Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe are not just any cookies; they bring the warmth of Fall right into your kitchen. With their soft, chewy texture and delightful spices, these cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday treats, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The blend of pumpkin and warm spices makes them irresistible and ideal for anyone looking to indulge in seasonal flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves adds a delightful warmth to each bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack any time of day.
• Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to share at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings; they’re sure to impress!
• Comforting Flavor: The addition of pumpkin puree gives these snickerdoodles a unique twist that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, you’ll need some essential tools that will help simplify the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Large saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This allows for easy mixing without the hassle of hand mixing. It ensures a well-combined dough.
• Baking sheets: Using proper baking sheets helps in even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.

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
• 1/2 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 the Coating

• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

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. Keep stirring until golden brown bits form at the bottom and it smells nutty. Remove from heat and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Purée

Place the pumpkin puree on paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Blot with another paper towel and set aside.

Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugars

Combine cooled brown butter with granulated sugar and dark brown sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Mix on medium-low speed for about one minute until it resembles wet sand.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate pumpkin puree, egg yolk, molasses, and vanilla into the butter mixture. Mix for about 30 seconds until combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, spices, and salt.

Step 6: Form the Dough

Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined with a few streaks of flour remaining. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

While dough chills, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

In a shallow bowl, whisk together remaining granulated sugar with cinnamon for rolling.

Step 9: Scoop Cookie Dough

Remove dough from refrigerator. Use a large cookie scoop to portion approximately 2-ounce portions without rolling into balls. Coat each piece in cinnamon sugar.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place cookie dough on prepared sheets with enough space between each. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until edges are set but tops still look slightly soft.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Let cookies cool on pans for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Sprinkle more cinnamon sugar if desired.

Enjoy these chewy delights throughout Fall!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Their warm spices and soft texture make them an excellent treat for any occasion, especially during the Fall season.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pair with coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
• Enjoy with hot chocolate: A cozy cup of hot cocoa enhances the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful combination.

As Dessert After Dinner

• Serve with vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the chewiness of the cookies, creating a wonderful dessert experience.
• Top with whipped cream: Lightly dollop some whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.

For a Snack

• Enjoy with milk: A classic pairing, milk brings out the flavors in these snickerdoodles perfectly.
• Pack for lunch: These cookies make a great addition to lunch boxes, providing a sweet treat that kids will love.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

Achieving the perfect chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles is all about technique and ingredients. Follow these tips to elevate your baking game.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your egg yolk and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain their shape.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked will help maintain their chewiness.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

While these cookies are delicious on their own, they can also be complemented by various side dishes for a more complete experience.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: This warm beverage brings out the Fall flavors and pairs beautifully with pumpkin treats.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A seasonal favorite that enhances the pumpkin flavor in your snickerdoodles.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over your cookie adds a rich sweetness that contrasts well with the spices.
4. Cheese Plate: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory balance to your sweet cookies.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up the meal while still complementing the flavors of your snickerdoodles.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re new to baking or making these chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not cooling the butter properly: Make sure the browned butter is cool but not solidified before mixing. If it’s too hot, it can cook the egg yolk and affect the dough’s texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes is essential. It helps prevent spreading and ensures a chewy texture in your cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for flour and sugar. Incorrect measurements can drastically change the cookie’s outcome.
• Baking on an unprepared sheet: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, then warm cookies for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles recipe:

What makes this Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe different?

This recipe incorporates pumpkin puree and warm spices, giving classic snickerdoodles a cozy fall twist that enhances both taste and texture.

Can I use other types of sugar?

You can experiment with different sugars like coconut sugar or light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar adds depth and moisture that complements pumpkin well.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for set edges and slight cracks on top. The centers may look soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I substitute pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use applesauce or mashed bananas as alternatives, but they will change the flavor profile slightly.

How do I store leftover dough?

Wrap any leftover dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. You can keep it fresh for up to one week before baking.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are not only a delightful fall treat but also incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. Enjoy baking these delicious cookies as part of your holiday traditions!