Fall is officially here, and what better way to embrace the cozy season than with a batch of warm, cinnamon-spiced cookies? If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, you know she’s all about comforting, family-friendly recipes. Inspired by her classic approach to baking, we’re diving into a delightful twist on a beloved cookie: Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. These aren’t just any snickerdoodles; they’re infused with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice, creating the ultimate fall treat that will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine.
Snickerdoodles are already a crowd-pleaser with their chewy texture and tangy cinnamon-sugar coating. Adding pumpkin takes them to a whole new level of autumnal deliciousness. The pumpkin flavor is subtle, not overpowering, allowing the classic snickerdoodle taste to shine through while adding a layer of moistness and warmth that’s just perfect for cooler days. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
- Perfectly Spiced: The combination of cinnamon and pumpkin spice creates a warm, inviting flavor that screams fall.
- Chewy and Soft: These cookies boast the signature chewy texture of snickerdoodles with an extra softness from the pumpkin puree.
- Easy to Make: With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a quick baking project.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be chilled ahead of time, and you can even freeze the dough balls for baking fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Inspired Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
To make these delightful pumpkin snickerdoodles, you’ll need a few pantry staples along with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of these cookies.
- Pumpkin Spice & Cinnamon: This dynamic duo provides the signature warm and spicy flavor.
- Baking Soda & Cream of Tartar: The secret to the classic snickerdoodle tang and chewy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is crucial for creating a soft and chewy cookie.
- Granulated & Light Brown Sugar: A mix of sugars adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Egg Yolk: Using just the yolk adds richness and tenderness. Make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that adds moisture, flavor, and autumnal flair. Be sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds the classic snickerdoodle coating flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Pioneer Woman-inspired Pumpkin Snickerdoodles:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 1-2 minutes. Creaming properly is essential for light and airy cookies.
- Incorporate Egg, Vanilla, and Pumpkin: Mix in the room temperature egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined. Then, add the pumpkin puree and mix until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling is crucial as it prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and helps develop flavor.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Coat: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Use a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop to form dough balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar coating until evenly covered.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the cookies are set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while still soft.
Recipe Notes for Baking Success
- Room Temperature Egg Yolk: Using a room temperature egg yolk helps it emulsify better into the dough, creating a smoother texture. If you forget to take your egg out in advance, simply place it in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes to quickly bring it to room temperature.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Pumpkin Puree vs. Pie Filling: Make sure you use pumpkin puree, which is just cooked pumpkin, and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners.
- Freezing Dough and Cookies: For make-ahead convenience, dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Roll them in the cinnamon-sugar coating just before baking and add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container.
Embrace Fall Baking with Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
These Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Inspired by the comforting and approachable style of The Pioneer Woman, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. The combination of pumpkin and classic snickerdoodle spices is simply irresistible, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon treat, a fall gathering, or a simple dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin snickerdoodles filling your home.
