Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Name: Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon cloves; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving dessert table with these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies! Soft and flavorful, these cookies perfectly combine the warm spices of classic snickerdoodles with the rich, comforting essence of pumpkin. Perfectly chewy with a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top, they are a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends this holiday season.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-10-24T03:38:05.171Z

A Perfect Blend of Flavors

Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are the ultimate fall treat that seamlessly merges the nostalgia of traditional snickerdoodles with the seasonal taste of pumpkin. The combination of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves introduces a festive aroma that fills your kitchen, reminding everyone of cozy autumn days. With each bite, you not only experience the delightful chewiness of these cookies, but also the rich, comforting essence that pumpkin brings, making it an irresistible choice for your holiday gatherings.

These cookies also cater to a variety of taste buds, showcasing the wonderful versatility of pumpkin. While many associate pumpkin uniquely with pies, this recipe invites you to explore its delightful potential in cookie form. The distinct flavor enhances the traditional snickerdoodle, bringing something new yet familiar to your dessert table, ensuring that your cookies stand out this season.

A Homemade Treat for Everyone

One of the best aspects of making Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies at home is that they make for excellent gifting options. Pack a dozen in a decorative box or jar, and you have the perfect homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors. Because of their unique flavor profile, these cookies are ideal for sharing at potlucks, holiday parties, or simply as a warm treat for loved ones during chilly evenings.

These cookies are also kid-friendly, making them a great choice for baking activities with your family. Children will enjoy measuring, mixing, and rolling the dough, creating lasting memories in the kitchen. Moreover, snickerdoodles are always a favorite among little ones due to their sweetness and fun cinnamon sugar topping, guaranteeing smiles all around.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping.

Form Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Recommendations

To keep your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming stale. If you find that you can’t finish them in time, consider freezing them! Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and they can last up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes. For that freshly baked taste, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them up in the oven for a delightful treat any time of the year.

Variations to Try

Feel free to switch up the spices based on your taste preference! For instance, adding a pinch of ginger can create a zesty flavor that complements the pumpkin wonderfully. If you're looking to experiment further, try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier cookie with added nutrition. Adjusting the proportion of brown sugar to white sugar can also change the texture and flavor profile, making them even more decadent if that's what you desire.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider incorporating a cream cheese frosting as an additional topping. This rich frosting pairs beautifully with pumpkin and snickerdoodles, adding a new twist to a classic dessert. The creamy sweetness balances the warm spices perfectly, making for a special treat during your holiday celebrations.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin works great for these cookies.

→ How should I store leftover cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.