As the crisp air of fall settles in, I find myself longing for cozy treats that embody the warmth of the season. Picture this: the enchanting scent of pumpkin and spices wafting through your kitchen, mingling beautifully with the nostalgia of s’mores around a campfire. These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are not just any ordinary cookie; they are a delightful fusion of soft, chewy goodness with a twist of classic fall flavors.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity—perfect for those bustling autumn days when you need a quick and satisfying indulgence. With every bite, you get a combination of pumpkin puree, chocolate chips, and gooey marshmallows that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re prepping for a gathering or treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make you revel in the joys of homemade comfort food. So, let’s get baking and make your fall moments even sweeter!
Why Will You Love Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
Comforting All-in-One: This recipe delivers the warm, familiar taste of fall in each chewy bite, combining pumpkin and s’mores for a perfect seasonal treat.
Quick to Make: With simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time—ideal for busy days.
Family-Friendly Fun: Get the whole family involved in making these delightful cookies, perfect for any age!
Frozen Goodness: Save some for later! Both cookie dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully, ensuring you can indulge anytime.
Versatile Joy: Enjoy them warm with ice cream or alongside your favorite fall beverage. These cookies are sure to please everyone!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Vital for moisture and richness; make sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
• Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and a chewy texture; packed brown sugar gives the best results.
• Granulated Sugar – Balances the sweetness; essential for that delightful cookie flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree – Brings moisture and the signature pumpkin flavor; opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
• Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the cookie shape; a large egg is best.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor, making every bite even more scrumptious.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; measure accurately to prevent dense results.
• Baking Soda – A leavening agent that ensures your cookies are light and airy; check for freshness for optimal rise.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Delivers warm, aromatic flavors; can be substituted with individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
• Salt – A pinch enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
For the Mix-Ins
• Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and richness; using semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate is a delicious choice.
• Mini Marshmallows – Infuses a chewy texture; try vegan versions that hold their shape better if desired.
• Graham Crackers – Provides a delightful crunch; crush them for even distribution or leave whole for added texture.
Optional Additions
• Orange Food Coloring – For an extra fun visual appeal; a drop or two will suffice if you want to jazz up the color!
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are not only a delicious fall dessert but also a family-friendly treat everyone will adore!
How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This is the perfect temperature for those soft, chewy cookies!
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Cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air to the mixture, creating a delightful texture.
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Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re feeling festive, add a drop or two of orange food coloring for that visual appeal!
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures an even distribution of the dry ingredients for consistent flavor throughout each cookie.
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Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want those cookies to remain light and fluffy!
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Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham cracker pieces gently—this adds bursts of flavor and texture to every bite.
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Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For that extra touch, top each dough ball with some chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces before baking.
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Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft and puffy. They’ll continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents them from breaking apart.
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists and substitutions for your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep the texture delightful and soft for everyone to enjoy!
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Nutty Addition: Fold in a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that complements the chewy cookies beautifully.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder for a warm kick, enhancing the cozy fall flavors for adventurous palates.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and swap chocolate chips for dairy-free varieties. You’ll enjoy a rich flavor without compromising your dietary needs.
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Cranberry Boost: Mix in dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness, creating a festive touch that is perfect for autumn vibes.
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Caramel Delight: Drizzle caramel sauce on top right before serving for a sweet and gooey experience that takes these cookies to a whole new level.
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Oatmeal Crunch: Replace half of the flour with oats for added texture and heartiness. This variation makes your cookies even more wholesome and satisfying.
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Zesty Citrus: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a refreshing burst of flavor that beautifully complements the pumpkin’s sweetness.
Get ready to enjoy a delightful baking adventure as you customize these wonderful cookies to suit your taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, roll into dough balls and place them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you want even more convenience, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. When it’s time to serve, bake the cookies directly from the fridge or freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll always have delicious, homemade treats ready to satisfy your cravings!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
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Perfect Butter Temperature: Use room-temperature unsalted butter to ensure it creams well, leading to light and fluffy cookies.
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Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Let your dough be light and airy for the best Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
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Texture Balance: For a chewy texture, ensure your mini marshmallows are adequately folded in, but avoid overdoing it to prevent melting.
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Customize Flavor: Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice according to your preference; a pinch more can enhance the warm flavors beautifully.
What to Serve with Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
These delightful cookies create the perfect autumn atmosphere for gatherings and cozy evenings at home.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Nothing pairs better with your cookies than a warm, spiced beverage, enveloping you in fall flavors.
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Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of whipped cream adds a luxurious, velvety touch, perfect for enhancing the cookies’ sweetness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve cookies warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures.
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Hot Chocolate: The richness of hot chocolate complements the flavors of the cookies beautifully, creating a comforting, indulgent pairing.
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Apple Crisp: A slice of warm apple crisp adds a similar sweetness, bringing together classic fall flavors for a cozy dessert spread.
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Pecan Pie: For a sweet finish to your gathering, pecan pie’s nutty crunch and caramel notes create a splendid contrast to the cookies.
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Spiced Cider: Warm spiced cider can elevate your fall snack game, combining seasonal spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor profile.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel over your cookies makes for an over-the-top indulgence that caramel lovers won’t resist.
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Maple Cinnamon Roasted Pears: These tender pears bring a fresh, fruity element, complementing the sweetness of your cookies beautifully.
These pairings will make your dessert experience even cozier and more unforgettable!
Storage Tips for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store freshly baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy.
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Fridge: If you want to extend the freshness, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just note that they may firm up slightly.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual cookies or cookie dough balls in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 4 months. This way, you can enjoy them anytime!
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Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies later, reheat frozen cookies in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin puree, look for 100% pure pumpkin puree on the label. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor of your cookies. If possible, buy organic for the best quality and flavor.
How should I store the Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you happen to have leftovers, they can last in the fridge for about a week, but will become slightly firmer. To keep them soft, consider adding a slice of bread to the container; this will help maintain moisture.
Can I freeze Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
Certainly! To freeze your cookies, allow them to cool completely after baking. Then, place them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature, or for a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds!
What if my cookies turn out too soft?
If your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are too soft, it may be due to underbaking or not measuring flour correctly. Always make sure to measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much. If you find them too soft after baking, allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet for a longer period before transferring, as they will firm up as they cool.
Are Pumpkin S’mores Cookies safe for my pets?
While indulging in these cozy cookies, it’s important to note that they are not safe for pets. Ingredients like chocolate and certain spices can be harmful to them. Always keep any baked goods secured away from pets to avoid accidental consumption.
Can I make substitutions for dietary restrictions?
Very much so! If you’re looking to make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit until it thickens) and use vegan butter and marshmallows. Also, gluten-free flour can be utilized as a 1:1 substitute if needed for those with gluten sensitivities! Enjoy the flexibility!
Indulge in Pumpkin S’mores Cookies for a Cozy Fall Treat
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 in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Optionally, add a drop or two of orange food coloring.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham cracker pieces gently.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft and puffy.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.