Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are the perfect fall treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with the classic snickerdoodle cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with autumnal goodness. Ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a delightful afternoon snack, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results that will impress family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make – With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies in your oven in no time.
- Delightful Flavor – The combination of pumpkin puree and spices creates a unique taste that stands out.
- Versatile Treat – Perfect for any occasion from Thanksgiving to casual get-togethers.
- Easy to Customize – Add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist on the classic cookie.
- Perfectly Soft – These Snickerdoodles stay soft and chewy, making them ideal for dunking in milk or coffee.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles a breeze. Gather your equipment before you start for a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer – Helps cream butter and sugar thoroughly for a perfect dough consistency.
- Baking sheet – Essential for even baking; using parchment paper prevents sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient measurements, which is crucial for successful baking.
Ingredients
The best and easiest Pumpkin Snickerdoodles cookie recipe made with pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree.
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup salted butter (slightly softened)
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon all spice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly from the start.
Step 2: Cream Together Sugar and Butter
In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and slightly softened butter. Be cautious not to use fully softened butter as it may make the dough too sticky. Once combined, add in the egg and pumpkin puree. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until a dough forms; be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar. This will be used to coat your cookie dough balls.
Step 5: Roll Dough Balls
Scoop out about one inch of dough and roll it into balls. Coat each ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. If the dough is sticky, wet your hands while rolling or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake Cookies
Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly apart. Lightly press down on each ball to flatten slightly. Bake for 10-13 minutes. The cookies should appear matte on top when done. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Now you can enjoy your delicious Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles!
How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are perfect for various occasions, whether for a cozy gathering or a festive celebration. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With a Cup of Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea. The spices in the cookies complement the calming flavors of tea beautifully.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Pair Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles with your favorite ice cream. Simply sandwich a scoop between two cookies for a delicious treat.
Dipped in Chocolate
- Melt some chocolate and dip half of each cookie for an extra indulgent dessert. This adds a rich flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies on a platter alongside other fall-themed treats, like caramel apples or mini pies, to create an inviting dessert spread.
With Coffee or Latte
- Serve these cookies alongside your morning coffee or afternoon latte. The sweetness and spice will elevate your coffee experience.
As Party Favors
- Package Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles in cute bags as party favors for guests to enjoy at home. This thoughtful gesture will leave a lasting impression.
How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
To ensure your Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips.
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Use slightly softened butter – This helps achieve the right dough consistency and prevents stickiness during preparation.
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Chill the dough if needed – If the dough becomes too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This makes rolling easier and improves cookie texture.
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Measure flour accurately – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
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Do not overbake – Remove cookies from the oven when they appear matte on top. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Experiment with spices – Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add more cinnamon based on your taste preferences for unique flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced flavors. Here are some options to consider:
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Apple Crisp – A warm, buttery apple crisp adds a fruity contrast that is perfect for fall gatherings.
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Pumpkin Soup – The creamy texture of pumpkin soup provides a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
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Cheese Platter – Include sharp cheeses like aged cheddar alongside nuts and dried fruits to create a sophisticated pairing.
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Chai-Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices offer crunchy contrast and echo the flavors in the cookies.
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Caramel Sauce – Serve warm caramel sauce for drizzling over both cookies and other desserts for added sweetness.
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Mini Cheesecakes – Individual-sized cheesecakes make an elegant option that complements the soft texture of snickerdoodles.
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Hot Cider – A warm cup of spiced apple cider brings warmth while enhancing the cozy feel of enjoying these cookies.
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Chocolate Fondue – Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip cookie pieces into melted chocolate for extra fun!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, small mistakes can lead to different results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Using overly soft butter: If your butter is too soft, the dough can become excessively sticky. Use slightly softened butter to maintain the right consistency.
- Skipping the chilling step: Dough that is too sticky may need refrigeration. If your dough is hard to handle, refrigerate for 30 minutes before rolling.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Incorrect flour measurements can alter the texture. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measuring.
- Over-baking the cookies: Cookies should be taken out when they are matte on top. Over-baking will make them dry instead of soft and chewy.
- Neglecting the cinnamon sugar coating: This mixture adds essential flavor. Ensure each dough ball is well-coated for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles from scratch?
Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are made by creaming butter and sugar, adding pumpkin puree and egg, then mixing in dry ingredients.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but ensure it’s pureed well and has a similar moisture content to canned pumpkin puree.
What can I add to my Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles?
Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture!
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored correctly, Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles last up to a week in the fridge and three months in the freezer.
Are Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles gluten-free?
You can make gluten-free versions by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
Final Thoughts
Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are not just delicious; they bring warmth and joy during fall gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite spices or toppings! Try making them today and enjoy their comforting taste!
Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are a delightful fall treat that combines the beloved flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the traditional snickerdoodle cookie. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with autumn goodness—perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday festivities, or simply as an afternoon indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter (slightly softened)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and slightly softened butter. Add the egg and pumpkin puree, mixing until smooth.
- Combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for coating. Roll about an inch of dough into balls and coat each in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flattening them slightly. Bake for 10-13 minutes until they are matte on top.
- Allow cooling on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
