Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies saved my week more than once. As a chef who builds menus and tests recipes while juggling family life, I know a warm treat can reset a hectic day in minutes. Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies blend fall’s best pumpkin spice with a soft, comforting center and a cinnamon-sugar crunch that satisfies both kid and adult palates. This recipe uses pantry staples, scales for a crowd, and proves that a single batch can turn weeknights into something special. Read on, and you’ll see how a simple, cozy bake becomes a go-to ritual in my kitchen and yours—a sweet moment you can repeat anytime.
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what make this Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies special
I was juggling three deadlines when I baked my first batch of Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. The kitchen filled with cinnamon and pumpkin before I even checked the timer. In that soft center and warm crumb, I found a tiny anchor in a busy week.
The Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies story
The texture is a hug—soft, with a cinnamon-sugar kiss on the outside. The aroma drifts through the house, turning chores into a cozy moment. It tastes like fall in a bite: pumpkin, spice, and butter warming the soul.
Texture, aroma, and the fall vibe of Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
For busy days, this recipe stays simple. Pantry staples do the heavy lifting, and a small batch bakes up fast enough to share.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Quick, forgiving dough and pantry staples
I reach for this dough when time is tight. It comes together in one bowl with pantry staples.
If you overmix a little, no big deal; the dough stays soft.
Chill a bit if you like, but you can bake right away.
A comforting, crowd-pleasing flavor profile
These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are pumpkin spice in a warm hug. The aroma fills the room and calms a chaotic day.
The cinnamon-sugar crust adds a sweet crunch, while the tender center stays soft after cooling. Pair with coffee, milk, or tea for a cozy moment.
Ingredients Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
To build this chewy batch, I reach for pantry staples that come together quickly. Browned butter and pumpkin puree bring richness. Two sugars keep the texture soft and flavor balanced. Vanilla and salt brighten the spice. Exact quantities for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are listed at the bottom.
Core ingredients for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Butter, pumpkin puree, and brown sugar form the backbone. White sugar adds lift; egg yolk gives richness. Vanilla rounds sweetness; salt heightens spices. All-purpose flour provides structure; baking soda and cream of tartar keep cookies tender. Pumpkin pie spice adds warmth. For the coat, sugar with cinnamon creates the crunch.
Substitutions and pantry tips
Try half butter, half coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Dark brown sugar adds depth; light brown is milder. You can swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar. Egg yolk gives richness; replace with flax egg. Chill the dough if it’s soft.
Sourcing and optional add-ins
Core ingredients appear on grocery shelves. Look for unsalted butter and pure pumpkin puree. Optional add-ins include white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, crystallized ginger. Exact quantities appear at the bottom of the article.
How to Make Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Step 1 — Preheat, line, and gather
I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. I gather the ingredients and tools, keeping them within arm’s reach. This quick setup keeps the bake flowing, even on busy weeknights.
Step 2 — Brown the butter for depth
I brown the butter in a light-colored pan until it smells nutty. I swirl the pan to catch the milk solids turning golden. I set it aside to cool slightly before mixing.
Step 3 — Whisk wet ingredients until smooth
In a large bowl I whisk together the browned butter, sugars, pumpkin puree, yolk, and vanilla. This is where Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies come alive. The mixture should look glossy and feel silky.
Step 4 — Whisk dry ingredients with pumpkin pie spice
In another bowl I whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Dry ingredients should mingle evenly so the cookies bake evenly. I just whisk until no ribbons remain.
Step 5 — Combine wet and dry to form a soft dough
I pour the dry mix into the wet and stir until a soft dough forms. I avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. If it sticks a touch, chill 15 minutes or dust with flour.
Step 6 — Coat in cinnamon sugar and portion
I mix cinnamon with sugar for a fragrant coating. I scoop roughly 1.5 tablespoons, roll into balls, and coat. This cinnamon-sugar crust is the promise of crunch and warmth.
Step 7 — Bake, shape lightly, and cool
I bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges set and centers stay soft. I let them rest on the pan for five minutes. Then I transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Troubleshooting and tips for even results
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it 15 minutes.
- If the tops crack, avoid overbaking and keep an eye on centers.
- For even browning, rotate trays halfway through baking.
Tips for Success with Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Don’t overbake for that soft center
Keep an eye on Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies and pull them when edges set, centers still soft. They firm up as they cool for that perfect bite.
Chilling options and scoop sizing
If the dough is sticky, chill 15 minutes to ease scooping. I aim for 1.5 tablespoons per ball for even baking.
Flavor and texture tweaks you can try
Boost pumpkin spice with a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. For texture, fold in white chocolate chips or chopped pecans after the dough comes together.
Equipment Needed for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
I keep this lean toolkit handy. It helps every batch flow smoothly.
Essential tools (and easy substitutes)
- Mixing bowls, preferably one large and one small
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Saucepan or heavy skillet for browning butter
- Baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1.5-tablespoon scoop or rounded tablespoon for portions
Variations of Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
I love riffing on Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies to suit moods, diets, or holiday menus. Here are my go-to variations that keep that cozy pumpkin-spice magic intact while fitting busy weeks.
