As I stood in my kitchen, the warm aroma of spices enveloped me, hinting at the deliciousness to come. If you love the flavors of fall, these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are a delightful game-changer that will leave your taste buds dancing! Not only do these cookies combine the cozy essence of pumpkin and spice, but they also bring the nostalgia of summer campfires right to your oven—what a wonderful twist! With just 35 minutes from prep to bake, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t want to compromise on flavor. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser that can easily be shared with friends and family! Are you ready to fill your home with the irresistible scent of these scrumptious treats? Let's dive into the recipe!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Why You'll Crave Pumpkin S'mores Cookies?
Irresistible Combination: These cookies blend pumpkin, chocolate, and marshmallows, creating a flavor explosion that will enchant your palate!
Quick to Make: Whip them up in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy days or spontaneous get-togethers.
Unique Twist: With autumn spices and the nostalgic taste of s'mores, you're in for a delightful surprise.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them at parties, or holiday gatherings—they’re sure to be the star of the show!
Comforting Aroma: The warm spices fill your kitchen with cozy fall vibes, making your home feel inviting.
Easily Customizable: Feel free to experiment with add-ins, or tweak the flavors to your liking! For more delicious ideas that bring fall flavors to life, check out our Pumpkin Spice Muffins or Cinnamon Roll Casserole!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted butter – 1 Cup, at room temperature for a creamy, smooth texture.
• Brown sugar – ¾ Cup, packed for that rich, molasses-like flavor.
• Granulated sugar – ¼ Cup, balancing the sweetness and giving a nice crunch.
• Pumpkin puree – ½ Cup, lending moisture and the signature pumpkin flavor to your cookies.
• Large egg – 1, acting as a binder for the ingredients.
• Vanilla extract – 1 Teaspoon, enhancing the overall sweetness and aroma.
• All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ Cups, keeping the cookies sturdy while still soft inside.
• Baking soda – 1 Teaspoon, providing the perfect rise for fluffy cookies.
• Pumpkin pie spice – 1 Teaspoon, adding warm fall flavors in every bite.
• Salt – ½ Teaspoon, balancing sweetness and emphasizing the flavors.
For the Mix-Ins
• Chocolate chips – 1 Cup, bringing melty chocolate goodness to every morsel.
• Mini marshmallows – 1 Cup, giving that classic s’mores texture and flavor.
• Graham crackers – 8, broken into small pieces for that nostalgic crunch.
• Orange food coloring – 1 Teaspoon, optional for a vibrant, festive look.
For Optional Toppings
• Chocolate chips – ½ Cup, for an extra chocolatey touch on top.
• Mini marshmallows – as desired, for a gooey finish.
• Graham crackers – crushed, to sprinkle for added texture and flavor.
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it's ready for the cookie dough. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to keep the bottoms of your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies golden and crisp.
Step 2: Cream the Sweeteners
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This adds air to the mix, creating a wonderful texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in ½ cup of pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. If you're adding orange food coloring, do so at this point. Ensure that everything is well combined, forming a smooth and vibrant batter that embodies the warm flavors of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of spices and helps your cookies rise perfectly during baking.
Step 5: Fold in Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients from Step 3, mixing with a spatula until just combined. You want to avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, filled with the essence of fall.
Step 6: Add the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, 1 cup of mini marshmallows, and broken pieces of 8 graham crackers. This delicious medley brings the signature s’mores flavor to your cookies. Be careful not to overwork the dough; mixing just enough will keep those delightful pockets of gooeyness intact.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing gives your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies room to spread while baking, ensuring a perfectly even appearance.
Step 8: Add Extra Toppings
To elevate your cookies, press a few extra mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and small graham cracker pieces into the top of each dough ball. This creates an enticing, gooey topping that will melt beautifully during baking, making your cookies irresistible.
Step 9: Bake Each Batch
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft and puffy. This perfect contrast is key to achieving the delightful texture of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow your cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling period will help them set without falling apart. Letting them cool completely allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ready to be enjoyed!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy—overmixing can make them tough.
Space Them Out: Ensure each cookie dollop is about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet; they need space to spread during baking.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies—bake until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft for that perfect texture.
Customize Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or swap out chocolate for caramel bits; achieving your perfect Pumpkin S’mores Cookies is all about personal taste!
Use Parchment Paper: Don’t skip this step! It prevents sticking and ensures an easy cleanup—plus, your cookies will have golden bottoms.
Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, though they might not last that long!
What to Serve with Pumpkin S'mores Cookies
Indulging in baked delights is always better when you create a full experience around them. Let’s explore what pairs beautifully with these cozy, sweet cookies!
-
Warm Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookies' sweetness and adds a comforting element, perfect for cozy nights.
-
Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai beautifully complement the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors, creating a heartwarming experience.
-
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm cookies, providing a delightful textural balance.
-
Fall Fruit Salad: Toss together apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds for a fresh, crunchy side that lightens up the rich cookies.
-
Pumpkin Spice Latte: For a cozy theme, indulge in this spiced drink that echoes the flavors of your cookies, perfect for fall gatherings.
-
Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety hot chocolate interacts with the chocolate chips in the cookies, elevating the indulgence factor.
-
Sweet Apple Cider: Serve warm or chilled, this sweet drink adds an autumnal twist that pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin flavor.
-
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the cookies ties the whole experience together and adds an extra layer of decadence.
-
Graham Cracker Crumble: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top of your cookies before serving for extra crunch and nostalgia!
-
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: These provide a satisfying, crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the warmth of the cookies.
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Variations
Feel free to tweak this recipe and make it your own, inviting a whirl of flavors and textures into your kitchen!
-
Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy these cookies without the wheat.
-
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a tasty vegan version.
-
Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for an earthy crunch that complements the fluffy marshmallows.
-
Spiced Up: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cookie dough for a surprise heat that balances the sweetness beautifully.
-
Chocolate Lovers: Increase the amount of chocolate chips to 1 ½ cups for an extra chocolatey experience—perfect for those intense cravings!
-
Pumpkin Spice Swirl: Instead of pumpkin puree, swirl in a dollop of cream cheese mixed with pumpkin spice to create creamy clouds in your cookies.
-
S'mores Deluxe: Use crushed graham crackers as a coating before baking for an exciting crunchy exterior that mimics the campfire classic.
-
Fruity Twist: Add 1 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast that enhances the sweetness and adds a chewable texture.
As you explore these variations, don’t forget to savor the process! It’s through these little changes that you can make the Pumpkin S’mores Cookies truly your own. For more delightful autumn flavors, try our Pumpkin Spice Muffins or warm up with a comforting Cinnamon Roll Casserole!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Fridge: If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy cookies from the freezer, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature. They’ll taste just as delightful as when they were freshly baked!
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the mixing steps (Steps 1-6) and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the dough as fresh as possible, ensuring all those delicious flavors meld beautifully. Additionally, you can also freeze the pre-scooped cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a lined baking sheet and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for perfectly soft centers. With these make-ahead options, you can enjoy warm, gooey cookies anytime with minimal last-minute effort!
Pumpkin S'mores Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, look for one that is deep orange in color and has a thick, smooth texture. Ensure there are no added ingredients—pure pumpkin puree is best! Canned or homemade varieties work wonderfully. Just be sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
What’s the best way to store Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
I recommend storing your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, just like the first bite! If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze Pumpkin S’mores Cookies? How?
Yes, you can freeze these delectable treats! To do so, first, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or let them thaw at room temperature for that fresh-baked taste!
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find your dough is a little sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps firm it up and makes scooping easier. You can also lightly dust your hands or the cookie scoop with flour to prevent sticking while handling.
Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
It's important to consider allergies! These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies contain gluten from the all-purpose flour, dairy from the butter, and can have chocolate that might contain traces of nuts. For a gluten-free option, try substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend. If you have dairy allergies, consider using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Can I use different toppings on my Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
The more the merrier! Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. Chopped nuts, caramel bits, or even white chocolate chips could elevate these cookies even further. Just keep in mind the balance of flavors—continue to enjoy the chunky gooey goodness of the classic s’mores topping!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies: Your New Fall Fave Treat!
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- cookie scoop
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 Cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ¾ Cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ Cup granulated sugar
- ½ Cup pumpkin puree
- 1 Large egg acting as a binder
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Teaspoon baking soda
- 1 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ Teaspoon salt
For the Mix-Ins
- 1 Cup chocolate chips
- 1 Cup mini marshmallows
- 8 graham crackers broken into small pieces
- 1 Teaspoon orange food coloring optional
For Optional Toppings
- ½ Cup chocolate chips for topping
- mini marshmallows as desired
- crushed graham crackers to sprinkle
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add orange food coloring if desired.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and broken graham crackers.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press extra mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces into the tops of the dough balls.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden and centers are slightly puffy.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
