Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe are a delightful twist on the classic cookie, perfectly capturing the essence of Fall. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are not only irresistibly tasty but also versatile enough for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations. The blend of warm spices and pumpkin puree elevates this treat, making it a must-try for your seasonal baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: Infused with pumpkin and warm spices, each bite bursts with Fall flavors.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfectly Chewy: The brown butter adds a rich depth, ensuring every cookie is soft and chewy without being overly sweet.
• Great for Sharing: With 12 cookies in one batch, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying throughout the week.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your delicious chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Large saucepan
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of the ingredients, creating a smooth dough without much effort.
• Large saucepan: Perfect for browning the butter evenly, which enhances the flavor of your cookies significantly.
• Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

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Ingredients

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are a delicious Fall spin on the classic snickerdoodle. Soft and chewy and perfectly spiced, these cookies will be on repeat all Fall long!

For the Sugar Coating

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons (270 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup (200 g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (80 g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon molasses (not blackstrap)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

To brown the butter, melt the butter in a large saucepan on medium heat. Once melted:
* Begin stirring occasionally.
* The butter will crackle and pop while foam forms at the top.
* Continue stirring until golden brown bits form at the bottom.
* Remove from heat when it smells nutty. Pour into a bowl and chill for 30 minutes, keeping it liquid but cool.

Step 2: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Meanwhile:
* Place pumpkin puree on a plate lined with two layers of paper towels.
* Top with another paper towel to blot excess moisture. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Once brown butter is cool:
* Add it to a stand mixer bowl along with granulated sugar and brown sugar.
* Mix on medium-low speed for about one minute until combined; it should look like wet sand.

Step 4: Combine with Pumpkin Mixture

Add:
* Pumpkin puree,
* Egg yolk,
* Molasses,
* Vanilla.

Mix everything together until combined (about 30 seconds). Scrape down sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
* Whisk together flour,
* Baking soda,
* Cream of tartar,
* Spices,
* Salt.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

Add dry ingredients to wet mixture:
* Mix until just combined—stop when you see a few streaks of flour.
* Place bowl in refrigerator uncovered for about 30 minutes to firm up dough.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

While dough chills:
* Preheat oven to 350°F.
* Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In a shallow bowl:
* Whisk together remaining granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling cookie dough.

Step 9: Scoop Dough & Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

After chilling:
* Use a large cookie scoop to divide dough into approximately 2-ounce portions.
* Do not roll between palms; instead coat in cinnamon sugar using your hands.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Place cookie dough on prepared baking sheets:
* Leave 2 to 3 inches between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Bake:
* On center rack for about 9 to 10 minutes until edges are set and tops crack slightly.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven:
* Allow cooling on pan for about 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack. Sprinkle more cinnamon sugar if desired.

Enjoy your Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe, perfect for cozying up with a warm drink or sharing during festive gatherings!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are perfect for sharing or enjoying at home. They can be served in various delightful ways to enhance your Fall experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of chai or herbal tea enhances their cozy flavors.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create an indulgent treat by sandwiching your favorite vanilla or pumpkin ice cream between two cookies.

As a Festive Gift

• Package these cookies in a decorative box or jar to give as a delightful gift during the holiday season.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra creamy texture that complements the spices in the cookies.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness and richness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

To make sure your chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are perfectly baked, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg yolk and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain its shape while baking, producing perfectly rounded cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; they should be set around the edges but soft in the center for optimal chewiness.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference to create your unique flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor and appeal.

1. Spiced Apple Cider
   A warm drink that brings out autumnal flavors, making it a perfect pairing with pumpkin cookies.

2. Pumpkin Soup
   A smooth and creamy soup that serves as a savory contrast to sweet snickerdoodles, enhancing seasonal tastes.

3. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses balances sweetness well, providing different textures and flavors alongside the cookies.

4. Roasted Nuts
   Crunchy, seasoned nuts add a savory touch that contrasts nicely with the soft, sweet cookie texture.

5. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit medley offers brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the snickerdoodles.

6. Chocolate Fondue
   Melted chocolate allows for dipping cookie pieces for an extra layer of indulgence and fun!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To create the perfect chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Incorrect Butter Temperature: Using butter that is too hot can negatively impact the texture. Ensure your brown butter is cool but still liquid before mixing.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined; a few streaks of flour are okay!
• Using Pumpkin Pie Filling: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains sugar and spices that will alter the flavor of your cookies.
• Overbaking Cookies: Baking them too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them, and remove them when the edges are set and tops begin to crack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with parchment paper for easy access later.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds; be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Add a little butter, then heat each cookie for about 1 minute per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles different from regular snickerdoodles?

Chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles incorporate pumpkin puree, which adds moisture and flavor, creating a soft and chewy texture compared to traditional snickerdoodles.

Can I substitute ingredients in the chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles recipe?

Yes! You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for alternative dietary needs.

How should I store my chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can substitute cream of tartar with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar in your recipe.

Can I make these chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.

Final Thoughts

These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any fall gathering or cozy night in. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Give this chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!