Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Cozy Fall Baking: Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

As the leaves begin to turn fiery shades of gold and the air grows crisp, my thoughts inevitably drift to the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. This nostalgic season always reminds me of those chilly afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, flour dusting our noses and laughter mingling with the scent of warm spices. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that perfectly captures this cozy feeling: Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. With their tender, chewy texture and a delightful blend of pumpkin spice, these cookies are the ultimate comfort treat for any fall gathering or quiet evening at home. Trust me—this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: These cookies are simple to whip up, making them a perfect choice for a cozy afternoon bake.
• Warm Spices: Infused with pumpkin spice, they resonate with the comforting essence of autumn.
• Perfect Texture: The browned butter gives the cookies a rich flavor and chewy texture that’s hard to resist.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies will become a favorite among friends and family, sure to be the star of any potluck.
• Versatile: They can be customized with various mix-ins to cater to different tastes, perfect for any gathering.
• Fall-Focused Treat: Embrace the season with this delightful, pumpkin-infused dessert that’s ideal for cozy evenings.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Simple Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup Libby’s Pumpkin Puree (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (see notes for measuring)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Let’s Make It Together

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C. Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside.
2. In a large stainless steel pan, brown the butter over medium heat. While it cooks, expect some foaming, popping, and crackling. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent burning. When it turns golden with brown bits and emits a nutty fragrance, remove it from the heat.
3. You should have just under 1 cup of browned butter (184 grams). Transfer it into a glass measuring cup and let it chill in the fridge. Stir every 20 minutes for about 45-60 minutes until it cools to 70-75 F (the butter must remain liquid). If the temperature is too high, your cookies may spread flat.
4. Meanwhile, spread the pumpkin puree onto a plate. Layer with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Repeat until the pumpkin feels dry, resembling soft playdough, and measures roughly 1/3 cup (68-75 grams).
5. Once the butter has cooled, whisk in the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand, approximately 1 minute.
6. Gradually whisk in the egg yolks, vanilla, and dried pumpkin puree until thoroughly combined.
7. Fold in the flour, pumpkin spice, salt, cream of tartar, and baking soda until just combined. Set the dough in the fridge for 5 minutes to firm up. If it’s still too soft, you can chill it longer.
8. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar for rolling. Scoop the dough into 3 tablespoons-sized balls and roll each in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2-3 inches apart.
9. Bake the cookies one tray at a time for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the middle is puffy yet slightly underbaked. Allow the tray to cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying these cozy treats!
10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If freezing the cookie dough balls, let them come to room temperature before baking.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Twist: Mix in a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent flavor.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the chewy texture of the cookies.
• Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough for a refreshing burst of brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
• Frosted Treats: Drizzle a simple cream cheese frosting on top for an extra rich finish that elevates these cookies to a whole new level.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for 1-2 months. Just let it come to room temperature before baking!
• Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of pumpkin spice, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger works wonderfully as a substitute.
• Measuring Flour: For accurate results, fluff your flour with a spoon before spooning it into the measuring cup. Too much flour can make the cookies dry.
• Keep Them Soft: To ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy, don’t overbake them—take them out while they’re slightly underbaked.

Nutrition Information per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 60mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge before baking.

Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pumpkin puree with applesauce for an alternative flavor or use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a more caramel-like taste.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.

How long do they last?
These chewy treats will last about 2-3 days at room temperature or up to a month in the freezer.

A Cozy Closing Note

These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are not just a recipe; they embody the essence of fall—the nostalgia, the warmth, the joy. Perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings with family and friends, they’ll surely become a cherished favorite in your home. So don’t forget to save these to your Fall Treats board so you have the perfect comfort snack ready for when the mood strikes! Happy baking!