Pumpkin spice twists and add-ins
- Fold in white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for sweetness and crunch.
- Dust in a pinch more cinnamon or a whisper of nutmeg for warmth.
- Stir in crystallized ginger or dried cranberries for holiday sparkle.
Gluten-free and dairy-free options
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with a pinch of xanthan gum; don’t overmix.
- Swap browned butter for coconut oil or dairy-free butter; you can brown the oil for nutty aroma.
- Replace the yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 2.5 tablespoons water) per yolk.
Mini versions or larger cookies
- Mini cookies (about 1 inch) bake 8–9 minutes for bite-size treats.
- Large cookies (about 2.5 inches) bake 14–16 minutes; keep centers soft and chewy.
Serving Suggestions for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies shine when they’re warm and just out of the oven. I love pairing them with coffee, chai, or a cozy mug of apple cider.

Plate them on a rustic board with a light cinnamon-sugar dusting for a simple, festive tablescape.
Pairings and plate presentation
- Serve warm on a wooden tray with cinnamon sugar shimmer.
- Pair with coffee, chai, or pumpkin-spice latte for harmony.
- Offer vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for dipping.
Make It Your Own: Personalizing Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Flavor customization ideas
I love tweaking spices to capture mood and season. Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies become personal in every batch.
A pinch more cinnamon lifts memories of autumn markets. A whisper of cloves adds cozy depth and glow to mornings.
Try orange zest for brightness and a sunny twist. Crystallized ginger or dried cranberries bring holiday sparkle.
I love mixing in white chocolate chips for mellow sweetness. Chopped pecans give crunch and a toasty note.
For dairy-free friends, coconut oil or flax eggs work. They still deliver soft centers and fragrant spice.
If you’re gifting, consider mini versions and festive tins. Label with bake times and a note about reheating.
These tweaks keep the core pumpkin-spice magic intact while tailoring for any crowd. Your kitchen becomes a friendly test bench, delivering joy bite by bite.
Packaging, gifting, and batch-prep strategies
When I want to share joy, I bake extra and package them like gifts. These little tins become instant moments of comfort for neighbors, teachers, or teammates.
A handwritten note adds warmth, and a touch of cinnamon sugar feels festive. I love gifting warm cookies with cozy tea, reminding someone to pause.
Stash dough balls in the freezer for quick bakes on busy evenings. Chill the dough for easier scooping and thicker centers later.
- Freeze dough balls on a lined tray, then bag for later and freeze up to three months.
- Label bags with date and bake instructions for easy recall.
- Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time.
- Reuse parchment or silicone mats for easy cleanup and less waste.
- Include a simple recipe card for gifts with reheating tips.
- Pack with a ribbon and a cinnamon-sugar dusting sachet.
Personalize packaging by including a handwritten note or a small spice sachet. This simple touch keeps sweetness plus efficiency in balance.
Your gifts feel thoughtful without extra stress. Batch-prep on Sundays and have ready-to-bake treats all week.
FAQs about Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Can I freeze the dough for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze dough balls for Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, simplifying weeknight baking.
Freeze on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then stash in bags for up to three months.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works as a substitute for fresh pumpkin in Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies.
Avoid pumpkin pie filling; it adds sweetness and extra moisture that can throw off texture.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can make Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies vegan or dairy-free with simple swaps.
Use coconut oil or vegan butter, replace the yolk with a flax egg, and choose vegan sugar.
How should I store and reheat Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies?
Store the finished Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies at room temperature in an airtight container.
Reheat gently in a low oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore that softness.
Can I bake ahead and freeze baked Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies?
If you bake ahead, you can freeze baked Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies for later.
Bake from frozen or reheat in a warm oven to revive that soft center quickly and evenly.
Final Thoughts
Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are more than a treat; they’re a tiny reset button. They fill a chaotic evening with warm spice and a welcoming aroma.
I reach for them when deadlines loom and meals feel repetitive. The recipe is forgiving, quick, and easy to scale for neighbors or teams.
With pumpkin spice and cinnamon sugar, every bite tastes like fall. Baking becomes a ritual I share, from family dinners to gift tins.
These cookies stay soft, even as the day cools outside. I love packing a few for friends, co-workers, or a neighbor.
They travel well, and a quick reheat revives their cozy heart. Here’s to many more batches.
Print
Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies 27mins Epic Delish Yum.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 13 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are ultra-soft, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies bursting with pumpkin spice—a fall baking obsession.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for dough)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then let it cool slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk together browned butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Combine dry ingredients with the wet and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl for coating.
- Scoop dough (about 1.5 tbsp per cookie), roll into balls, and coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Place on baking sheet and slightly flatten the tops.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and centers look soft. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Notes
- Browned butter adds a rich, nutty flavor—let it cool slightly before mixing.
- The dough is soft; chilling for 15–20 minutes can make scooping easier if needed.
- Cookies may look soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
Keywords: Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, pumpkin snickerdoodles, pumpkin spice cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, fall cookies, pumpkin cookies, soft cookies