Pumpkindoodle Cookies with Pumpkin Puree

Hello, friends! Welcome to my cozy kitchen, where the aroma of warm spices and comforting bakes fills the air. Today, I’m sharing a family favorite — my delightful Pumpkindoodle Cookies. These little gems are a perfect blend of pumpkin and snickerdoodle flavors, and they always make me think of crisp autumn days and family gatherings. There’s something magical about how these cookies bring everyone together around the table, sharing stories and laughter. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your home, just as it is in mine!

Why You’ll Love This Cookie Recipe

• Comfort Food Delight: These cookies are the epitome of comfort food. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and bursting with warm, spiced pumpkin flavor. Each bite is a cozy hug that warms you from the inside out, making these cookies the perfect companion for those chilly autumn nights.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even a novice baker will find these cookies a breeze to whip up. The recipe is straightforward with no complicated techniques, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the cookies and less time fussing over them.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for baking with the kids. They’ll love rolling the dough in sugar and, of course, sampling the cookies hot from the oven. It’s a wonderful way to introduce them to the joys of baking and create lasting memories in the kitchen.
• Accessible Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry. No need for a special trip to the store! Common baking staples come together to create something extraordinary, demonstrating that you don’t need fancy ingredients for exceptional flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply want a cozy treat, these cookies fit the bill. Their warm spices and pumpkin flavor make them an excellent choice for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any casual get-together.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and makes clean-up a breeze.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices, ensuring a consistent flavor and texture in every cookie.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and well combined. The creaming process is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the cookies rise.
4. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until smooth. This step adds moisture and flavor, while the egg acts as a binder to hold everything together.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
6. Pour the 1/4 cup granulated sugar into a small bowl. This sugar is for rolling and adds a delightful crunch to the cookie exterior.
7. Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into balls, then roll each ball in the sugar to coat. This step gives the cookies their signature snickerdoodle appearance and a satisfying texture.
8. Place the dough balls onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This allows them room to spread as they bake.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked. The cracks are a sign of a well-baked cookie that’s soft and chewy on the inside.
10. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This brief cooling period helps them firm up, making them easier to transfer without breaking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies

Tips:
– Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the cookie’s taste. – Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. This step is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowls: One medium and one large. Having multiple sizes makes it easier to keep wet and dry ingredients separate until you’re ready to combine them.
• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer works well. Using a mixer helps achieve the right texture and consistency quickly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in measurements. Baking is a science, and precise measurements ensure the perfect cookie.
• Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This also prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake more evenly.
• Cooling Racks: To cool the cookies evenly. Allowing air to circulate around the cookies prevents them from becoming soggy.

The Benefits of Each Ingredient

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies. It’s the foundation that supports all the other ingredients.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy. It reacts with the acids in the brown sugar and pumpkin, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that lift the dough.
• Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger): These spices add warmth and depth, elevating the pumpkin flavor. They transform simple cookies into a flavorful fall treat.
• Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cookies. It’s essential for a soft texture and buttery flavor.
• Sugars (Granulated and Brown): Both sugars contribute to the sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar adding a hint of caramel. This blend creates a depth of flavor that’s both sweet and complex.
• Pumpkin Puree: This is the star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and moisture. It also lends the cookies their beautiful orange hue and keeps them soft.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the cookies together. It also adds richness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of sweetness. It complements the spices and pumpkin, rounding out the cookie’s flavor profile.

What to Serve With These Cookies

These Pumpkindoodle Cookies are delightful on their own, but here are a few pairing suggestions:

• Coffee or Tea: The perfect afternoon treat with your favorite warm beverage. The spices in the cookies pair wonderfully with the rich flavors of coffee or the soothing notes of tea.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For a simple yet indulgent dessert, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced cookies.
• Warm Apple Cider: Enhance the autumnal vibes with a mug of spiced apple cider. The spices in the cider will harmonize with those in the cookies, creating an aromatic and festive experience.

For more cozy recipes, check out my Classic Beef Stew or the comforting Chicken Pot Pie on mateorecipes.blog.

Storage & Leftover Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They retain their softness and flavor beautifully. A slice of bread in the container can help keep them moist.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just roll them in sugar, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for having fresh cookies on demand.
• Refrigeration: While refrigeration isn’t necessary, if you prefer a chilled cookie, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.

For more baking tips, visit King Arthur Baking for expert advice on perfecting your cookies every time.

As we wrap up, I hope you feel inspired to try these Pumpkindoodle Cookies and share them with your loved ones. Cooking and baking are all about bringing people together, creating memories, and enjoying delicious food. Remember, there’s no better way to show you care than with a homemade treat. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how your cookies turn out!