Irresistible Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: Your Ultimate Fall Baking Guide

As the leaves begin to turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s no treat more comforting and evocative of autumn than a freshly baked cookie. And what could be better than combining the beloved classic American snickerdoodle with the quintessential flavor of fall? Enter **Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies** – a delightful twist that brings warmth, spice, and pure joy to your kitchen. These aren’t just cookies; they’re little bites of autumnal bliss, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with a hot cup of tea.

Hello there! It’s Hilary from Embellishmints, absolutely thrilled to be back here at Chocolate Chocolate and More, sharing another one of my favorite seasonal recipes with you. If you missed my last guest post, you absolutely must check out my Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S’mores Bars – seriously, they’re a game-changer! But today, our focus is squarely on the magic of pumpkin and the timeless appeal of the snickerdoodle.

This time of year calls for all things pumpkin. From lattes to pies, the earthy sweetness and comforting spices of pumpkin are simply irresistible. This year, I challenged myself to infuse that beloved pumpkin essence into one of my family’s all-time favorite cookies: the humble yet magnificent snickerdoodle. The result? These incredibly soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies that disappear almost as quickly as they come out of the oven. You might even want to double the recipe right from the start – trust me, you’ll thank me later! You can easily freeze the extra dough for future cravings or simply plan to bake another batch tomorrow because these delectable treats are truly addictive.

The genius behind rolling a simple ball of cookie dough in a sweet, spiced sugar mixture deserves a standing ovation. It’s a technique that elevates a good cookie to a truly great one, creating that signature crackled exterior and delightful sugary crunch that defines a snickerdoodle. I honestly think every cookie could benefit from such a treatment – imagine a sugar-coated chocolate chip cookie, or a peanut butter cookie with a cinnamon-sugar crust! It’s such a simple step, yet it adds an incredible layer of texture and flavor, especially when that sugar mixture is infused with warm pumpkin pie spice, as it is with these fall-inspired beauties.

One of the absolute joys of baking, especially during the festive fall season, is sharing the experience. Making these Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies with my boys is always a highlight. I seize every opportunity to invite them into the kitchen, not just to help, but to create lasting memories and foster a love for cooking. This particular recipe is perfect for little hands. The most engaging step for them, and arguably the most fun, is rolling each perfectly formed cookie dough ball in the fragrant pumpkin pie spice and sugar mixture. It’s an incredibly tactile and forgiving task – there’s truly no wrong way to do it! This hands-on involvement makes them feel like true chefs and adds a special touch to every cookie. So, whether it’s your own cute little ones, your nieces or nephews, or even your best friend’s kids, I wholeheartedly encourage you to bring them into the kitchen. They’ll adore the process, and you’ll cherish the laughter and the sweet, spiced aroma filling your home.

Beyond the fun, baking together offers wonderful learning opportunities. Children can practice measuring ingredients, which helps with basic math skills, and understand the importance of following instructions. Plus, seeing the ingredients transform into a delicious treat gives them a fantastic sense of accomplishment. These Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are the ideal project, simple enough to keep their attention, yet rewarding enough to spark a lifelong interest in baking. The simple act of rolling dough teaches them patience and fine motor skills, all while creating something truly delicious for the family to enjoy.

Before we dive into the full recipe, let’s talk about the incredible speed and ease of these cookies. In just a little under 30 minutes from start to finish (excluding the chilling time for the dough, which is essential for texture!), you can have warm, fragrant Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies ready to enjoy. Imagine that: a delightful fall treat, homemade and utterly delicious, without spending hours in the kitchen. Grab one, or two – your secret is safe with me! What are you waiting for?

If you’re as enamored with pumpkin as I am, and always looking for creative ways to incorporate its rich flavor and beautiful color into your cooking, you’re in luck! There’s a treasure trove of pumpkin inspiration waiting for you. You can find all the pumpkin-packed ideas you need over on Embellishmints here, and of course, even more delightful creations right here at Chocolate Chocolate and More here! There’s no shortage of delicious ways to celebrate the season with this versatile squash.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup {2 sticks} unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 egg
• 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour

For rolling

• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

1. Beat your butter on medium speed until smooth.
2. Add sugar, pumpkin, vanilla extract, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Beat until well combined, making sure to scrape down sides of the bowl.
3. Add egg and combine.
4. Add flour slowly and combine well.
5. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F.
6. Combine granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice on a plate or parchment paper.
7. Line baking sheet with nonstick liner, or parchment paper. Use a medium cookie scoop or large spoon to scoop dough, then lightly roll dough into ball and coat with pumpkin pie spice sugar mixture.
8. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

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Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Snickerdoodle: Expert Tips for Success

Crafting the perfect Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie is a joyous journey, and with a few key tips, you’ll ensure every batch is nothing short of perfection. First and foremost, pay attention to the butter. Using unsalted butter at room temperature is crucial for a smooth, creamy base that incorporates air effectively, leading to lighter, fluffier cookies. Don’t rush this step; beat it until it’s truly smooth and creamy. When adding the pumpkin, ensure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar that would alter the recipe’s balance.

Another critical step is the dough chilling. While it might feel like an extra wait, refrigerating the dough for at least two hours (or even overnight!) makes a significant difference. Chilled dough is much easier to handle and roll, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This results in those wonderfully thick, chewy snickerdoodles we all adore. Also, ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 350°F (175°C). An oven thermometer can be a baker’s best friend here, as oven temperatures can vary.

When it comes to rolling the dough in the pumpkin pie spice sugar mixture, don’t be shy! A generous coating ensures that iconic crunchy, spiced exterior. Use a medium cookie scoop for consistent sizing, which helps all the cookies bake evenly. Lastly, keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Ten minutes is usually perfect for a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges, but oven times can vary. They should look just set, with the edges barely golden. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so pull them out when they still look a little soft in the middle, as they will continue to set as they cool on the wire racks.

Why These Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Will Become Your Fall Favorite

These Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies aren’t just a seasonal treat; they’re a celebration of everything wonderful about autumn. The unique combination of classic snickerdoodle comfort with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice creates a cookie that is both familiar and exciting. They’re incredibly versatile – perfect for a cozy evening at home, a festive potluck, or a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors. Their soft, chewy texture, delightful crackled exterior, and irresistible aroma will make them an instant hit in your home. Get ready for a chorus of “Can I have another one?” because these cookies are truly designed to bring smiles and satisfy those comforting fall cravings.

More Pumpkin-Spiced Delights Await!

If these Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies have ignited your passion for all things pumpkin spice, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of pumpkin allows for an endless array of delicious creations, from comforting drinks to decadent desserts. We’ve curated a selection of our top pumpkin-inspired recipes that we think you’ll absolutely love. Dive in and discover your next fall favorite!

Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Pudding Cookies

Pumpkin Spice White Hot Chocolate

Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Cake

Pumpkin Spice White Trash