Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

As the leaves begin to turn golden and the air takes on a crisp chill, there’s no better time to indulge in the comforting flavors of fall. The combination of warm spices and pumpkin creates a nostalgic, cozy feeling that embodies the essence of the season. If you’re a fan of the classic snickerdoodle cookie, then you’ll fall in love with this creative twist on a beloved treat: Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies.

These blondies are the perfect marriage of chewy, spiced pumpkin bars with the familiar cinnamon-sugar topping of snickerdoodles. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also wraps you in the warmth of autumn with every bite.

The Allure of Blondies

Blondies are often described as the “blonde” version of brownies, sharing the same chewy, dense texture but with a vanilla and brown sugar base instead of chocolate. What makes blondies so appealing is their versatility. You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit to customize them to your taste. However, the star ingredient in these particular blondies is pumpkin, which brings a unique, moist texture and a rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices traditionally associated with fall.

Why Pumpkin and Snickerdoodles?

Pumpkin and snickerdoodles are a match made in heaven. Snickerdoodles are known for their soft, buttery texture and the slight tanginess from cream of tartar, which is not used in this blondie recipe but is mimicked by the acidity in pumpkin. The pumpkin adds moisture, ensuring that these blondies are extra chewy and soft, with a delightful density that makes each bite satisfying. The blend of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon gives these blondies their characteristic autumnal flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any fall gathering.

The Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies so special:

Butter: Melted and slightly cooled, butter is the foundation of the blondies, providing richness and aiding in creating that chewy texture.
Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that not only adds flavor but also moisture. It’s important to blot or squeeze out the excess moisture from the pumpkin puree to prevent the blondies from becoming too cakey.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the blondies structure, making sure they hold their shape while remaining soft and tender.
Pumpkin Pie Spice & Cinnamon: These warm spices are what make the blondies taste like fall. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice, providing a deep, complex flavor.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the blondies rise slightly, giving them a light, yet dense texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while granulated sugar helps achieve the right texture and sweetness level.
Eggs & Egg Yolk: Eggs provide moisture and structure, while the extra yolk adds richness and helps to achieve the blondies’ chewy texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: The crowning glory of these blondies, the cinnamon-sugar topping adds a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chewy blondie base.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Making these Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies is straightforward, but there are a few key steps to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

1. Preheat and Prep:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by spraying it with non-stick spray and lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to lift the blondies out of the pan once they’re baked.

2. Blot the Pumpkin:

This step is crucial. Pumpkin puree contains a lot of moisture, which can make your blondies more cake-like rather than chewy. To avoid this, spread the pumpkin puree on a plate or sheet pan, and press it with paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible. Alternatively, use a cheesecloth to squeeze out the excess moisture. You should end up with slightly over ⅓ cup of pumpkin puree that has a more cohesive, dough-like texture.

3. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will be sprinkled over the top of the blondie batter before baking, creating that classic snickerdoodle crust.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will be folded into the wet ingredients later.

5. Cream the Sugars and Butter:

In another medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3 minutes and helps to incorporate air into the mixture, which will aid in the blondies’ texture.

6. Add the Wet Ingredients:

Whisk in the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method helps create a smooth, uniform batter. Once the eggs are mixed in, add the vanilla extract and the prepared pumpkin puree, whisking just until combined.

7. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough blondies. Mix just until no flour streaks remain.

8. Spread and Top the Batter:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure an even bake. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping over the entire surface, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

9. Bake:

Bake the blondies for 35-38 minutes, until the center is slightly puffy and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures that the blondies are baked through but still retain their chewy texture.

10. Cool and Serve:

Allow the blondies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, you can sprinkle some white chocolate chips over the top while they’re cooling for an extra touch of sweetness.

Once cooled, cut the blondies into squares and serve. These blondies are best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies

Blotting the Pumpkin: Don’t skip this step! Removing excess moisture from the pumpkin is essential for achieving the perfect chewy texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, ensuring a smooth texture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough blondies, which we want to avoid.
Even Cinnamon-Sugar Topping: For an even distribution of the topping, use your fingers to gently press the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the batter before baking. This helps it adhere better and creates that iconic snickerdoodle crust.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the blondies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so start checking them around the 35-minute mark. You want them to be set but still slightly soft in the center for that perfect blondie texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Warm up a blondie and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
With Coffee or Tea: These blondies are the perfect companion to a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea latte, making them ideal for an afternoon snack.
At a Fall Gathering: Serve these blondies at your next fall gathering or potluck. They’re sure to be a hit with their unique blend of flavors and irresistible texture.
Gift Giving: Wrap a few blondies in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon for a delicious homemade gift during the holiday season.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of fall in every bite. The combination of chewy pumpkin blondies and the classic cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodle topping creates a treat that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for your family, bringing them to a potluck, or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these blondies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. So, grab your apron, embrace the flavors of fall, and bake up a batch of these delightful Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Blondies today!