Are you ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fall and sink your teeth into the softest, most flavor-packed cookies of the season? Look no further! Our 15-minute Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are about to become your new autumn obsession. Imagine biting into a pillowy-soft cookie bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavors, all wrapped up in a sugary cinnamon embrace. The best part? You can whip up these heavenly treats in less time than it takes to watch your favorite sitcom episode!
The Magic Behind the Softness
First and foremost, the secret to the pillowy texture lies in the perfect balance of ingredients. By incorporating real pumpkin puree, we not only infuse authentic fall flavor but also ensure a wonderfully moist texture. Additionally, the careful selection of leavening agents contributes to the cookie’s heavenly softness, which makes these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles irresistible.
Spice is Everything Nice
Next, let’s talk about the spice blend that makes these cookies truly special. While you could use pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice, we recommend creating your own blend for a custom touch. Consequently, you’ll have cookies that are uniquely yours, with the perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. These spices really enhance the Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.
The Snickerdoodle Twist
Furthermore, what sets these apart from regular pumpkin cookies is the classic snickerdoodle coating. As a result of rolling the dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, you get that signature crackly, spicy exterior that perfectly complements the soft interior of the Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.
Baking to Perfection
Moreover, the baking process is crucial for achieving the ideal texture. Despite the temptation to bake them longer, removing the cookies when they still look slightly underbaked is key. Subsequently, they’ll continue to set on the baking sheet, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth consistency we’re after with these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.
Customization Station: Make Them Your Own
In addition to the classic recipe, there are numerous ways to personalize these cookies. For instance, you might add chocolate chips for a decadent twist, or incorporate chopped nuts for extra crunch. Alternatively, a drizzle of maple glaze can take these Pumpkin Snickerdoodles to new heights of autumn indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
To address common queries, we’ve compiled a list of FAQs about Pumpkin Snickerdoodles:
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- How do I store these cookies to keep them soft?
- Can I make these gluten-free?
- How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- Can I freeze these cookies?
Conclusion: Your New Autumn Tradition
In conclusion, these Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are more than just a quick treat; they’re a celebration of fall flavors. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a cherished autumn tradition. So, preheat that oven and get ready to fill your home with the cozy aroma of pumpkin and spice!
Soft Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar (see notes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone ma
- Whisk dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Add pumpkin puree: Beat in pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
- Chill dough: Chill dough for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar: Roll dough into balls, about 1 1/2 tablespoons each. Then, roll balls in cinnamon sugar to coat.
- Bake: Place balls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Notes
- Cinnamon sugar: Mix together 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Soft cookies: To ensure soft cookies, take them out of the oven when they are lightly golden brown and still slightly soft to the touch.
- Pumpkin puree: Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Add-ins: Add-ins, such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips, can be added to the dough for added flavor and texture.
- Spices: Additional spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, can be added to the dough for extra flavor.
- Glaze: A glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled over the cookies for an extra sweet touch.
- Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Soft Pumpkin Spice Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger to the dough for an extra spicy flavor.
- Soft Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1 cup rolled oats to the dough for a hearty and wholesome cookie.