Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are an irresistible treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall! With their gooey texture and delightful blend of spices, these cookies are ideal for cozy gatherings, festive celebrations, or simply enjoying a sweet moment at home. The combination of brown butter, pumpkin puree, and a hint of cinnamon sugar makes these cookies a standout dessert you won’t want to miss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No mixer is required, and there’s no need to chill the dough. Just mix and bake!
• Fall Flavors: Featuring rich brown butter and warm pumpkin spice, each bite brings the taste of autumn.
• Perfectly Chewy: These cookies have a soft center with slightly crispy edges for the perfect chewy texture.
• Versatile Treat: Great for dessert tables, holiday parties, or as an after-school snack for kids.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress family and friends with their unique flavor profile.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious cookies, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready helps streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Large stainless steel pan
• Glass measuring cup
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking trays: A sturdy surface that helps evenly bake your cookies without sticking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the tray and makes cleanup easy.
• Whisk: Ensures all ingredients are fully combined for a smooth cookie dough.

Ingredients

These pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies are super chewy and gooey! Each cookie is packed with fall flavors like brown butter, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon sugar. This viral recipe is a twist on my popular brown butter snickerdoodles that requires no chill time and no mixer!

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)

How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Brown the butter over medium heat in a large stainless steel pan. It will foam, pop, and crackle. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn. When it smells nutty with brown bits at the bottom, remove it from heat.

Step 3: Cool the Butter

You should have slightly under 1 cup of browned butter (184 grams). Pour it into a glass measuring cup. Let it cool in the fridge while stirring every 20 minutes until it reads between 70-75 F.

Step 4: Prepare Pumpkin Puree

Spread the pumpkin puree on a plate. Use paper towels to soak up excess liquid until it feels dry like soft playdough. You should have about 1/3 cup.

Step 5: Mix Sugars into Butter

When the butter is cool, whisk in both sugars for about a minute until it resembles wet sand.

Step 6: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk in egg yolks, vanilla extract, and dried pumpkin puree until combined.

Step 7: Combine Dry Ingredients

Fold in flour, pumpkin spice, salt, cream of tartar, and baking soda until just combined. Chill the bowl in the fridge for about five minutes if needed.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and granulated sugar. Scoop dough into balls (about three tablespoons) and roll them in this mixture.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets spaced about two to three inches apart. Bake one tray at a time for about ten to twelve minutes until golden around edges.

Step 10: Cool & Store

Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three days or freeze dough balls before baking!

How to Serve Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with some creative serving suggestions. Here are a few ideas to enhance your cookie enjoyment.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creamy texture complements the chewy cookies perfectly.

Dipped in White Chocolate

• Melt white chocolate and dip half of each cookie for an extra sweet treat. This adds a rich flavor contrast to the pumpkin spice.

Served Warm

• Enjoy the cookies warm from the oven or reheated slightly in the microwave. This brings out their gooey texture and comforting aroma.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for a delicious dessert twist. The creamy ice cream pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors.

Accompanied by Hot Cocoa

• For a cozy night in, serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa. The warm drink enhances the fall flavors in the cookies.

With Fresh Fruit Slices

• Balance the sweetness by serving your cookies with slices of apples or pears. The fresh fruit adds a refreshing crunch to your dessert experience.

How to Perfect Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Making perfect Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your baking is successful.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accurate measurements.
• Don’t skip browning the butter: Browning adds depth and nuttiness that elevates the flavor profile of your cookies.
• Chill dough if necessary: If your dough seems too soft, chilling it for a few more minutes helps achieve that perfect chewy consistency.
• Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them when slightly underbaked leads to chewy perfection.
• Store properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness longer.

Best Side Dishes for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte
   A warm pumpkin spice latte complements the cinnamon sugar coating on these cookies beautifully.

2. Chai Tea
   The spiced flavors of chai tea match perfectly with pumpkin snickerdoodles, creating a cozy pairing.

3. Apple Cider
   A glass of chilled apple cider provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

4. Cheese Platter
   A variety of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, can balance the sweetness and add savory elements to your snack time.

5. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pears and apples refreshes your palate after indulging in these sweet treats.

6. Caramel Sauce
   Serve with a small bowl of caramel sauce for dipping – this decadent addition enhances the overall flavor experience.

7. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit alongside your cookies for a balanced dessert option that’s both indulgent and nutritious.

8. Chocolate Fondue
   For something fun, set up a chocolate fondue station where you can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when it comes to achieving that perfect chewy texture. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not browning the butter properly: Brown butter adds a rich flavor. Make sure to watch it closely as it cooks, stirring occasionally until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
• Using too much liquid in the pumpkin: Excess moisture can lead to flat cookies. Make sure to press out any extra liquid from the pumpkin puree before mixing it into your dough.
• Skipping the cooling step for butter: If the butter is too warm, your cookies will spread too much. Let it cool adequately until it reaches 70-75 F before using.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft, chewy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level off with a knife for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
• Keep them at room temperature for the best texture.

Freezing Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350 F (180 C), bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft result.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping once until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Can I use other types of squash instead of pumpkin?

Yes! You can substitute with butternut squash or any other pureed squash for similar results.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Incorporating mini chocolate chips can add extra sweetness and texture to your cookies.

What are Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies best served with?

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm beverage like chai tea or apple cider for a cozy fall treat.

How long does it take to prepare these cookies?

The total time is about 120 minutes, including prep and baking time. Most of this is waiting for the butter and dough to chill!

Final Thoughts

Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or swapping spices. Perfectly chewy and full of fall flavors, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends. Give this delightful recipe a try!