Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle, perfect for the Fall season. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are packed with warm spices and a hint of pumpkin flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a cozy evening at home, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for Fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these cookies without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Great for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just as an everyday snack.
• Perfectly Chewy: The unique brown butter technique ensures each cookie is soft, chewy, and flavorful.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to be a hit among family and friends!

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Large saucepan
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a well-mixed dough.
• Large saucepan: Ideal for browning butter evenly without splatters.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for baking cookies uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up quick and easy.

Ingredients

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are a delicious Fall spin on the classic snickerdoodle. Soft and chewy and perfectly spiced, these cookies will be on repeat all Fall long!

For the Sugar Coating

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons (270 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (80 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon molasses (not blackstrap)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it begins to crackle. As it foams up, continue stirring until golden brown bits form at the bottom. The aroma should be nutty. Remove from heat and pour into a bowl to chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

Place the pumpkin puree on a plate lined with two layers of paper towels. Blot with another paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Butter

Once the brown butter is cool, add it to your stand mixer along with granulated sugar and dark brown sugar. Mix on medium-low speed for about one minute until combined.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg yolk, molasses, and vanilla into the mixture. Mix until combined—about 30 seconds—and scrape down the bowl sides.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, spices, and salt.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Prepare Sugar Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix remaining granulated sugar with cinnamon.

Step 9: Scoop Dough

Once chilled, remove dough from refrigerator. Use a large cookie scoop to divide into approximately 2-ounce portions without rolling them into balls first. Coat each piece in cinnamon sugar.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place cookie dough on prepared baking sheets leaving space between each cookie as they spread while baking.

Step 11: Monitor Baking Time

Bake for about 9-10 minutes or until edges are set but tops appear cracked; avoid overbaking.

Step 12: Cool Cookies

Let cool on pans for about 5-10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Optionally sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar before serving.

Enjoy your chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles fresh out of the oven or store them in an airtight container!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are perfect for any occasion, making them a delightful treat to share with family and friends. Here are some fun ways to serve and enjoy these cookies.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy experience.
• Hot Chocolate: The rich taste of hot chocolate complements the spices in the cookies beautifully.
• Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of chai or herbal tea for a soothing treat.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Tray: Include your snickerdoodles on a festive cookie tray alongside other holiday favorites.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for an indulgent twist.
• Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping.

At Celebrations

• Birthday Parties: These cookies make great party favors when packaged in cute bags.
• Fall Gatherings: Share them at potlucks or autumn-themed gatherings for a seasonal touch.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

To ensure your chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices enhance flavor. Always check dates on spice jars before using.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
• Brown the Butter Carefully: Watch closely while browning butter; it should be golden brown and nutty, not burnt.
• Bake in Small Batches: Baking one tray at a time ensures even cooking and better texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

Chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles can be enjoyed alongside various delicious side dishes that complement their flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Apple Crisp – A warm dessert made with spiced apples, perfect for autumn flavors.
2. Pumpkin Pie – A classic Fall dessert that pairs nicely with the pumpkin notes in the snickerdoodles.
3. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or use as a dip for added sweetness.
4. Pecan Pie Bars – These sweet bars provide rich flavors that balance well with the cookies.
5. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses and fruits for an elegant contrast to the sweet cookies.
6. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits will lighten up your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to subpar results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients – Ensure your butter and egg yolk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and affect the texture of your cookies.
• Overmixing the dough – Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right texture. It helps firm up the dough, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Use the spoon and level method for measuring flour. Scooping directly from the bag can lead to too much flour, resulting in dry cookies.
• Ignoring baking time – Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them when the edges are set, even if they look slightly underbaked in the center; they will continue to cook as they cool.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles in an airtight container.
• They will last for about 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as this can make them tough.
• Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping once to ensure even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles, here are some frequently asked questions that might help!

What makes these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe so special?

These cookies combine pumpkin spice flavors with classic snickerdoodle elements, creating a perfectly chewy texture that’s ideal for fall.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best results.

How do I know when my Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are done?

Look for set edges and slight cracks on top of the cookies. They should appear soft in the center but not wet.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding chocolate chips or nuts to enhance flavor and texture.

How long do these cookies last?

Chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles stay fresh for about five days in an airtight container at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their soft texture and warm spices make them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to experiment with flavors or toppings—your creativity is welcome!