Oh, fall baking! Is there anything better? I just LOVE the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the house. And these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies? They’re like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day. Seriously, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s the perfect combo of classic snickerdoodle goodness with a pumpkin-y twist.
My favorite memory? Last year, my bestie Sarah and I spent an afternoon baking these. We cranked up some tunes, sipped apple cider, and just laughed our way through the whole process. Okay, maybe we made a *slight* mess (oops!), but the cookies were totally worth it! We shared them with all our neighbors, and everyone raved. That’s when I knew I had to share this recipe with you all!
Trust me, once you try these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, you’ll be hooked. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with fall flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Seriously, what’s not to love? These cookies are kinda magical. But if you need convincing, here’s the lowdown:
Perfectly Chewy Texture
Okay, texture is HUGE for me, and these? They’re not cakey, not crispy, just perfectly soft and chewy. You know, the kind that makes you go “mmm” with every bite!
The Best of Both Worlds: Pumpkin & Snickerdoodle
It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! You get that warm, comforting cinnamon-sugar thing from a snickerdoodle, but then BAM! Pumpkin spice kicks in. It’s unexpected and totally delicious.
Easy to Make
Don’t let fancy desserts intimidate you. This recipe is super straightforward. Even if you’re not a pro baker, you can totally nail these. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Great for Fall Baking
I mean, come on, they’re PUMPKIN cookies! They just scream fall. Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or just a cozy night in with a movie. And the kids? They’ll go absolutely bonkers for them!
Ingredients for Your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazing Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. Don’t even THINK about skipping an ingredient – each one plays a super important role!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – gotta be softened, trust me!
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – for that classic sweetness.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – adds a little extra moisture and a hint of molasses.
- 2 large eggs – because eggs are essential!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – pure vanilla, please!
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie filling, okay? Just the plain stuff.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled, if you’re feeling fancy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – for a little lift.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – works with the baking soda for extra fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – can’t have snickerdoodles without cinnamon!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a bit of warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – just a pinch!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for coating – because we need that sugary crust!
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, for coating – more cinnamon is always better, right?
How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: Step-by-Step
Okay, ready to get baking? Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies in no time!
Preparing the Dough for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it! Then, grab a large bowl and cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You’ll want to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. I usually use my stand mixer, but a hand mixer works just fine, too.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. Make sure everything’s nicely combined. In a separate bowl (yes, another bowl!), whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. This is key! Overmixing will make your cookies tough, and nobody wants that.
Rolling and Coating Your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Time for the fun part! In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon for the coating. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls – I like to use a cookie scoop to keep them uniform – and then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure they’re fully coated for that classic snickerdoodle look. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets. Or, line them with parchment paper – makes cleanup a total breeze!
Baking and Cooling the Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Pop those babies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them – you don’t want them to brown too much. Once they’re done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s tempting, but trust me, they’re even better when they’ve cooled down a bit. And that’s it! You’ve just made a batch of Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. High five!
Tips for the Best Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Want to take your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies from good to AMAZING? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years:
Don’t Overbake Your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
This is HUGE! Seriously, slightly underbaking them is the key to that perfect chewy texture. When in doubt, take ’em out a minute or two early. They’ll continue to bake a little on the hot pan anyway. Trust me on this one!
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
I know, I know, it’s a pain to remember to take stuff out of the fridge ahead of time. But using room temperature butter and eggs makes a HUGE difference. The butter creams better, and everything mixes together more evenly. So plan ahead – it’s worth it!
Measure Flour Accurately
Okay, flour can be tricky. If you just scoop it straight from the bag, you’ll probably end up with too much. And that can make your cookies dry. Instead, try spooning the flour into your measuring cup and then leveling it off with a knife. Or, if you’re a serious baker, invest in a kitchen scale! It’s a game changer!
Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies recipe – awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and see what kinda fun twists we can add. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Baking should be fun, right?
Spice Variations for Your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dough. It’ll give your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies a warm, spicy kick that’s totally unexpected. My favorite? A tiny bit of white pepper! It’s subtle, but adds this *zing* that people can’t quite place… sneaky!
Nutty Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Wanna add some crunch? Toss in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts to the dough. About 1/2 cup should do the trick. Just make sure they’re roughly chopped so you get a little nutty goodness in every bite of your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies!
Dairy-Free Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Got a dairy allergy? No problem! Just swap out the butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use your favorite non-dairy milk. I’ve had great results with coconut oil, too! Just make sure it’s refined coconut oil, so you don’t get a strong coconut flavor in your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies.
Serving Suggestions for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Okay, you’ve got a batch of warm, gooey Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies… now what? Here are a couple ideas to make them even MORE amazing!
Pair Your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies with Milk
I mean, is there a more classic combo? A tall glass of cold milk (or your favorite milk alternative) is the perfect complement to these sweet, spiced cookies. My kids practically demand it!
Enjoy Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies With Coffee or Tea
For a more grown-up treat, try dunking your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies in a warm cup of coffee or tea. The warm drink melts the cinnamon-sugar coating… oh man, it’s HEAVEN.
Storing Your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Okay, so you’ve baked these amazing Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies… and somehow, you have leftovers? (Wow, you have more willpower than I do!). Here’s how to keep ’em fresh!
Proper Storage for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
The easiest way? Just pop those Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies into an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and chewy at room temperature for about 3-4 days. But honestly, they never last that long at my house!
Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough
Want to be a baking superhero? Freeze the dough! Just roll the dough into balls, coat ’em in cinnamon sugar, and then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready for a cookie, just bake ’em straight from frozen – you might need to add a minute or two to the baking time, though! Instant Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies? Yes, please!
Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies? I got answers! Here are a few things I get asked all the time:
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree in these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Okay, listen closely! You really, REALLY want to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that will totally throw off the flavor and texture of your cookies. Trust me, I’ve tried it (oops!), and it’s not pretty. Stick with the plain pumpkin puree!
How do I keep my Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies from spreading too thin?
Spread-y cookies? No bueno! The secret is chilling the dough. After you’ve made the dough, pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!). This helps the butter solidify, so your cookies won’t spread all over the baking sheet. You can even chill them overnight!
Can I make these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can totally make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Or, even better, freeze the dough balls! Then, you can bake up a fresh batch of Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies whenever the craving strikes. Just add a minute or two to the baking time if you’re baking them from frozen.
Why are my Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies dry?
Dry cookies are the WORST. Usually, it’s because you’ve overbaked them. Remember my tip about underbaking them slightly? Also, make sure you’re measuring your ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Too much flour will definitely lead to dry cookies. So, easy on the flour!
Nutritional Information for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Okay, let’s talk numbers! Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know you’re probably curious about the nutritional info for these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. So, here’s the deal: the nutrition information provided is just an estimate. It can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, the exact measurements, and, well, how big you make those cookies! So, take it with a grain of salt (or maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar!). I’m not making any guarantees, okay? Just enjoy the cookies!
Rate This Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe!
Loved these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies? Leave a comment and rating below! And hey, don’t be shy – share your baking adventures with us on social media, too!
PrintUnbelievable Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies in 30 Min
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these chewy pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies. They combine the flavors of pumpkin spice and cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for coating
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon for coating.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg