Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe: Irresistible Spiced Bliss

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Imagine the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles! This delightful recipe adds a cozy twist to the classic snickerdoodle cookie, perfect for fall celebrations or for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of delightful pumpkin pie spice flavor, making them a wonderful treat that’s easy for anyone to make. Let’s dive in and learn how to create these delicious cookies together!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Recipe

These Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are not only a tasty dessert but also incredibly simple to make, making them perfect for beginners. The combination of butter, shortening, and sugars yields a creamy cookie dough that’s easy to mix. You can enjoy the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices without the fuss. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll create cookies that are sure to impress your family and friends. They’re a delightful treat for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, making baking a fun and rewarding experience.

Simple Steps to Make Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Making Pumpkin Snickerdoodles is a breeze! First, you’ll gather and prepare your ingredients. Then, you’ll mix the butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the pumpkin and spices. After stirring in the flour and other dry ingredients, let the dough chill for a bit. Once ready, roll the dough into balls, coat them with cinnamon sugar, and then bake! It’s a simple process that yields soft, delicious cookies.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup pumpkin puree, canned or homemade
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling the dough balls
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, for rolling the dough balls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a Silpat liner. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and shortening until smooth.
Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the bowl. Cream them together for a few minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This means you should see a notable change in texture and color—light and airy.
Next, mix in the egg, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Make sure you don’t see any dry flour—stop mixing when it’s evenly blended.
Cover your dough and refrigerate it for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with the tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
After chilling, roll the dough into 24 one-inch balls. This is a fun step where you can get your hands a little messy!
Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass, gently flatten each dough ball. This helps the cookies bake evenly.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to over-bake! They should look set but soft when done. Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them immediately to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Simple Steps to Make Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Enjoying Your Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

These Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are perfect for cozy gatherings or simply as a quick pick-me-up. You can serve them warm from the oven, or let them cool and enjoy them later with a warm drink. They are delightful on their own, but feel free to pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat. They’re especially suitable for fall celebrations or family get-togethers!

Storing Your Cookies for Freshness

To store your Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they should last for up to three months. To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to warm.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted before mixing. It should press easily with your finger, but still hold its shape.
To check if your cookies are done baking, look for a slightly golden edge and a soft center. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little underbaked.
Remember to chill your dough! This makes handling easier and helps cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Variations

Here are a few easy variations you can try with your Pumpkin Snickerdoodles:

Chocolate Chip Addition: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Nutty Flavor: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch.
Spice Swap: If pumpkin pie spice isn’t available, use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger instead.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to roll the dough into balls before chilling.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can also freeze the cookie dough! Roll the dough into balls and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have shortening?

You can replace the shortening with more butter if necessary. Just keep in mind this might make the cookies a bit richer, but they will still turn out delicious!

Make Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Part of Your Baking Routine

In conclusion, these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are a sweet treat that can brighten any day. They’re easy to make, filled with wonderful flavors, and offer a comforting sense of accomplishment for beginner bakers. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a soft, delicious cookie that embodies the warmth of fall.

So gather your ingredients and get started on these delightful Pumpkin Snickerdoodles! You’ll be proud to share this delicious, cozy treat with friends and family. Maybe try a simple variation next time or explore more beginner-friendly dessert recipes in your kitchen adventures!

Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe