Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

If you’re looking for a cozy, mouthwatering treat to share with family and friends this season, I’ve got just the thing for you: Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles! These cookies blend the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices into every bite. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive gatherings. Once you try them, they will surely become a seasonal favorite in your home!

What makes these Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles truly special is how easy they are to whip up. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven in no time, filling your kitchen with that delightful autumn aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these cookies baked and ready to enjoy in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and rolling these dough balls in cinnamon sugar is always a hit!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and spices creates a flavor that’s both comforting and festive.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for school events or family gatherings; they’re sure to impress everyone!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delightful Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles! You probably have most of them on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 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 Coating

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to customize your cookies, here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Swap the Spice: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or cloves to change up the flavor profile.
• Chocolate Twist: Fold in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise inside each cookie.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for everyone.

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. This ensures that when your cookies go in, they’ll bake evenly and come out perfectly soft.

Step 2: Cream Together Sugar and Butter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and slightly softened butter. It’s crucial not to use fully softened butter as it can make the dough too sticky. Once creamy, add in the egg and pumpkin puree and mix until smooth. This step incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies light and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in all those dry ingredients! Mix together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until a cohesive dough forms. This mixture is where all that wonderful flavor comes from!

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon to create your cinnamon sugar coating. This step adds that signature snickerdoodle sweetness on top of your delicious cookies.

Step 5: Form Dough Balls

Roll the dough into one-inch balls and coat them generously in your cinnamon sugar mixture. Since this dough can be sticky, wetting your hands while rolling will help keep things manageable. If it’s still too sticky after rolling a few balls, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Place your coated dough balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet with enough space between them. Lightly press down on each ball before baking—this helps them spread nicely during baking. Bake for 10-13 minutes until they look matte on top. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet so they can set properly.

And there you have it! A delightful batch of Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles ready for sharing—or indulging yourself! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Baking is all about joy and a little finesse! Here are some handy tips to ensure your Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles turn out perfectly every time.

• Use slightly softened butter: This helps achieve the right texture. If the butter is too soft, your dough might become overly sticky, making it hard to work with.
• Chill the dough if needed: If you find that the dough is still a bit too sticky after rolling, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. A cooler dough makes for easier handling and better-shaped cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. When they become matte on top, it’s time to take them out! Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, and we want them soft and chewy.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Love ginger? Add a bit more! This will give your cookies a personalized flavor twist.
• Store properly: To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread will help maintain their delightful softness!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

These Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining guests. The warm spices and pumpkin flavor make them a delightful treat during fall gatherings or holiday celebrations!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of caramel sauce: A light drizzle of caramel adds a sweet touch that complements the spices beautifully.
• Sprinkle of chopped nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts offer an added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs well with the softness of the cookie.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider enhance the autumn experience, making it an excellent pairing with these cookies.
• Creamy pumpkin soup: A bowl of smooth pumpkin soup brings together complementary flavors while offering a comforting, warm dish alongside your snickerdoodles.
• Spiced chai tea: This aromatic beverage not only warms you up but also enhances the spices in your cookies, creating a delightful tasting experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside warm snickerdoodles creates a delicious contrast that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Enjoy baking these delicious Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles! They are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are perfect for meal prep! Whether you want to enjoy them fresh or save some for later, these cookies store well and can be made ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely.
• Layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy a warm cookie, preheat your oven to 350° F.
• Place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles:

Can I make Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles without butter?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil to maintain the soft texture.

How do I ensure my Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles turn out chewy?

To achieve that perfect chewy texture, avoid overbaking. Remove them from the oven when they are just set and looking matte on top.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an indulgent twist on this classic recipe.

What is the best way to store Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, freeze them!

Are these Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles allergy-friendly?

These cookies can easily be made allergy-friendly by using alternatives like gluten-free flour and egg substitutes if necessary.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles! They capture the essence of fall with their warm spices and delightful softness. Whether you share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself, they’re sure to bring comfort and smiles. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to experiment with your favorite additions!