Caramel Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

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There’s something magical about fall baking, especially when it includes the beloved flavors of pumpkin, warm spices, and sweet caramel. These Caramel Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are not just your average cookie; they are a delightful fusion of soft, pillowy dough infused with pumpkin and cinnamon, complemented by gooey caramel centers. With each bite, you will experience a soft texture and a heavenly burst of caramel. Whether you are hosting a cozy gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a warm, inviting aroma to your kitchen and smiles to everyone who tries them.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

These Caramel Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are a perfect blend of flavor and texture. They offer a delightful twist on classic snickerdoodles by incorporating pumpkin, which adds moisture and a subtle flavor that makes each bite irresistible. Plus, the addition of caramel creates a wonderful surprise inside! The soft and chewy texture, combined with the warming spices of cinnamon, make them the ultimate comforting treat. They are perfect for fall or any time you crave a taste of something cozy and sweet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ¾ cup pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 36 caramels, unwrapped (for cookies)
• 10 additional caramels, unwrapped (for drizzling on top)

How To Make Caramel Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure that your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature salted butter, granulated white sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla

Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your cookies soft.

Step 5: Prepare Caramel Filling

Once your dough is ready, take your unwrapped caramels and chop them into smaller pieces. This will help with easy melting inside the cookies.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, take a generous amount of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a piece of chopped caramel in the center and wrap the dough around it, making sure the caramel is fully enclosed. Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Drizzle with Caramel

While the cookies are cooling, melt the additional caramels in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Use a spoon to drizzle the melted caramel over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or store them for later!

Expert Tips

• For perfectly soft cookies, be careful not to overbake them; slightly underbaked cookies will remain chewy as they cool.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure all cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
• Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking if the dough seems too soft to handle.
• Make sure to use real pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling for accurate flavor and texture.

Variations and Customizations

• For a spicier kick, add ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or ginger to the spice mixture.
• You can substitute half of the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Add ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you want additional texture and flavor.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle the cookies with coarse sea salt after drizzling the caramel.

How to Store Leftovers

To store your delicious Caramel Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, these cookies freeze well; place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in a microwave for a few seconds.

FAQ

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, it’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges of the cookies will become lightly golden brown, and the centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

How can I make sure my caramel doesn’t harden?

To keep your caramel gooey, be sure to store the cookies in an airtight container. The moisture from the cookies will help keep the caramel soft. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if they become a bit firm.

Conclusion

These Caramel Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies are a scrumptious way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With a tender cookie dough that encases warm, melted caramel and a hint of pumpkin, each bite is a tasty delight sure to impress friends and family. Whether you share them at a gathering or enjoy them solo with a cup of coffee, these cookies are a true treat that brings the essence of autumn right to your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, follow this simple recipe, and get ready to indulge in a heavenly cookie experience!