Save Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodle Cookies are the perfect treat when fall flavors call your name and you want something special for cozy afternoons. These cookies blend the classic pillowy softness of snickerdoodles with warm pumpkin spice and a sugary cinnamon coating to make every bite a little celebration of the season.
My kids beg for these as soon as the weather turns chilly and when I brought a batch to our neighborhood potluck last year they vanished before dinner even started
Ingredients
- Pumpkin puree: adds moisture and subtle earthiness look for canned pumpkin without added sugar
- Pumpkin pie spice: delivers the classic fall flavor blend check the freshness of your spice jar or make your own
- Unsalted butter: creates a soft crumb use European-style for extra richness
- Granulated sugar: balances the spice and helps with crisp edges
- Light brown sugar: brings in a hint of caramel and more chewiness
- Egg yolk: makes the cookies rich and slightly denser than usual
- Vanilla extract: deepens the aroma choose pure vanilla for best taste
- All-purpose flour: gives body stick to unbleached flour for best results
- Cream of tartar: keeps the classic snickerdoodle tang make sure it is powdery and not clumpy
- Baking soda: works with the cream of tartar to lift the cookies test for freshness if you haven&t baked in a while
- Salt: sharpens all the flavors use fine sea salt
- Cinnamon sugar: is for rolling the dough balls and adds a sweet crust best made with fresh cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Measure out the pumpkin puree and blot excess moisture with paper towels until just slightly damp This helps the cookies stay chewy rather than cakey
- Cream the Butters and Sugars:
- Beat softened unsalted butter granulated sugar and light brown sugar together until pale and fluffy about three to four minutes Scrape the bowl to ensure even mixing
- Add Pumpkin and Egg:
- Mix in the blotted pumpkin puree egg yolk and vanilla extract Beat until the mixture looks smooth and slightly thick
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a second bowl whisk together flour pumpkin pie spice cream of tartar baking soda and salt Make sure there are no lumps
- Mix Wet and Dry:
- Add the dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixing on low Just blend until you see no more flour to avoid tough cookies
- Shape and Coat:
- Scoop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough roll into balls then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated
- Bake:
- Place coated dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet Leave plenty of space so cookies do not touch Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten to twelve minutes Edges should be set with soft middles
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let cookies rest on the sheet for five minutes so they hold shape then transfer to a rack The cinnamon sugar crust will crisp as they cool
Save I have to admit my favorite ingredient is a generous scoop of pumpkin pie spice One year my niece helped me swirl the cinnamon sugar on and now it is our autumn ritual We play music and fill the house with laughter while the pumpkin aroma bakes into every room
Storage Tips
Keep cookies in an airtight tin or container at room temperature They stay fresh for up to four days If you need them longer store in the fridge but bring to room temp before serving for maximum softness
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find pumpkin pie spice just combine cinnamon nutmeg ginger and a pinch of cloves You can use vegan butter or dairy free options with good results For gluten free cookies try your favorite one to one gluten free flour blend
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these with apple cider or spiced chai for ultimate autumn comfort Sandwich a bit of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to make homemade ice cream sandwiches They also love being dunked in your morning coffee
Save They&re a must-bake every autumn and you&ll love sharing them with friends, neighbors, or just savoring with a warm mug of cider on cool days.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can canned pumpkin be used?
Yes, canned pumpkin purée provides moisture and flavor without altering the cookie texture.
- → Does chilling the dough improve results?
Chilling helps prevent spreading and enhances the cookies’ chewy texture.
- → What spices work best for this treat?
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves create a warm autumn flavor profile.
- → How to ensure soft cookies?
Do not overbake; remove cookies when edges set but centers remain soft for a perfect texture.
- → Can the cookies be frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze baked cookies in airtight containers for up to three months and thaw when needed.
- → Are alternatives to white sugar possible?
Brown sugar can be used for deeper flavor and extra moisture, complementing pumpkin and spices.