Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or any time you crave a delightful treat. These cookies combine the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice with a soft and chewy texture that will have everyone coming back for more. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by all, making them a standout addition to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a flavor profile that embodies the essence of fall.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft, ensuring every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Versatile Occasions: Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in rolling the dough balls and coating them in cinnamon sugar for some family bonding.

Tools and Preparation

To make Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure perfect cookies every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is crucial for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugar are creamed to perfection.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when transferring cookies off the baking sheet.

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
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon all spice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

How to Make Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

Cream together the sugar and slightly soft butter until smooth. Avoid using fully softened butter as it may make the dough too sticky. Add in the egg and pumpkin puree, mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms; it will be slightly sticky.

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon to create a cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 5: Form Dough Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Coat each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture. If you find it difficult due to stickiness, wet your hands while rolling or refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before proceeding.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Place coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space in between. Lightly press down on each ball to shape them properly. Bake for 10-13 minutes until they appear matte on top. Allow cooling on the baking sheet to finish setting before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy these delightful Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles at your next gathering!

How to Serve Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with various accompaniments for a more enjoyable experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie game.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: The spiced flavors of the cookies complement a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy the soft, comforting texture of these cookies with a rich cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies: Combine Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles with other cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin for a delightful variety.
• Fruit Compote: Serve alongside a homemade fruit compote for a refreshing contrast to the sweet, spiced cookies.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the soft and spiced flavors of the snickerdoodles.
• Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: For an extra pumpkin touch, serve with pumpkin spice-flavored ice cream during fall months.

How to Perfect Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Achieving the perfect Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to enhance your baking skills.

• Use Slightly Softened Butter: Starting with butter that is slightly softened helps in creating the right dough consistency, preventing excessive stickiness.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
• Chill If Needed: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling into balls for easier handling.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while baking. They should be set but still slightly soft in the center when done.
• Cool on Baking Sheet: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack for proper setting.

Best Side Dishes for Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Pairing your Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Slices: Warm apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon make for a sweet and fruity side dish.
2. Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of cream cheese frosting can add richness and balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Pumpkin Soup: Serve alongside a bowl of creamy pumpkin soup to enjoy autumn flavors in tandem.
4. Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds indulgence and pairs well with the spices in the cookies.
5. Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast that enhances your dessert experience.
6. Chai Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices offer crunch and complement the cookie’s flavor profile.

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 more flour than necessary can result in tough cookies. Measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off with a knife.
• Not chilling the dough – If your dough is too sticky, you may have trouble rolling it into balls. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Overbaking the cookies – Baking them too long can lead to hard cookies. Watch for the tops to become matte, and remove them from the oven promptly.
• Skipping the cinnamon sugar coating – This step adds essential flavor and texture. Don’t skip it; roll each dough ball thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, making it tough to incorporate ingredients. Allow your butter to soften slightly before mixing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for just a couple of minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles:

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

You should avoid using pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices that may alter the cookie’s texture and flavor.

How do I know when my Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are done?

Look for a matte finish on top of the cookies as they bake. A slight golden edge is also a good indicator that they are ready.

Can I customize my Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

How long do these cookies last?

Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles can last up to one week at room temperature or three months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or enjoy them as is. They are sure to be a hit with family and friends!