As the leaves start to paint the world in shades of amber and gold, I can’t help but crave those comforting fall flavors that make every bite feel like a warm hug. These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are my go-to treat for satisfying both simple cravings and the desire to impress. With their soft and chewy texture, they uniquely combine the sweetness of chocolate with the crunchy goodness of graham crackers and gooey marshmallows, all infused with that signature pumpkin spice essence. Best of all, this delightful cookie recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet indulgence after a long day. Are you ready to embrace the season and bake up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds?
Why Are Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Irresistible?
Comforting, Cozy Flavors: These cookies capture the essence of fall with every bite, merging the warm taste of pumpkin spice with the nostalgic flavor of s’mores.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these treats without fuss.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize by swapping in your favorite chocolate types or leaving out marshmallows for a more cookie-focused experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a centerpiece for gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress your guests.
Deliciously Soft Texture: The chewy center coupled with chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows creates a satisfying experience that’s simply delightful.
Quick to Prepare: Whip up a batch in no time and have sweet treats ready for those surprise visitors! Want more fun recipes? Check out our Millies Cookies Bake or Cool Whip Cookies for more baking inspiration!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture; can be substituted with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; can be replaced with a sugar alternative if desired.
- Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and the signature fall flavor; use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together; can replace with a flax egg for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile; no direct substitution suggested.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for gluten-free cookies.
- Baking Soda – Provides lift and lightness; ensure freshness for best results.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor; can substitute with individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Add-Ins
- Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and richness; use dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate based on preference.
- Mini Marshmallows – Provides chewiness and s’mores flavor; non-melting vegan marshmallows can be used as an alternative.
- Graham Crackers – Adds a crunchy texture; can substitute with crushed cookies or gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
Optional Additions
- Food Coloring – Used for a more festive appearance; not essential for taste.
Ready to spread the warmth of the season with Pumpkin S’mores Cookies? Let’s get baking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring easy cleanup for your delicious Pumpkin S’mores Cookies. This step creates the perfect environment for baking, allowing your cookies to spread and rise beautifully.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This process adds air to the dough, creating a tender texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well integrated, which should take around 1-2 minutes. If you’re using food coloring for a festive touch, add it now and stir until the color is evenly distributed, enhancing the overall appeal of your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This step is crucial to ensure that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. It helps create a uniformly flavored dough for your cookies.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix as it can lead to tough cookies. You should see a soft dough forming, ready to embrace the delicious additions that will make your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies unforgettable.
Step 6: Fold in Add-ins
Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and pieces of graham crackers. This creates delightful pockets of flavor and texture, making each bite of your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies a delightful surprise. Ensure the add-ins are evenly distributed, but avoid overworking the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
With a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to expand without merging. If desired, press in some extra chocolate chips and marshmallows on top for a beautiful presentation.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Look for the edges to be golden brown while the centers remain soft; they will continue to firm up as they cool. Your kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma of fall as you await these delectable Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This crucial cooling time ensures they set properly and prevents them from breaking apart. Afterward, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely and to enjoy the full experience of their chewy texture and warm flavors.
What to Serve with Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Are you looking to create the perfect autumn-inspired meal that pairs beautifully with your sweet Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices of the cookies, creating an irresistible contrast. Enjoying a scoop alongside each cookie can transform your treat into an indulgent dessert experience.
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Spiced Hot Chocolate: A rich cup of hot chocolate, infused with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg, resonates with the cozy flavors of fall, creating a comforting pairing that warms your soul.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Elevate your cookie experience by serving it with a freshly brewed pumpkin spice latte. The robust espresso and creaminess enhance the delightful pumpkin flavor, making it a match made in heaven.
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Caramel Drizzle: Add a touch of elegance with a warm caramel drizzle over your cookies. The sticky sweetness complements the rich chocolate and marshmallow layers, perfect for a decadent finish.
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Nutty Trail Mix: A side of nutty trail mix provides a crunchy contrast and balance to the soft cookies. The combination of nuts and dried fruit mirrors the rustic fall flavors, making for a satisfying snack.
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Crisp Apple Slices: Fresh, crisp apple slices offer a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the cookies’ gooeyness, enhancing the fall theme with their natural sweetness.
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Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea with its blend of spices offers a delightful balancing flavor to the cookies and creates the perfect cozy atmosphere for a snack break.
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Warm Pear Compote: This sweet and spiced pear compote can be served alongside the cookies, adding a juicy and aromatic touch that enriches the flavors of pumpkin and s’mores.
A varied selection of these delightful pairings will surely elevate your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies to new heights and create an unforgettable autumn gathering!
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still enjoying delicious homemade treats! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; just scoop dough portions onto the baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. To make ahead even further, the unbaked dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just scoop and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This means you can enjoy fresh, warm Pumpkin S’mores Cookies with minimal effort, perfect for those hectic weeknights!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
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Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is soft and at room temperature. This helps achieve a creamy texture when creaming with sugars, leading to a fluffy cookie.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until combined when adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough Pumpkin S’mores Cookies instead of the desired soft chewiness.
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Press Extra Toppings: For an attractive finish, press a few extra chocolate chips and mini marshmallows into the dough before baking. This will make them visually appealing and maximize gooey goodness.
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Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and prevents them from breaking.
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Storage Solutions: Store your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To preserve freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Variations
Embrace your creativity and make these cookies uniquely yours with delightful twists!
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Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan chocolate chips for a completely animal-product-free treat. These adjustments still deliver that amazing pumpkin flavor everyone loves.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend; it will create cookies that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing texture. Just be sure to use certified gluten-free graham crackers too!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the dough for a surprising and delightful heat that complements the sweet pumpkin and chocolate.
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Alternative Flavor—Peanut Butter: Mix in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter in place of some butter for a nutty variation. The flavor profile shifts, creating a uniquely scrumptious cookie experience.
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Double Chocolate: Swap out half the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a delicious double chocolate version. The added creaminess of white chocolate will melt in perfectly!
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Stuffed Cookies: Instead of mixing in mini marshmallows, press a marshmallow half into the center of each dough ball before baking. You’ll get a lovely gooey middle as they bake.
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Choco-Craze: Use dark chocolate chunks or even chocolate-covered graham cracker pieces as a tasty add-in for a more intense chocolate experience, merging two classics into one delightful bite.
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Pumpkin Spice Boost: If you can’t get enough pumpkin flavor, add 1-2 extra teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for a more pronounced taste that will fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas.
Feeling adventurous? These variations allow you to tailor your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies to every preference and occasion. For more creative cookies, don’t forget to explore our other fun treats like Cake Mix Cookies or classic Chocolate Chips Cookies. Happy baking!
Storage Tips for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week for a slightly chilled treat.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to a year. Just scoop out the dough, freeze, and bake them fresh whenever a craving strikes!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, if refrigerated or frozen, consider warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their gooey goodness, perfect for relishing the full experience of your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Always opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The puree will provide the rich pumpkin flavor without the added sugars and spices found in pie filling, ensuring your cookies taste just right!
How should I store my Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze the unbaked cookie dough, scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the scoops for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored this way for up to a year. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough onto a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How can I ensure my cookies turn out soft and chewy?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, and avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients. When baking, keep an eye on them; they’re done when the edges are golden, but the centers should still look soft.
Are these cookies suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, indeed! For a vegan option, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes until gelatinous). You can also use vegan mini marshmallows and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Always check the chocolate chips and graham crackers for any non-vegan or gluten-containing ingredients.
What if my batter seems too sticky?
If your cookie dough feels overly sticky, don’t fret! This can happen due to the moisture in the pumpkin puree or the type of flour used. You can sprinkle in a bit of extra flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a manageable consistency, but avoid adding too much as it can make the cookies dense.
Pumpkin S'mores Cookies – Your New Fall Favorite Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well for 1-2 minutes. Incorporate food coloring if desired.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham crackers evenly into the dough.
- Drop rounded portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until edges are golden brown and centers are soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
