Irresistible Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe You’ll Crave Every Fall

There’s something magical about the cozy scent of cinnamon and pumpkin floating through the kitchen on a cool, crisp day. These Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies combine the soft, chewy texture of traditional snickerdoodles with the warmth and spice of fall’s favorite ingredient—pumpkin. Whether you’re planning your autumn baking line-up or looking for a delightful pumpkin dessert, these cookies are your answer.

If you’re into sweet seasonal treats, you’ll also want to check out these Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or the festive Pumpkin Fluff Dip—both easy and crowd-pleasing options.

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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

This Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe is the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors while keeping things simple. Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:

• Soft, chewy texture with just the right amount of spice
• A cozy cinnamon-sugar coating for extra sweetness
• Quick to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Kid-friendly and great for sharing

For more fall-perfect desserts, try these Pumpkin Maple Blondies or the irresistibly moist Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips.

Ingredients for Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Yields about 24 cookies.

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Looking for another cookie with a cinnamon twist? Don’t miss these Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins or Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies for a flavor boost.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

1. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes on medium speed using a stand or hand mixer.

2. Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Add the pumpkin purée, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined. The mixture may appear slightly curdled—this is normal.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

4. Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading and enhances the cookie’s chewy texture.

5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Coating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for rolling.

6. Roll and Coat the Dough

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, then coat generously in the cinnamon-sugar mix.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops have light cracks.

8. Cool and Serve

Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

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Baking Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies

• Chill the dough to maintain shape and thickness
• Use pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling
• Slight underbaking keeps the centers soft and chewy
• Use a cookie scoop for consistent size

Love snickerdoodles? You’ll also enjoy this cozy Snickerdoodle Bread for an anytime sweet treat.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Wire cooling rack
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)

Storage Tips: How to Keep Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Fresh

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage:

• Freeze dough balls before baking for up to 3 months
• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to airtight containers

For another fall freezer-friendly recipe, try Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Delicious Pairings for Pumpkin Cookies (No Alcohol)

Pair these cookies with:

• Hot apple cider
• Chai or pumpkin spice latte
• Rooibos or cinnamon tea
• Cold milk or non-dairy alternatives like oat milk

Looking for the ultimate pumpkin breakfast? Check out Pumpkin French Toast Roll Ups for a cozy morning option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Adding too much flour can make cookies dry
• Skipping the chill time results in flat cookies
• Overmixing leads to tough texture
• Using pumpkin pie mix instead of purée affects flavor and texture

Craving another easy fall treat? Don’t skip these Maple Pumpkin Cookies.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Variations to Try

• Add white chocolate chips for creamy sweetness
• Stuff with cream cheese for a cheesecake-like surprise
• Make them vegan with plant-based butter and flax egg
• Try gluten-free flour blends for a wheat-free version

Need another gluten-free pumpkin dessert? These Chocolate Chip Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cookies are a winner.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

• Stack cookies in a rustic basket for gatherings
• Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for edible gifts
• Dust with extra cinnamon sugar before serving
• Pair with a seasonal fruit platter or caramel dip for parties

For a spooky seasonal spin, serve alongside Halloween Vampire Bite Cupcakes or Black Velvet Halloween Cake.

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Pumpkin Dessert FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! It can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
Usually, this happens if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough.

Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Yes, just make sure to purée and strain it well.

Do they freeze well?
Absolutely—freeze dough or baked cookies for quick fall treats later.

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe Tips for Fall Baking

• Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement
• Bake a test cookie to check oven temperature and texture
• Store leftover cinnamon-sugar for other fall recipes like Cinnamon Apple Bread
• Combine with other fall sweets like Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies for holiday trays

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious fall baking project, this Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe should be at the top of your list. With their tender crumb, warm spice, and sugary coating, these cookies are guaranteed to delight everyone who tries them.

Enjoyed this recipe? Be sure to share it with friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more comforting, seasonal recipes like Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal and Pumpkin Dump Cake.

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