As I opened my pantry to rummage through the shelves, I stumbled upon a can of pumpkin puree just waiting for a delightful makeover. That's when the idea hit me—Pumpkin S'mores Cookies! These irresistible treats combine the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall with a fun twist that brings everyone’s favorite campfire dessert right into your kitchen. With just 35 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are quick to whip up and perfect for sharing, ensuring that anyone who tries them is left wanting more. Packed with fluffy marshmallows, rich chocolate, and the cozy essence of pumpkin pie spice, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, are you ready to take your cookie game to the next level? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, chocolate, and marshmallows creates a sweet, cozy taste perfect for fall.
Quick Prep: Whip these up in just 35 minutes, making them an easy option for surprise guests or family treats.
Crowd-Pleaser: With 24 generous servings, they're great for sharing at gatherings or holidays.
Unique Twist: These cookies merge classic s'mores and pumpkin spice, a delightful surprise for your taste buds.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping to make these cookies and will enjoy indulging in this scrumptious cereal treat! Give them a try for your next baking session and explore more delicious options with pumpkin recipes and s'mores desserts!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- Unsalted butter – at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Brown sugar – adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Granulated sugar – balances the sweetness and texture of the cookies.
- Pumpkin puree – gives these cookies their signature flavor and moisture.
- Large egg – binds the ingredients together for a chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Dry Mix
- All-purpose flour – the backbone of the cookie, providing structure.
- Baking soda – helps the cookies rise and become soft.
- Pumpkin pie spice – introduces a warm spice blend that screams fall.
- Salt – enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
For the Mix-Ins
- Chocolate chips – adds chocolatey goodness and melts into the cookie.
- Mini marshmallows – provides that fluffy, gooey texture reminiscent of s'mores.
- Graham crackers – adds a delightful crunch and classic s'mores flavor.
Optional Ingredients
- Orange food coloring – for a festive touch, especially if you want vibrant cookies.
- Chocolate chips (for topping) – a little extra richness on top never hurts.
- Mini marshmallows (for topping) – for that gooey s'mores touch, just like the original!
- Crushed graham crackers (for topping) – adds a fun crunch and extra flavor layer.
Grab these ingredients and get ready to bake some remarkable Pumpkin S’mores Cookies that will surely delight everyone at home!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking once your cookie dough is mixed. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies to bake perfectly golden without sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of packed brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture appears light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making your cookies soft and chewy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer set to medium speed for best results.
Step 3: Mix in Pumpkin and Egg
Next, blend in ½ cup of pumpkin puree, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is completely combined—approximately 1-2 minutes. If you wish to use orange food coloring for a festive touch, add it at this stage. The mixture will become creamy and smooth, ready for the dry ingredients to join in.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This mixture will give your cookies structure and flavor, so make sure it's well-combined. Gradually introduce this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Step 5: Mix the Batters
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; do not overmix. The dough for your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies should be slightly thick and ready to hold the delicious mix-ins. Once you have the dough ready, it’s time to add in the fun stuff!
Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins
Carefully fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, 1 cup of mini marshmallows, and the broken pieces of 8 graham crackers. This step brings the s’mores element to the cookies, ensuring each bite will be packed with gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the Pumpkin S’mores Cookies room to spread without merging into one another. Aim for uniform shapes for even baking.
Step 8: Add Extra Toppings
To make your cookies even more indulgent, gently press in a few extra mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces on top of each cookie dough ball. This extra layer creates a delightful texture and enhances the overall s’mores experience.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Look for the edges to turn golden while the centers remain soft and slightly puffed. This is the ideal doneness for your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, ensuring a chewy interior that contrasts perfectly with the crispy edges.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This cooling time allows them to set a bit before transferring. Then, gently move them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring your cookies maintain their lovely shape.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, serve your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies at room temperature. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, where each bite is bursting with flavor and that lovely s’mores nostalgia. Sharing these delightful cookies is sure to earn you plenty of smiles!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your own flair into these delightful cookies and make them truly yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a yummy treat that everyone can enjoy!
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Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based twist.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder if you’re feeling adventurous and want to heat things up a bit! It’s a surprising blend with the sweet.
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Nutty Addition: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and a lovely, nutty flavor. The contrast in textures brings delightful surprises!
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Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste. The deeper chocolate flavor enhances the overall cookie experience.
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Creamy Marshmallow: Replace mini marshmallows with marshmallow crème for a fun new texture and extra gooeyness that’ll make every bite even more blissful.
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Fruity Twist: Add dried cranberries or chopped dried figs for a sweet, chewy bite that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spice.
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S'mores Remix: Swap the graham crackers for crushed Oreo cookies for a different take on the classic s’mores flavor. The chocolatey base is absolutely divine!
With so many flavors and textures to explore, these variations keep the fun rolling! Feel free to share any of your own twists too—you might inspire a fellow baker! And don’t miss our tempting pumpkin recipes or enchanting s'mores desserts for even more delectable inspiration.
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 instructions up to the point of scooping them onto the baking sheet. Simply cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container and refrigerate it. For the best results, allow the chilled dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even baking. Additionally, the baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicious softness and gooeyness. Just reheat them briefly in the oven to enjoy them warm, ready to delight your family!
What to Serve with Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Indulging in these decadent cookies makes any gathering feel cozy and special. Pair them with delightful side dishes and drinks that complement their sweet, spiced flavors.
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Warm Apple Cider: The sweet and spiced notes of warm apple cider enhance the pumpkin flavor, making it a perfect pairing for this fall treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your cookies for a delightful contrast of temperature and textures; the cool ice cream balances the warm, gooey cookies beautifully.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Elevate your dessert experience with a cozy pumpkin spice latte; its rich coffee and warm spices mirror the flavors found in the cookies, making each bite even more indulgent.
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Chocolate Milk: A classic pairing, rich chocolate milk complements the chocolatey goodness in the cookies while adding a nostalgic touch that everyone will love.
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Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These fluffy treats bring an extra dose of sweetness and texture, and their cinnamon flavor aligns beautifully with the warm spices in your cookies.
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Cranberry Sauce: For a tart contrast, consider serving a dollop of homemade cranberry sauce; its vibrant acidity cuts through the sweetness, creating a harmonious balance.
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Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of rich hot chocolate not only satisfies sweet cravings but adds a nostalgic touch to the cozy vibes of your cookie feast.
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Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea pair flawlessly with pumpkin flavors, enhancing the whole experience; it’s like a warm hug in a cup!
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Marshmallow Fluff Dip: This easy-to-make dip echoes the cookies' warm marshmallow essence, providing an extra layer of gooey deliciousness to every experience.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Mind the Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients; this keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
Right Temperature: Use room temperature butter for proper creaming; cold butter can result in dense cookies.
Spacing Matters: Make sure to space your cookie dough balls 2 inches apart to prevent them from merging while baking.
Check the Oven: Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking; it’s easy to overbake and lose that gooey texture.
Cool to Perfection: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes post-bake before transferring to a rack; this helps them firm up nicely.
By following these tips, your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies will be a delightful treat bursting with flavor and perfectly textured!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, ready for snacking!
Fridge: For extended freshness, place the cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week. Make sure they're sealed to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze Pumpkin S’mores Cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking together.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie experience, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, bringing back that gooey goodness!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! You can use either canned pumpkin puree or homemade. For canned, just make sure it’s pure pumpkin without added spices or sugar. If you’re making it from scratch, roast a fresh pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth.
How should I store the cookies?
Store your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best flavor and texture. If you ever find yourself with leftovers (which is rare!), placing them in the fridge can extend their shelf life to about 1 week.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Very! To freeze your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, allow them to cool completely. Then, layer them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. For the best experience, thaw them in the fridge, then reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked vibe.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, don’t panic! Simply chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step firms it up, making it easier to scoop and shape without making a mess. Also, flour your hands or your cookie scoop slightly when handling the dough.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Certainly! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies will still come out delicious! Just check all other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free, especially the chocolate chips and graham crackers.
Are Pumpkin S’mores Cookies safe for pets?
While the ingredients in these cookies are safe for humans, some—like chocolate—are toxic to pets, particularly dogs. It’s best to keep these delicious treats out of reach from our furry friends and instead offer them pet-safe snacks. Enjoy baking these yummy cookies responsibly!
Irresistible Pumpkin S’mores Cookies for Cozy Fall Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Mix the batters gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and broken graham crackers.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Press extra mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces on top.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are golden and centers are slightly puffed.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
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