Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe are a delightful twist on the traditional snickerdoodle, perfect for embracing the flavors of Fall. With their soft, chewy texture and warm spices, these cookies are ideal for cozy gatherings, festive celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Their unique combination of pumpkin and brown butter elevates them to a new level of deliciousness, making them a must-bake this season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of brown butter combined with warm spices creates irresistible cookies.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for bakers of any skill level.
• Perfect for Fall: Incorporating pumpkin gives these cookies a seasonal touch that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or as a sweet snack anytime!
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay chewy and tender, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking these chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles, make sure you have the right tools ready to ensure success in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Large saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients together evenly.
• Large saucepan: Essential for browning the butter evenly without burning it.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for separating dry and wet ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

To create these chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons (270 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup (80 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon molasses (not blackstrap)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

For Rolling

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir occasionally until it starts crackling and foaming.
• Once the sizzling sound stops, continue stirring until golden brown bits form at the bottom.
• Remove from heat and let it cool in a bowl for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

• Place pumpkin puree on a plate lined with two layers of paper towels.
• Blot with another paper towel to remove excess moisture. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Add cooled brown butter to a stand mixer bowl along with granulated sugar and dark brown sugar.
• Mix on medium-low speed for about 1 minute until combined.
• Add pumpkin puree, egg yolk, molasses, and vanilla; mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, spices, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
• Mix until there are only a few streaks of flour remaining.
• Refrigerate uncovered dough for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon.

Step 8: Scoop and Roll Cookies

• Use a large cookie scoop to divide dough into approximately 2-ounce portions.
• Coat each piece in cinnamon sugar without rolling into balls.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

• Place cookie dough on prepared baking sheets with enough space between them.
• Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until edges are set and tops start cracking.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

• Allow cookies to cool on the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Optionally sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar before serving.

Enjoy your homemade chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are perfect for any fall gathering or cozy night in. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, the rich creaminess of milk complements the spices in the cookies perfectly.

Warmed with Ice Cream

• Serve your snickerdoodles warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a festive platter with seasonal decorations. They make an inviting centerpiece for any autumn celebration.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage. The flavors of pumpkin and spice blend wonderfully with coffee or chai tea.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

To ensure your chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are absolutely delicious every time, follow these tips.

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices enhance the flavor profile significantly, making your cookies more aromatic and flavorful.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined ensures a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain its shape while baking and results in chewier cookies.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Start checking your cookies a minute or two early. Pull them out when they’re just set to avoid dryness.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance the overall experience. Here’s what we recommend.

1. Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed apples tossed in cinnamon make for a sweet and spiced side that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite adds warmth and matches beautifully with the flavors of your snickerdoodles.
3. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds richness and sweetness, perfect for dipping your cookies.
4. Mixed Nuts: A bowl of spiced mixed nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies while offering vibrant colors.
6. Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to create a savory contrast alongside your sweet treats.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and seasonal fruit makes a light yet satisfying complement to these cookies.
8. Homemade Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream is an indulgent pairing that feels cozy during chilly fall evenings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Not browning the butter properly: Proper browning gives depth and flavor. Stir frequently until the butter is golden brown and nutty-smelling.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent overly flat cookies. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree: Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter your recipe. Use pure pumpkin puree for best results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Stop when just a few streaks of flour remain in the dough.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Incorrect measurements can ruin texture and flavor. Always spoon and level flour for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 1 minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles.

What makes this Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe unique?

This recipe features browning butter, which adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates traditional snickerdoodles.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in denser cookies. Adjust the amount slightly if necessary.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for set edges and cracked tops. The centers should still appear soft but not wet.

Can I customize the spices in this Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preference or add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their soft texture and warm spices make them truly irresistible. Don’t hesitate to try different spices or mix-ins to suit your taste!