Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Cozy up this fall with these delightful Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. Perfectly spiced and irresistibly soft, these cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the warm essence of pumpkin and a hint of cinnamon sugar. They are a festive twist on a classic favorite, making them an ideal treat to share with kids and family during Thanksgiving.

Holly James

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2025-12-01T15:39:35.803Z

These cookies are inspired by the warm flavors of fall, combining the richness of brown butter with the sweetness of pumpkin. Perfect for sharing!

The Magic of Brown Butter

Brown butter is a culinary treasure that elevates many dishes with its rich, nutty flavor. By toasting the butter until it turns golden brown, you develop a depth of flavor that is both savory and sweet. This magical transformation not only enhances the taste of your cookies but also adds a beautiful aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake. It's a simple technique that makes a world of difference, especially in baked goods like these Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Incorporating brown butter into your cookie recipe creates a unique base that pairs perfectly with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices. You’ll find that each bite contains layers of flavor that dance on your palate, showcasing the harmonious balance between the earthiness of pumpkin and the caramelized notes of brown butter. This little twist on a classic cookie recipe ensures that these cookies are anything but ordinary.

The Delight of Pumpkin and Spice

Pumpkin is not just a fall favorite; it’s packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, making your treats a little healthier. In these cookies, pumpkin puree contributes moisture and tenderness, ensuring they remain soft and chewy. The addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives them a comforting warmth that evoked memories of cozy autumn days spent with loved ones.

The flavor combination in these cookies goes beyond tradition. Each spice contributes its own unique aroma and taste, making every bite a delightful experience. Cinnamon enhances the sweetness, nutmeg brings a hint of earthiness, and ginger adds a slight zing that keeps you reaching for just one more cookie. This perfect blend not only tantalizes the taste buds but also fills the air with a delightful, festive scent.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To achieve the perfect texture for your Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure your flour and sugars are perfect, resulting in cookies that are consistently soft and chewy. Also, avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients; stirring just until combined will help maintain a tender crumb.

Another essential tip is to chill your dough before baking. If time permits, letting your cookie dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes will enhance the flavors and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking. This simple step can make a significant difference in the final product, yielding cookies that are thicker and more flavorful, ready to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, browned
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and both sugars. Mix until smooth. Add the pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Form the Cookies

Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your delicious Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies!

Storage Suggestions

To keep your Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, although they are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal softness. If you wish to extend their life, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, allow it to thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for a just-baked feel. This method not only preserves the cookies but also ensures you can satisfy your fall cravings anytime!

Pairing Suggestions

These Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are versatile treats that pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. For a traditional touch, enjoy them with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a classic pumpkin spice latte. The flavors meld wonderfully, enhancing the cozy experience they offer during the fall months.

Alternatively, consider pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast, elevating your dessert experience. You can even drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce on top for an indulgent twist that will surely impress your family and friends.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pumpkin spice instead of individual spices?

Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice for the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Cozy up this fall with these delightful Brown Butter Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies. Perfectly spiced and irresistibly soft, these cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the warm essence of pumpkin and a hint of cinnamon sugar. They are a festive twist on a classic favorite, making them an ideal treat to share with kids and family during Thanksgiving.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Holly James

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

Cookie Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, browned
  2. 1 cup pumpkin puree
  3. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  4. 1 tsp baking soda
  5. 1 tsp cinnamon
  6. 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  7. 1/2 tsp ginger
  8. 1/4 tsp salt
  9. 1 cup sugar
  10. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  11. 2 large eggs
  12. 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  1. 1/4 cup sugar
  2. 1 tbsp cinnamon

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter and both sugars. Mix until smooth. Add the pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 04

Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 05

Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.

Step 06

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g