of spices and the warm, inviting aroma make these cookies a standout treat during the autumn months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up a batch of these cookies.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a mouthwatering taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for dessert tables, holiday parties, or just a cozy evening at home with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay soft and chewy, making each bite a comforting experience.
• Great for Sharing: With 24 servings, these cookies are ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready will make your experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients. Using different sizes helps keep your workspace organized.
• Silicone baking mats: Prevent cookies from sticking and promote even baking without needing extra grease.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking results.

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Ingredients

To create these delightful Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Spiced Sugar Coating

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

For the Cookie Dough

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (very softened)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

How to Make Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened butter, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until well combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, cream of tartar, baking soda, kosher salt, and baking powder.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the dough is firm (preferably overnight).

Step 4: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.

Step 5: Make Spiced Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice to create your spiced sugar mixture.

Step 6: Form Cookies

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie into balls. Roll each ball in the spiced sugar until fully coated. Arrange them on prepared baking sheets at least two inches apart.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven until puffed, set around the edges, and beginning to crack on top—approximately 11 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are delightful on their own, but they can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance your experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy your cookies with a cold glass of milk. The creaminess perfectly balances the spiced sweetness of the cookies.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The heat of the cookie will melt the ice cream slightly for a tasty combination.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Pair these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The spices in the cookies complement warm beverages beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a dessert platter for gatherings. They add a festive touch and invite guests to indulge in a fall treat.

Dipped in White Chocolate

• For a decadent twist, dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate. Allow them to cool before serving for a sweet surprise.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

To achieve the best Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, follow these helpful tips for perfect results every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your baking powder and spices are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough overnight allows flavors to meld and helps create chewy cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they start to crack on top; they will continue cooking as they cool.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to increase or decrease pumpkin pie spice according to your taste preference for more or less warmth.
• Store properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies can be enjoyed alongside other delicious treats. Here are some great side dish options that pair well together.

1. Apple Cider
   A warm cup of apple cider enhances the fall flavors and adds a cozy touch to your dessert table.

2. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites offer creamy richness that contrasts nicely with the spiced cookie texture.

3. Caramel Sauce
   Serve with drizzled caramel sauce for dipping, which adds sweetness and depth to each bite.

4. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing fruit salad provides brightness and balance against the rich flavors of pumpkin cookies.

5. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   Enjoy alongside this classic fall beverage for a delightful complementary experience bursting with seasonal flavors.

6. Chocolate Covered Pretzels
   The sweet and salty combination gives an exciting crunch that pairs wonderfully with soft cookies.

7. Vanilla Pudding Cups
   Creamy vanilla pudding cups add an indulgent element, making each bite even more satisfying.

8. Trail Mix
   A spiced trail mix offers crunch and variety, providing an easy snack alongside your cookies without stealing the spotlight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, avoiding common pitfalls can ensure perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugars, leading to dense cookies. Always use very softened butter for a light texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can cause your cookies to spread too much. Chill the dough overnight for optimal puffiness.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking too long will result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should be set around the edges and soft in the center.
• Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An inaccurate oven can lead to over or undercooked cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your baking temperature is correct.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for about 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies:

What makes Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies different from regular snickerdoodles?

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies incorporate pumpkin puree and spices that give them a unique fall flavor while keeping their classic chewy texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly. Start by replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are done?

Look for cookies that are puffed up, set around the edges, and have cracks on top. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can give these cookies an extra delicious twist. Just fold them into the dough before chilling.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only soft and chewy but also bursting with fall flavors that everyone will love. They offer versatility; try adding nuts or chocolate chips for customization! Enjoy this delightful treat during cozy gatherings or as an everyday snack.