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Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

chef Laya
These pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies are soft, chewy fall cookies made with blotted pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and cream of tartar. Each cookie is rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked until lightly set for a tender center and a classic snickerdoodle finish.
Prepr Time 20 minutes
Cooking Time 10 minutes
1 hour
ToTal Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Type of plate Dessert
kitchen American
Serving 12

Ingredients
  

For the pumpkin snickerdoodle dough

  • 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree blotted with paper towels
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the cinnamon-sugar coating

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice optional

Instructions
 

  • Measure the pumpkin puree, then spread it onto several layers of paper towels. Gently blot with additional paper towels to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until light and creamy.
  • Add the egg yolk, blotted pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients in two additions, mixing on low speed only until no visible flour remains. Do not overmix.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and optional pumpkin pie spice for the coating.
  • Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of chilled dough and roll it into a ball. Roll the dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely coated.
  • Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use plain pumpkin puree, not sweetened pumpkin pie filling.
  • Blotting the pumpkin puree helps prevent overly cakey cookies.
  • Cream of tartar provides the classic snickerdoodle tang and works with baking soda for the right texture.
  • Chill the dough for at least 1 hour for thicker cookies that spread less.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze baked cookies or unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months.