When the crisp air of fall starts rolling in, it’s the perfect time to indulge in warm, comforting baked treats. One of the best ways to embrace the season is with a batch of delicious pumpkindoodle cookies. These soft and chewy pumpkin snickerdoodle hybrids combine the warm spices of snickerdoodles with the rich flavor of pumpkin, creating a perfect fall treat. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just in need of a cozy cookie, these pumpkindoodle cookies will hit the spot!
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Why You’ll Love These Pumpkindoodle Cookies
These pumpkindoodle cookies are everything you love about fall—comforting, flavorful, and perfectly chewy. They are the perfect blend of pumpkin flavor and snickerdoodle goodness. The dough is easy to make, and the cookies bake up to golden perfection, with crisp edges and a soft, tender center. Best of all, the pumpkin spice sugar coating adds an extra layer of seasonal flavor that will have your taste buds celebrating fall in every bite. These cookies are quick, family-friendly, and sure to become a new favorite in your autumn baking repertoire.
Ingredients for Pumpkindoodle Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
- Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the dough.
- Margarine: Helps to create a soft and chewy cookie texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the spices.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise.
- Pumpkin Puree: This is the star ingredient, providing that signature fall flavor.
- Corn Syrup: Ensures the cookies stay chewy and soft.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the dough with a subtle sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cookie dough.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread and get crispy around the edges.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Sugar and Pumpkin Spice: This mixture is used to coat the cookie dough, giving the cookies that irresistible pumpkin spice flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize the recipe or you’re missing a key ingredient, here are some helpful substitutions:
- Butter and Margarine: You can swap margarine with more butter, but the texture might be slightly firmer.
- Corn Syrup: If you don’t have corn syrup, you can use honey as a substitute to achieve a similar chewiness.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you’re using pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
- Flour: For a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check for other ingredients, like xanthan gum, that help with the texture.
How to Make Pumpkindoodle Cookies
Making these delicious pumpkindoodle cookies is easy and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, or using a hand mixer, cream together the butter, margarine, and granulated sugar until well combined and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, pumpkin puree, corn syrup, and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Dough Balls: Scoop out 2 1/2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball.
- Coat in Sugar and Pumpkin Spice: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Roll each dough ball in this mixture until fully coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 11-13 minutes. They will flatten out and the edges should turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pumpkindoodle Cookies
- Check the Consistency: If your dough seems too sticky or wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time to help firm it up. The dough should be easy to roll into balls.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies, as they bake quickly. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, margarine, and egg are at room temperature for the best texture in your cookies.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These pumpkindoodle cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of other treats and drinks. Here are some ideas:
- Pair with Hot Chocolate: These cookies make a perfect pairing with a warm cup of hot chocolate or apple cider on a crisp fall day.
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a richer flavor, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
- Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches: Make a fun twist by turning these cookies into pumpkin ice cream sandwiches for an extra special treat.
How to Store and Make Ahead
These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container or bag.
The Perfect Fall Cookie: Pumpkindoodle Cookies
Pumpkindoodle cookies are a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Combining the comforting taste of snickerdoodles with pumpkin and spice, these cookies offer a delicious balance of soft texture and rich autumn flavors. Whether you’re baking them for a family treat or a fall gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Perfectly Soft Pumpkindoodle Cookies
These pumpkindoodle cookies are the ultimate fall treat, combining all the rich flavors of pumpkin and spice with the soft, chewy texture of a classic snickerdoodle. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy evening at home or bringing them to a gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Their golden edges, perfectly spiced coating, and tender center make them irresistible. Plus, with simple ingredients and a straightforward process, making them is as enjoyable as eating them. So, go ahead and bake a batch, and let the aroma of freshly baked pumpkindoodle cookies fill your home with warmth and joy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s best to use plain pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which can alter the taste and texture of the cookies.
2. How do I keep my pumpkindoodle cookies from spreading too much?
If you notice that your cookies spread too much, try adding an extra tablespoon of flour to the dough. This can help prevent them from flattening too much as they bake. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape.
3. Can I freeze pumpkindoodle cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough. Portion out the dough into balls, roll them in the sugar-pumpkin spice mixture, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free pumpkindoodle cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure that your baking soda is also gluten-free, and you should have no problems with this swap.
More Relevant Recipes
- Apple Pie Snickerdoodles: A delicious fusion of snickerdoodle cookies and warm apple pie flavors, these cookies are spiced with cinnamon and perfect for fall. The soft, chewy texture and sweet apple filling make them an ideal treat for anyone who loves both snickerdoodles and pumpkin desserts.
- Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake: For a rich and indulgent dessert, this pumpkin version of the famous “Better Than Sex Cake” is sure to satisfy. Combining moist pumpkin cake with decadent layers of caramel and whipped cream, it’s a perfect autumn treat that complements the flavors of your favorite fall cookies.
- Soft Molasses Cookies: These soft molasses cookies are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, offering a warm and comforting flavor similar to snickerdoodles. The chewy texture makes them a great alternative for those who enjoy a spiced cookie with a hint of fall zest.

Pumpkindoodle Cookies
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkindoodle cookies are a delicious fall treat that combines the best of pumpkin flavor and snickerdoodle spices. These soft, chewy cookies are rolled in a sweet pumpkin spice sugar mixture, making them a perfect snack or dessert for the autumn season.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup margarine, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 heaping tsp pumpkin pie spice (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the butter, margarine, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg, pumpkin puree, corn syrup, and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
- Scoop out about 2 1/2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie, roll into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup sugar and pumpkin pie spice for coating. Roll each dough ball in the sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Place the coated dough balls back on the baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time to help firm it up.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 201mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 23mg