Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Lora Lopez

Posted on July 12, 2025

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Enter the Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies – a delightful twist on a classic favorite that combines the warm spices of fall with the chewy, sugary goodness of a traditional snickerdoodle. These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a celebration of autumn in every bite! Perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or just a sweet indulgence on a chilly afternoon, these cookies are sure to become a new family favorite.

In this article, we’ll explore why you’ll love this recipe, the essential ingredients and utensils you’ll need, and provide you with detailed steps to create your very own batch of Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, the Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are incredibly easy to make! With simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices not only adds a delicious flavor but also keeps the cookies moist and chewy, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.

These cookies are versatile too! Whether you’re looking for a festive treat for Thanksgiving, a cozy snack for a chilly day, or a sweet addition to a holiday cookie platter, these snickerdoodles fit the bill perfectly. The delightful dusting of cinnamon sugar on the outside gives them a beautiful finish and adds that extra touch of sweetness that everyone loves.

Another reason to love this recipe is its adaptability. If you prefer a less spiced cookie, simply adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to suit your taste. You can even add in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, for a personalized touch. The possibilities are endless!

Finally, baking these cookies creates a beautiful aroma that fills your kitchen with the essence of fall. As your family and friends gather around, they’ll be drawn in by the delicious scent, making these cookies not just a treat, but a reason to connect and share moments together.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Let’s dive deeper into why the Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies should be the next recipe you try. First, they embody the spirit of the season. Pumpkin is synonymous with autumn, and these cookies harness that seasonal delight in a way that feels both comforting and festive. Each bite transports you to a cozy place filled with warm blankets, falling leaves, and the laughter of loved ones.

Moreover, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Their unique flavor profile appeals to a wide range of palates, making them perfect for gatherings or parties. Your guests will be impressed by your baking skills, and you’ll love how easy they were to make. Plus, they’re an excellent way to introduce pumpkin to those who might be hesitant about it. The sweetness of the sugars and the warmth of the spices conceal any potential bitterness, making them irresistible.

Additionally, the cookies are packed with nutrients thanks to the pumpkin puree. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber, making these cookies a slightly healthier treat compared to traditional cookies. While they’re still a dessert, you can feel a little less guilty indulging in them, knowing they have some nutritional benefits.

Lastly, making these cookies is a wonderful way to create memories. Baking is not just about the end product; it’s about the process and the joy of creating something delicious. Whether you’re baking alone, with family, or with friends, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction, making it a delightful experience from start to finish.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Recommended Utensils

Mixing Bowls: A set of large and medium-sized mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop or tablespoon for portioning the dough.
Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients thoroughly.
Spatula: A silicone spatula for folding ingredients together without overmixing.
Baking Sheets: Two or more baking sheets lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Oven Thermometer: To ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
Cooling Rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that we have our ingredients and utensils ready, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While your oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps with the texture of the cookies.
Add Pumpkin and Eggs: Next, mix in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures that your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for rolling the cookies. This will give them that signature snickerdoodle flavor and a delightful crunch on the outside.
Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This adds a sweet and spicy crust to your cookies.
Bake Cookies: Place the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook while cooling.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy: Once cooled, indulge in your delicious Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. Share them with family and friends, or keep them all to yourself!

FAQs

What makes these cookies chewy?

The combination of pumpkin puree and the right baking time contributes to the chewy texture. The moisture from the pumpkin helps keep the cookies soft and chewy, while not overbaking them ensures they don’t become dry.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth, and drain any excess moisture to prevent the cookies from becoming too wet.

How should I store these cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic way to enhance the flavor of your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. Just fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips after mixing the dry and wet ingredients.

Conclusion

In summary, the Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their chewy texture and warm spices, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out! Happy baking!

For more delightful recipes, check out our Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs, perfect for easy weeknight dinners!