If you’re a fan of the classic snickerdoodle, you’ll adore this twist on the beloved cookie. These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are the perfect way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. Soft, chewy, and bursting with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, they are a must-bake treat this season. Made with brown butter and pumpkin puree, these cookies will quickly become your new favorite Fall indulgence.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are the ideal Fall treat for those craving a comforting, seasonal twist on a classic. With their soft, chewy texture and the added warmth of pumpkin, these cookies are perfect for family gatherings, school snacks, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of coffee. The combination of brown butter and pumpkin puree adds a rich depth of flavor that makes these cookies stand out. And the cinnamon-sugar coating gives them that signature snickerdoodle crunch!
Ingredients
These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles come together with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour: Provides structure and chewiness to the cookies.
- Butter: Browned butter enhances the depth of flavor and gives these cookies a nutty, rich taste.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar and dark brown sugar provide sweetness and texture.
- Egg Yolk: Contributes to the chewy texture while maintaining moisture.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Molasses: A tablespoon of molasses adds extra coziness and enhances the cookie’s depth of flavor.
- Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar: Essential for achieving that signature snickerdoodle texture and slight tang.
- Spices: A mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies their warm Fall flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you don’t have a certain ingredient on hand, don’t worry. Here are some substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cloves, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead for a quicker alternative.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter and flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) in place of the butter and egg yolk.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles from scratch is easy and fun! Follow these steps to ensure they come out perfect every time:
- Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and once it begins to foam and crackle, continue cooking until golden brown bits form at the bottom. Remove from heat and let it cool in a bowl for 25-30 minutes.
- Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cooled brown butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix for about a minute until it resembles wet sand. Add the egg yolk, pumpkin puree, molasses, and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, spices, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the dough chills, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
- Shape the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Scoop the dough into 2-ounce portions using a large cookie scoop. Roll the dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the coated dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 2-3 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have cracks. Be careful not to over-bake.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with more cinnamon-sugar if desired.

Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Skip the Brown Butter: The nutty flavor it adds is unbeatable. Allow the butter to cool before mixing with the other ingredients for the best texture.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving that chewy, gooey center. Don’t skip this step.
- Monitor Baking Time: Be careful not to over-bake. For the softest, chewiest cookies, under-bake slightly. The cookies will continue to bake as they cool.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and desserts:
- Pair with Apple Cider: A warm cup of apple cider complements the spices in these cookies perfectly.
- Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cookies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodles: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist on this fall favorite.
Why You’ll Love Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are the epitome of Fall baking. With their soft, chewy texture, spicy warmth, and the richness of brown butter, they offer everything you want in a seasonal cookie. Perfect for cozying up with a hot drink or sharing with loved ones, this recipe will be a hit at every Fall gathering. Try them today, and savor the flavors of the season!
Conclusion
These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of Fall. With their soft, chewy texture, rich brown butter flavor, and the cozy warmth of pumpkin and spices, they make the perfect treat for any Fall occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or simply indulging in the season’s best flavors, this recipe will surely become a staple in your kitchen. The combination of fresh pumpkin puree and traditional snickerdoodle ingredients ensures that every bite is a comforting taste of Autumn. Don’t forget to double the batch—they’re too good to last!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe! Just make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid any added spices or sweeteners that could alter the flavor of the cookies.
2. Can I make these chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of gluten-free flour. Be sure to use a high-quality flour blend, such as King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour, for the best texture and results.
3. How do I make sure my cookies stay soft and chewy?
To ensure that your cookies stay soft and chewy, be sure to chill the dough before baking, and don’t over-bake them. Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set, but the tops still appear slightly soft. They’ll continue baking as they cool on the baking sheet.
4. How should I store these chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles?
Store your chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag. Defrost at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving.
More Relevant Recipes
- Snickerdoodle Cobbler: This recipe combines the classic snickerdoodle flavor with a warm, gooey cobbler texture. The perfect dessert for those who crave the comfort of snickerdoodles but want a twist on the traditional cookie form.
- Soft and Chewy Cinnamon Roll Cookies: These cinnamon roll-inspired cookies bring the same warm spice profile as the pumpkin snickerdoodles, but in a soft and chewy cookie form. Perfect for cinnamon lovers who enjoy a sweet, comforting dessert.
- Blueberry Goat Cheese Flatbread with Mint Honey: A savory-sweet flatbread that incorporates the seasonal flavors of blueberries and honey, making it a delightful option for those who enjoy combining bold, fresh flavors with a touch of sweetness similar to pumpkin desserts.

Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodles Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These chewy pumpkin snickerdoodles are a perfect Fall twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie. Made with brown butter, pumpkin puree, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies are soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, browned
- 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons (270g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80g) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon molasses (not blackstrap)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For cinnamon-sugar topping: 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Brown the butter by melting it in a saucepan on medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden and has a nutty aroma. Pour the browned butter into a bowl and chill for 25–30 minutes.
- In a stand mixer, combine the chilled brown butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix for about 1 minute until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Add the egg yolk, followed by the pumpkin puree, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, spices, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Chill the dough uncovered for 30 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for rolling the cookies. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough is firm, scoop out 2-ounce portions using a large cookie scoop. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2–3 inches between each. Bake for 9–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops begin to crack.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with additional cinnamon sugar if desired.
Notes
- Chill the dough to ensure chewy cookies with the right texture.
- Be careful not to over-bake; under-baking will keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- For best results, use pure pumpkin puree and blot out excess moisture before using.
- The browned butter adds depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg