PALEO. PUMPKIN. SNICKERDOODLES. Need I say more? These delicious cookies are wonderfully light and fluffy, and have that signature cinnamon-y taste that you know and love from snickerdoodles, but with an added twist. This time, I added pumpkin to make them the perfect fall treat. I just know you’re going to love them. Oh, and did I mention, they’re also Paleo and Vegan friendly? It truly doesn’t get better than this!
I love cookies, and that should come as no surprise if you’ve spent any length of time on my blog. My freezer is full of mostly cookie dough, and I am a firm believer that eating a cookie a day keeps the doctor away. When I was struggling with my eating disorder (if you’re unfamiliar with my story, I suffered for years with Binge Eating Disorder & Bulimia), cookies were one of those foods that I consistently had to fight the urge to binge. You can read all about that here.
As I recovered, however, I’ve found that I can still eat plenty of cookies, but in a healthy way. In fact, I can make healthy twists on my favorite cookie recipes that are both nutritious AND delicious. And these Paleo Pumpkin Snickerdoodles certainly fit the bill (alongside my Life Changing Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies… and my Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies… and my Chewy Paleo Maple Pecan Cookies, just to name a few).
This recipe only uses a few key ingredients, with most of them being pantry staples, which makes these cookies super easy to make! I love whipping these up for my boys after they come home from school, or on the days where I want to honor my cookie cravings.
What Makes a Good Snickerdoodle
In my opinion, a good snickerdoodle cookie comes down to a few things. First, it must be a soft and chewy cookie – it CANNOT be hard. You want a cookie that has a little bite, but that’s going to soften and melt in your mouth. These cookies will do just that.
You might be wondering, “how can we get a soft, paleo-friendly cookie?” and the answer, my friends, is thanks to almond flour. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and gives baked goods a nice fluffy texture. I love using it in my recipes, and I know you guys do too!
The next thing a good snickerdoodle needs is a good dusting of cinnamon. After all, snickerdoodles are cinnamon cookies, and that dusted cinnamon on the top really makes them *chef’s kiss* perfection.
What You Need to Make These Paleo Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
What You Need to Make These Paleo Pumpkin Snickerdoodles- Almond Flour: As mentioned above, I love almond flour in my gluten-free cookie recipes.
- Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree gives these cookies the perfect pumpkin flavor.
- Maple Syrup: I love using maple syrup to add a natural sweetness to these cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is essential to any baked good. Don’t skip it!
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil helps to bind these cookies together, similar to how an egg would, but without the egg!
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Pumpkin pie spice will really help give these cookies a nice, punchy, pumpkin flavor.
- Salt: A pinch of salt never hurt anyone.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is essential to help these cookies get nice and fluffy!
- Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar adds a nice sweetness, and is slightly healthier than refined cane sugar.
- Cinnamon: Of course, you can’t have a snickerdoodle without cinnamon. This is one of the most important ingredients!
How to Make These Paleo Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
How to Make These Paleo Pumpkin Snickerdoodles- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. in a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Once combined well, add the almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking powder. mix well, and place the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- This will make the dough firmer and easier to roll into balls.
- In a small bowl, add the coconut sugar and cinnamon.
- Remove bowl from the refrigerator, form balls with the cookies and roll each one in the sugar/cinnamon mixture.
- Place on baking sheet.
- Using the bottom of a cup or jar, press down to flatten to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Bake 10 minutes.
- Enjoy eating these all day today.
Storing Instructions
You can store these cookies at room-temperature, or in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to one week. You can also freeze the dough and store it for up to three months!
If they sit at room temperature, they will soften over the course of the week (if they last that long!) so if you want them to stay a little more crisp, then I recommend keeping them in the fridge.
Cookie Obsessed? You’ll Love These Other Recipes!
The Best Apple Pie Thumbprint Cookies
Strawberry Chia Linzer Cookies
Copycat Mother’s Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Life Changing Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment/rating below. And, since I practically live on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your creations, so I can see them and repost on my IG stories! Enjoy! xx
Ingredients
THE COOKIES:
- 2 cups almond flour
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, I make my own by using this recipe!
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
THE TOPPING:
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. in a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Once combined well, add the almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking powder. mix well, and place the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- This will make the dough firmer and easier to roll into balls.
- In a small bowl, add the coconut sugar and cinnamon.
- Remove bowl from the refrigerator, form balls with the cookies and roll each one in the sugar/cinnamon mixture.
- Place on baking sheet.
- Using the bottom of a cup or jar, press down to flatten to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Bake 10 minutes.
- Enjoy eating these all day today.
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
I made these last night for my roommates and I and we all loved them!! I made my own almond flour and used a little less coconut sugar for dipping and they were the perfect amount of sweetness and gooey texture that melts in your mouth. Tasted amazing with a bowl of ice cream 🙂
AHHHHH that makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for sharing!
xx
These are unreal. I have been yelling off the rooftops for everyone to make these. I have made them twice this week. I love that they are not overly sweet. We plan to make them into ice cream sandwiches for Halloween.
Can we use an alternative flour? Lately I’ve been reacting to almonds and all things associated with almond and cashew.
Hi Carmen! You’re welcome to try, however this recipe has not been tested with other alternative flours, so I can’t guarantee that they will come out the same!
These cookies, just like all of Nicole’s recipes, are absolutely incredible! I made a half batch last week because I ran out of almond flour, and of course had to run to the grocery store in a frenzy for more! After making another (full) batch this time around, I can confirm that these cookies are all you will need and more this fall. Love love love them!
Yay!! That is AWESOME! I’m so thrilled you love these so much! Happy baking Hannah, and thank you for your review!
Loved these! Super easy and quick recipe for a week night. Loved the soft texture of the cookies.
Aren’t they easy?! So happy you liked them, Ashley!
Great recipes.
Thanks so much, Sue!
If I wanted to substitute eggs for the coconut oil, how many should I do?
Hi Naomi! I don’t recommend swapping eggs for the coconut oil – it won’t turn out the same.
My 2 year old & I had a blast making these amazing cookies! So easy to put together, and flipping incredible in flavor/texture! My husband who always doubts paleo treats (I tend to prefer them) was in awe! Thanks for a great new staple recipe for us!
I’m SO thrilled to hear that, Melanie! Hard to believe these are paleo, right?! Thank you so much for leaving such a sweet review!
Oh these are delicious! They are so chewy and it doesnt take long to make a batch. I especially like them right out of the fridge.
I’m so thrilled to hear that you love them, Kimberly! Thanks so much for your review!
Made these cookies for the first time last fall and couldn’t wait to make them again this year! They are SO SO GOOD!! I always make a double batch but I think next time I’ll triple it.🥰
Woohoo! Yay! I am so thrilled that you loved this recipe, Jackie! Thank you so much for making this recipe over the years, and I’m so so happy to hear that you’ve made it two years in a row!
Hi there!
Loving your recipes! I am however, allergic to almond and oat 🙁
Would there be a substitute here for the almond flour?
Thank you :))
Hi Julia! Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that. Unfortunately this recipe has not been tested with any other flours, so I cannot guarantee that it will turn out the same. However you are welcome to experiment!
What is the nutritional value on these?
Hi Jennifer! Unfortunately I do not include nutritional information with my recipes, and you can read more on why, here: https://kalejunkie.com/why-i-decided-not-to-include-nutrition-information-on-my-blog/