Name: Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1 large egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For rolling: 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies combine the soft, buttery goodness of classic snickerdoodles with the cozy flavor of pumpkin and warm spices. Each bite is thick, chewy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar for the perfect fall twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies are thick, tender, and packed with real pumpkin flavor. They stay soft for days and fill my kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg as they bake. The pumpkin gives them moisture and depth, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds a crisp finish. They’re perfect for fall gatherings or just curling up with a warm drink. Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking soda
cream of tartar
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
ground ginger
salt
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
brown sugar
pumpkin puree
egg yolk
vanilla extract
cinnamon and sugar (for rolling)

Directions

I whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and spices in a bowl.
In another bowl, I cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
I mix in the pumpkin puree, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a soft dough forms.
I cover and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.
I scoop the dough into balls and roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
I place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
I let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 cookies. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to chill, and 10–12 minutes to bake.

Variations

I sometimes add white chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the dough.
For extra spice, I increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of cloves.
If I want extra chewy cookies, I underbake them slightly and let them finish on the baking sheet.
I’ve also used pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices for a shortcut.
For a smaller batch, I halve the recipe easily without any issues.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy thanks to the pumpkin. I can also freeze the dough balls for later and bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

No, I always use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, which will throw off the recipe.

Why chill the dough?

Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps keep them thick and chewy.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, I scoop and roll the dough balls, freeze them on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag. They bake beautifully straight from frozen.

How do I get perfect round cookies?

I sometimes shape the warm cookies gently with a spoon right after baking to make them nice and round.

Do these taste strongly of pumpkin?

They have a mild pumpkin flavor balanced by the cinnamon and sugar coating. It’s cozy and subtle, not overpowering.

Conclusion

Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are one of my favorite fall bakes. They’re soft, warmly spiced, and full of seasonal flavor—everything I want in a pumpkin treat. Whether I’m baking for a party, gift-giving, or just indulging at home, these cookies always bring comfort and smiles.