Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles Recipe

Quick & Buttery Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles Recipe

These delectable pumpkin spice snickerdoodles capture the essence of autumn’s warmth and comfort.

Sweet, spicy aromas waft through kitchens, promising a delightful sensory experience.

Soft, pillowy cookies blend traditional snickerdoodle goodness with seasonal pumpkin magic.

Cinnamon and nutmeg create a harmonious dance of flavors that tantalize taste buds.

Crisp edges give way to tender, melt-in-your-mouth centers that embody cozy moments.

Homemade treats like these revamp ordinary afternoons into special memories.

Baking these cookies connects you with cherished traditions and culinary creativity.

What You Get from Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles

  • Capture Seasonal Comfort: Infuse cozy autumn vibes with these pumpkin spice snickerdoodles that bring warmth and nostalgia to every delightful bite.
  • Texture Perfection: Enjoy a magical combination of crispy edges and soft, pillowy centers that melt beautifully in your mouth with delicate cinnamon-sugar crunch.
  • Effortless Baking Adventure: Create bakery-worthy cookies using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee success for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these delectable treats in under an hour, making them ideal for spontaneous gatherings, family desserts, or unexpected sweet cravings that demand immediate satisfaction.

Ingredients for These Soft, Spiced Cookies

Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweet base that helps create a crisp cookie exterior and enhances overall flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel-like sweetness to the cookie.
  • Butter, Shortening: Provides rich flavor and creates tender, soft cookie texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic background flavor to complement pumpkin spice.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to cookie's structure and richness.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for the cookie, providing necessary texture and stability.
  • Pumpkin Spice Instant Pudding Mix: Unique ingredient that adds extra flavor and moisture to the cookies.
  • Cream of Tartar: Classic snickerdoodle ingredient that creates signature tangy flavor and soft texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances overall sweet flavor profile.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Classic rolling mixture that creates sweet, spicy exterior and signature snickerdoodle crackle finish.

How to Bake Snickerdoodles with Fall Flavors

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

  • Grab a mixing bowl
  • Add granulated sugar
  • Add brown sugar
  • Add butter
  • Add shortening
  • Add vanilla extract

Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until the mixture looks fluffy and light.

Gently add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure everything blends perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • Sift flour
  • Add pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
  • Add cream of tartar
  • Add baking soda
  • Add salt

Mix these ingredients in a separate bowl until well combined.

Step 3: Create Cookie Dough

Slowly blend dry ingredients into the creamy mixture.

Mix until ingredients are just incorporated.

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor development.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • Combine granulated sugar
  • Add ground cinnamon

Mix in a shallow dish for rolling cookie dough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion dough.

Roll each portion into a perfect ball.

Generously coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Gently flatten the center of each ball using the bottom of a glass.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool and Store

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to a cooling rack.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.

Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles!

Tips for Chewy Centers and Spiced Sugar Tops

  • Chill for Flavor Depth: Refrigerate the dough overnight to enhance the pumpkin spice flavor and improve cookie texture.
  • Perfect Scoop Technique: Use a consistent 2 oz ice cream scoop to create uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
  • Sugar Coating Trick: Roll cookies generously in cinnamon-sugar mixture for a crispy, sparkling exterior that adds extra crunch and sweetness.
  • Gentle Baking Approach: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers remain soft to ensure a perfectly chewy texture.
  • Storage Secret: Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture and softness for several days.

Storing and Reheating Without Losing Texture

  • Refrigerate: Place cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Maintain quality for 2-3 months in the freezer.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to restore softness and bring back their delightful texture.

Tasty Add-Ons and Beverages to Serve With

  • Brew Pumpkin Spice Latte Companion: Complement these warm, spicy cookies with a homemade pumpkin spice latte that echoes the cookie's rich seasonal flavors, creating a cozy autumn taste experience that tingles your senses.
  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Chai: Enjoy these snickerdoodles alongside a smooth, spiced vanilla chai tea that enhances the cookie's subtle warmth and provides a delightful contrast to the cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Match with Caramel Apple Cider: Serve with a warm mug of caramel apple cider to amplify the autumnal essence, letting the sweet-tart notes of apple dance perfectly with the cookie's pumpkin spice undertones.
  • Indulge with Maple Pecan Ice Cream: Top or serve beside a scoop of maple pecan ice cream, creating a decadent dessert combination that celebrates fall's most beloved comfort flavors in one delicious moment.

Swaps for Flavor and Texture

  • Autumn Harvest Cookies: Replace pumpkin spice pudding mix with crushed pecans and add a drizzle of maple glaze for extra seasonal warmth.
  • Chocolate Chip Fusion: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough and sprinkle cocoa powder in the rolling sugar mixture for a rich chocolate undertone.
  • Cream Cheese Centered: Create a small well in each cookie before baking and fill with sweetened cream cheese for a luxurious surprise center.
  • Spiced Nut Crunch: Mix chopped walnuts into the dough and roll cookies in a blend of cinnamon, sugar, and finely ground nuts for added texture and depth of flavor.
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Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Warm pumpkin spice snickerdoodles bring autumn’s magical essence to classic cookie comfort. Cinnamon-sugar coating and rich seasonal spices create irresistible moments of pure fall happiness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened (2 sticks)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) box pumpkin spice instant pudding mix

Sweeteners:

  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • ¼ cup (57 grams) vegetable shortening, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Cream the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, shortening, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 2 minutes.
  2. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition and scraping down the bowl’s sides to ensure even integration.
  3. In a separate container, meticulously sift together flour, pumpkin spice pudding mix, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, stirring at low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookies’ delicate texture.
  5. Wrap the dough tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and dough to firm up. Overnight chilling yields optimal results.
  6. Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange parchment paper on two baking sheets, ensuring a non-stick surface for perfect cookie release.
  7. Prepare a rolling mixture by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish, creating a fragrant coating for the cookies.
  8. Using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon, portion the chilled dough into uniform balls. Thoroughly coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  9. Arrange cookie balls on prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to prevent spreading. Gently flatten the centers using the bottom of a glass.
  10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges become golden and centers remain slightly soft. The cookies will continue setting as they cool.
  11. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  12. Preserve the Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature, maintaining their soft, delectable texture for several days.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for at least an hour to enhance flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Use a precise 2 oz scoop for uniform cookie sizes and consistent baking results.
  • The pumpkin spice pudding mix adds extra moisture and intensifies the warm, seasonal flavor profile.
  • Flatten cookie centers gently to create a classic snickerdoodle texture with crisp edges and soft middles.
  • Cooling cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes helps them set without breaking.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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