Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Treat!

Blending the delightful tastes of cinnamon, sugar, and pumpkin, Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookies with a creamy cheese filling are the epitome of soft, chewy indulgence. This straightforward recipe for pumpkin cookies is essential for the autumn baking season. With their rich spices and luscious center, these treats are a dream for anyone who adores pumpkin. They make a tempting snack or a comforting dessert for those crisp fall days.

Embrace the season of autumn treats with more pumpkin-inspired recipes that are perfect for any event: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, or Pumpkin French Toast Muffins.

Reasons to Adore Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookies

These cookies are bound to be a hit whether you’re a pumpkin enthusiast or just in search of a novel cookie recipe to try.

• Soft & Chewy Texture: The inclusion of pumpkin and cream cheese ensures these cookies are moist and chewy to perfection.
• Loaded with Autumnal Spices: The cozy flavors of cinnamon and sugar paired with pumpkin make every bite a celebration of fall.
• Simple to Prepare: These cookies are easy to whip up with just a few basic ingredients.
• A Favorite at Gatherings: Perfect for holiday festivities, a snug dessert at home, or even as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Cream Cheese Filling: The creamy filling elevates these cookies, making them truly irresistible.
• They will quickly become a favorite treat during the pumpkin season once you try them!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Cookies

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor. Ensure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling!
• Cream Cheese: Provides a luscious and creamy filling, adding a sweet tang that complements the spiced pumpkin beautifully.
• Butter: Softened butter imparts a rich, buttery flavor and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
• Sugar and Brown Sugar: This sugar combination provides the right sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s chewiness.
• Cinnamon: This warm spice is the perfect match for pumpkin.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates the overall flavor profile and adds a sweet, warm aroma.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure, resulting in cookies that are soft yet hold together well.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and maintain a fluffy texture.

Creating Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling

The process of making these Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Filling is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps for guaranteed success:

Begin by preparing the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Chill the dough for at least an hour to simplify handling.

For the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, blend softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla until smooth.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

To assemble the cookies, flatten 1 tablespoon of cookie batter like a pancake. Place 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Cover with another tablespoon of flattened cookie batter, seal the edges, and gently form into a ball. Roll the cookie dough ball in a cinnamon-sugar mix to coat evenly.

Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Flatten the balls slightly with a heavy-bottomed glass. If desired, sprinkle additional cinnamon-sugar on top.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cookies are slightly firm and begin to crack on top. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these warm Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookies with a dollop of cream cheese, best served with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a quintessential fall treat!

Tips for Achieving Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your pumpkin cookies come out soft and chewy:

Use Pure Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling: Pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, which can alter the desired texture and flavor of your cookies. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for optimal results.

Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, keeping the cookies thick and chewy.

Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender.

Opt for Brown Sugar: Brown sugar not only adds moisture but also enhances the chewy texture when combined with granulated sugar.

Accurate Flour Measurement: Over-measuring flour can lead to dense cookies. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the best results.

Avoid Overbaking: The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet, achieving the perfect soft texture.

Add Cream Cheese Filling for Extra Moisture: The cream cheese not only adds flavor but also keeps the cookies moist and tender.

Proper Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.

Common Questions About Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookies

1. Can I skip the cream cheese? Yes, the cream cheese filling is optional. Omitting it yields classic Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Cookies.
2. How long do these cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies remain fresh for 3-4 days. They can last up to a week in the refrigerator, though they may harden slightly.
3. Is homemade pumpkin puree suitable? Absolutely, but ensure it’s well-drained to prevent soggy cookies.
4. Why chill the dough? Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping maintain the cookies’ thickness and chewiness during baking.
5. Can I alter the spices? Feel free to adjust the spices to taste or add others as desired.
6. What if my cookies spread too much? Excessive spreading might be due to insufficient chilling or too much butter. Ensure proper chilling and accurate measuring to prevent this.

If You Enjoy Cream Cheese and Pumpkin, You Might Also Like:

Imagine a combination of perfectly spiced, soft, and moist pumpkin muffins with a delicious cream cheese filling, topped with a crunchy brown sugar cinnamon streusel and a sweet glaze. This is the ultimate comfort food for fall.

Explore more similar recipes:

• Apple Snickerdoodles
• Pumpkin Roll Muffins
• Snickerdoodle Poppers
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

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