Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, perfect for fall gatherings and cozy family nights. These soft and chewy cookies are infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Their unique flavor profile and easy preparation make them a must-try this season, whether for a holiday celebration or a casual dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies baked in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree brings warmth and depth to each bite.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, ensuring they stay fresh longer than traditional cookies.
• Versatile Treat: Great for fall celebrations, Halloween parties, or just as a cozy snack with your favorite beverage.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cookies! These pumpkin snickerdoodles are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect batch of Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help you easily cream the butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth dough.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix ingredients without mess.
• Parchment paper: This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easy.

Ingredients

The best and easiest Pumpkin Snickerdoodles cookie recipe made with pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree.

For the Dough

• 1/2 cup salted butter (slightly softened, see Note 1)
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (See note 2 below)
• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon all spice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 2 tablespoon sugar and 2 teaspoon cinnamon for cinnamon sugar mixture

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugar

Cream together the sugar and slightly softened butter using a mixer until light and fluffy. Avoid using fully softened butter as it can make the dough too sticky. Add in the egg and pumpkin puree; mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar. This will be used to coat your cookie dough balls.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture by rolling it directly in the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, wet your hands while rolling or refrigerate for about 30 minutes before shaping.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them evenly. Lightly press down on each ball to help them form correctly. Bake for about 10-13 minutes until they are matte on top. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they can set perfectly before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles warm or store them in an airtight container for later!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to elevate your dessert experience or simply enjoy them with a warm drink, here are some serving suggestions.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee to complement their sweetness.
• Hot Chocolate: The rich chocolate flavor enhances the pumpkin spice notes in the cookies.
• Chai Tea: Enjoying Snickerdoodles with chai brings out the warmth of spices from both.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Include Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles alongside other seasonal cookies for variety.
• Cheesecake Bites: These creamy treats contrast beautifully with the soft texture of the cookies.
• Mini Cupcakes: Add mini pumpkin cupcakes for a cohesive fall-themed dessert platter.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Thanksgiving Dessert Table: Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles make a great addition to any holiday spread.
• Fall Parties: Serve these cookies at gatherings to celebrate autumn flavors with friends and family.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

To achieve the best results when making Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Slightly Soft Butter: This helps create a perfect dough consistency without being overly sticky.
• Chill the Dough if Necessary: If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be matte on top and slightly soft in the center when done.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust the pumpkin pie spice mix based on your taste preferences for added depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are versatile and can be paired with several delightful side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider:

1. Apple Cider Donuts: These sweet donuts pair well with pumpkin flavors and add a delicious crunch.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup complements the spiced cookies perfectly.
3. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over the cookies adds an indulgent touch that enhances their flavor.
4. Whipped Cream Cheese Dip: This dip provides a creamy contrast that works beautifully with Snickerdoodles.
5. Cheese Board: Include cheeses like brie or cheddar for a savory balance against the sweetness of the cookies.
6. Pecan Pie Bars: Adding these nutty bars creates variety and satisfies multiple cravings during dessert time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can lead to dry cookies. Measure carefully and consider spooning flour into the cup rather than scooping it directly.
• Not chilling the dough: If your dough is too sticky, you might skip chilling it. Refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make rolling easier and achieve better texture.
• Overbaking the cookies: Baking them too long can result in hard cookies. Look for a matte finish and set a timer for the minimum baking time.
• Skipping the cinnamon sugar coating: This step adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip it! Roll each ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture before baking.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, affecting texture. Make sure your butter is slightly softened for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles in an airtight container.
• They stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350° F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds on medium power for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering them until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles:

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Using pumpkin pie filling can change the flavor and sweetness of your cookies. Stick with plain pumpkin puree for best results.

How do I make Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding nuts or chocolate chips can enhance flavor. Just be sure not to overload the dough.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

Final Thoughts

Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are not just delicious; they offer versatility in flavors and textures that you can customize to your liking. Whether you enjoy them as they are or with added nuts or chocolate, this recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Give it a try, and enjoy these delightful treats!