White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are the perfect treat for fall. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor, making them ideal for cozy gatherings or a special dessert at home. The addition of white chocolate chips gives them a delightful sweetness that balances the warm spices beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for any baking level.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and white chocolate creates a unique taste that’s sure to impress family and friends.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or a potluck dish, these cookies fit right in.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later; they stay soft and flavorful for days.
• Festive Appeal: Their delightful appearance and seasonal flavors make them a hit during autumn festivities.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles, gather your tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures even mixing and saves time when creaming butter and sugars.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create evenly sized cookie dough balls for consistent baking results.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your delicious White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles:

For the Cookies

• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 box (3 ounces) pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

For the Topping

• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar + 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, mixed together

How to Make White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the softened butter along with both light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until combined and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the egg to the mixture and beat until just combined. Then add in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, pudding mix, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips gently.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a standard-size cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle a pinch of the cinnamon sugar mixture over each cookie dough ball. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheets before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies can be served in charming and creative ways.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pair with hot apple cider for a cozy fall experience.
• Enjoy alongside a cup of spiced chai for added warmth.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange on a platter with seasonal fruits like slices of pear and apple.
• Serve with small bowls of caramel sauce or chocolate for dipping.

In Lunchboxes

• Add to kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
• Pack with cheese cubes and nuts for a balanced snack.

Crumbled Over Ice Cream

• Use as a topping on vanilla or pumpkin ice cream.
• Add some whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

How to Perfect White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

Achieving the perfect White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles is easier than you think! Follow these tips to elevate your cookie game.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree enhances flavor compared to canned varieties.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off; this avoids dense cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated to keep the cookies tender.
• Add extra spices: For more flavor, increase the cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice slightly.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

While these delicious cookies are great on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy, savory soup that complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
2. Cheese Board: Include sharp cheeses that contrast well with the sweetness, along with nuts and dried fruits.
3. Autumn Salad: A salad featuring mixed greens, cranberries, and walnuts provides a refreshing balance.
4. Gingerbread Muffins: The spices in gingerbread muffins harmonize perfectly with the flavors of pumpkin.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer crunch and contrast while enhancing fall flavors.
6. Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a DIY hot cocoa station with toppings like marshmallows and whipped cream for added fun.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience while making White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.

• Boldly Forgetting the Butter Temperature: Using cold butter instead of room temperature can lead to tough cookies. Always let your butter sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Boldly Skimping on Pumpkin Puree: Not adding enough pumpkin puree can result in dry cookies. Ensure you measure accurately for the best flavor and texture.
• Boldly Ignoring the Mixing Method: Over-mixing the dough can cause tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Boldly Skipping the Topping: Neglecting to sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping will miss out on added flavor. Don’t skip this step; it elevates your cookies!
• Boldly Underbaking or Overbaking: Baking for too long or too short leads to undesirable textures. Bake only until edges are lightly golden, then cool them properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.

Can I use other types of chocolate in my White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles?

You can substitute white chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make my White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles thicker?

To achieve thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading during baking.

What can I use instead of pumpkin spice instant pudding mix?

If you can’t find pumpkin spice instant pudding mix, you can replace it with an extra tablespoon of flour and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.

Can I add nuts to my White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can give an excellent crunch and flavor contrast to these cookies.

Final Thoughts

These White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different spices or mix-ins like nuts. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home, they are sure to impress family and friends alike!