Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: A Fall Delight
The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice—fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, delicious pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies? This recipe combines the comforting spice of pumpkin with the classic cinnamon-sugar crunch of snickerdoodles, creating a truly unique and unforgettable treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these festive and flavorful cookies!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Adjust quantities as needed for larger batches.
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For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
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For the Snickerdoodle Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer is ideal, but a hand mixer works just as well.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly lumpy dough is okay.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This is your snickerdoodle coating, the key to that signature flavor and texture.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Once cool, enjoy your warm, delicious pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies! They are perfect with a glass of milk or your favorite autumnal beverage.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Keywords: Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, Fall Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Cookies, Autumn Baking, Cookie Recipe, Dessert Recipe, Easy Cookie Recipe, Holiday Cookies, Thanksgiving Cookies, Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
This recipe is sure to become a fall favorite! Enjoy the process and the delicious results. Happy baking!