Cozy Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles Recipe for Fall Baking

Fall’s golden embrace arrives with these irresistible pumpkin spice snickerdoodles that dance between classic comfort and seasonal magic.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg swirl through soft, chewy cookies guaranteed to make taste buds sing.

Delicate spices mingle with rich pumpkin, creating a treat that captures autumn’s essence in every bite.

Crisp edges give way to a tender center, promising pure delight with each crumbly morsel.

The classic snickerdoodle gets a cozy seasonal makeover that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these simple yet spectacular cookies that bring warmth to any kitchen.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to fill your home with the most irresistible autumn aroma.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes

Calories: 196 kcal

Servings: 22

Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles: Ingredient List

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie exterior.
• Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and deep caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy taste and helps with cookie texture.
• Shortening: Ensures a soft, tender crumb and helps cookies maintain shape.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds aromatic depth.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to cookie structure.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookie.
• Pumpkin Spice Instant Pudding Mix: Infuses warm autumn flavors and adds moisture.
• Cream of Tartar: Provides tanginess and helps cookies achieve classic snickerdoodle texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates soft, chewy interior.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a delightful crispy, spiced exterior that adds visual appeal and extra flavor complexity.

Tools for Rolling and Baking Snickerdoodle Dough

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming sugar, butter, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and creating cookie dough.
• Separate mixing bowl: Used for sifting and mixing dry ingredients.
• Baking sheets: Needed to bake and arrange cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Shallow dish: Great for rolling cookies in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• 2 oz ice cream scoop or tablespoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.
• Glass bottom: Useful for slightly flattening cookie dough balls.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Sifter: Helps blend dry ingredients without lumps.

How to Make Pumpkin-Spiced Cookies Perfectly

Cozy Kitchen Adventure

• Sugar Blend Magic

Grab your mixer and dance those sugars, butter, and vanilla into a fluffy cloud of happiness. Whip it until the mixture looks light and dreamy, creating a sweet foundation for your cookie masterpiece.

• Egg Celebration

Welcome each egg into the mixture one by one, giving them a warm mixing hug. Watch as your batter transforms into a silky smooth texture that promises deliciousness.

• Dry Ingredient Symphony

In a separate bowl, gather your flour, pumpkin spice mix, and other dry friends. Gently combine them, creating a powdery landscape of flavor potential.

• Dough Relaxation

Softly fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix – just whisper them together. Wrap your dough in plastic and let it chill in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and develop.

• Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish, creating a sparkly, fragrant coating that will make your cookies irresistible.

• Cookie Transformation

Roll dough into adorable balls, then give each one a luxurious spin in the cinnamon sugar. Place them on a baking sheet, leaving room for cookie happiness.

• Oven Magic

Bake at 375°F until edges turn golden and centers remain soft. Let cookies rest briefly before transferring to a cooling rack, where they’ll continue their delicious journey.

Fall Flavor Enhancers for Cookie Fans

• Swap pumpkin spice pudding mix with vanilla or butterscotch pudding for unique flavor twists that keep your taste buds guessing.
• Fold in chopped pecans or white chocolate chips to add delightful crunch and extra richness to your snickerdoodle experience.
• Prepare cookie dough up to three days in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and making last-minute baking a breeze.
• Use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent over-browning and ensure evenly baked cookies with soft, tender centers every single time.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your pudding mix is gluten-free to create a delicious alternative for sensitive bakers.

Present Snickerdoodles Warm with a Smile

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Platter: Arrange these warm, spiced cookies alongside a steaming mug of apple cider or chai tea for a delightful fall-inspired treat.
• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap these snickerdoodles in clear cellophane with a rustic twine bow, creating a perfect homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
• Dessert Pairing Delight: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with extra pumpkin pie spice for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a beautiful cookie platter for weekend brunches, complementing other seasonal treats like pumpkin bread or apple turnovers.

Storage Advice to Keep Cookies Soft

• Cookie Jar Magic: Stack cookies between wax paper layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture for up to 5 days.
• Freezer Friendly Trick: Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls in plastic wrap, store in freezer-safe bags, and freeze for 3 months – perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.
• Moisture Control Hack: Add a slice of bread to your cookie container to keep snickerdoodles soft and chewy, preventing them from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Temperature Wisdom: Room temperature storage works best, avoiding direct sunlight or humid areas that can compromise the cookies' delectable quality and crisp edges.

Cozy Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Warm autumn days invite classic pumpkin spice snickerdoodles that blend comforting spices with sweet cookie charm. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these treats irresistible for seasonal gatherings where you’ll savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened (2 sticks)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (3.4 oz / 96 grams) box pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (57 grams) vegetable shortening, room temperature
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar (for rolling)
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsps cream of tartar
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon (for rolling)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Whip Base: Use an electric mixer to cream granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, shortening, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale, approximately 2 minutes.
2. Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly and scraping bowl sides to ensure complete incorporation.
3. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour, pumpkin spice pudding mix, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt together, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
4. Dough Formation: Fold dry ingredients into the creamed mixture at low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix and preserve the cookies’ delicate texture.
5. Chill and Rest: Wrap dough tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to develop and dough to firm up. Overnight chilling recommended for enhanced taste.
6. Preheat and Prepare: Set oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie release.
7. Coating Setup: Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish to create a fragrant rolling mixture for the cookies.
8. Shape and Coat: Portion chilled dough into uniform balls using an ice cream scoop, then thoroughly roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
9. Baking Process: Arrange coated cookie balls on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently flatten centers with the bottom of a glass.
10. Final Baking and Cooling: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain slightly soft. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. Storage: Store Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft, delectable texture for several days.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Handle Mixing Carefully: Mix dry ingredients gently and avoid overmixing to maintain the cookies’ tender, delicate texture and prevent toughness.
• Control Baking Precision: Watch cookies closely during last 2 minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden edges while keeping centers soft and chewy.
• Store Smartly: Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature to preserve moisture and maintain optimal soft, delectable texture for 3-4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 196
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 72 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg