As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of pumpkin wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to cozy autumn evenings. Today, I’m excited to share my Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, a delightful blend of soft and gooey textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy. With just a touch of warm spices and the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores—think melted chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers—these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re welcoming guests or treating yourself. Not only are they incredibly simple to whip up, but they’re also a fantastic way to celebrate the fall season while steering clear of fast food temptations. Curious about how to bring this delicious twist on a classic into your home? Let’s dive in!
Why are Pumpkin S’mores Cookies irresistible?
Deliciously Unique: These cookies merge the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin with classic s’mores ingredients, creating a unique treat that delights all season long.
Quick & Easy: With straightforward steps, you can have these cookies baked and cooling in no time—perfect for busy fall evenings!
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers pair beautifully with pumpkin spice, making these cookies a hit at gatherings or cozy nights in.
Endless Variations: Customize your cookies with different sweets or nuts to cater to everyone’s taste—no two batches need to be the same! If you love experimenting, try them alongside my Blueberry Breakfast Cookies for a fun assortment!
Perfectly Chewy: Enjoy a soft and gooey center with a slight crunch, reminiscent of classic s’mores—comfort food at its finest!
Festive Aesthetic: A pop of orange food coloring adds a lovely autumn touch, making them not just tasty but also visually appealing—ideal for holiday cookie trays!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Ingredients
For the Batter
• Unsalted Butter – Provides moisture and richness; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor; substitute with coconut sugar for a unique taste.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps with texture; reduce if using sweeter chocolate.
• Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and pumpkin flavor; use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
• Egg – Binds ingredients together; a flax egg works as a great vegan alternative.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; can be swapped with almond extract for a twist.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for those avoiding gluten.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a light cookie; you could use baking powder instead, but adjust the amount.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds warm spices that perfectly complement the pumpkin; can replace with cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
For the Mix-Ins
• Chocolate Chips – Provide sweetness and richness; choose dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on preference.
• Mini Marshmallows – Offer a chewy texture and classic s’mores flavor; consider non-melting marshmallows if desired.
• Graham Crackers – Add a delightful crunch and are crucial to the s’mores experience; opt for gluten-free versions if needed.
For the Finish
• Orange Food Coloring – Optional for an autumn touch; add a drop at a time until the desired hue is reached.
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 to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later. This setup creates a perfect foundation for your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, so take a moment to prepare your baking area.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream the mixture together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the soft texture of your cookies, so make sure the mixture is well combined before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now, gently fold in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined, which should take about 1-2 minutes. If you’re using orange food coloring for a festive touch, add it now and blend until the desired color is achieved, enhancing the visual appeal of your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This mixture creates the structure needed for your cookies. Once thoroughly combined, gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in intervals, mixing gently until everything is just combined. This step helps maintain the lightness of the cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins
Carefully fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers into the dough. Use a spatula to incorporate them without overmixing, which can make the cookies tough. This delicious mix-in stage brings the beloved s’mores element to your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 6: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space each scoop about 2 inches apart, allowing room for the cookies to spread during baking. Make sure the dough is heaped to form nice, thick cookies that will be delightful and chewy when finished.
Step 7: Add Extra Toppings
For an extra indulgence, sprinkle additional chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces on top of each cookie dough scoop. This step enhances the visual appeal and ensures each cookie is richly flavored, capturing the essence of classic s’mores in your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies; they’re ready when the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. This balance is essential for achieving that perfect, chewy texture characteristic of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the cookies to set up slightly, making them easier to transfer without breaking. Then gently move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What to Serve with Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
Cozy up your fall gatherings or simple family nights with these delightful cookies as your centerpiece, paired with the perfect accompaniments.
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Warm Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream adds a luscious contrast to the chewy cookies while enriching the pumpkin flavors.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Enjoy a warm cup of spiced apple cider alongside your cookies; its fruity warmth perfectly enhances the seasonal spices in your treats.
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Chocolate Milk: A glass of indulgent chocolate milk echoes the chocolate chips in the cookies, creating a nostalgic and fun experience for both kids and adults!
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the fall vibe with a steaming pumpkin spice latte; the combination of pumpkin flavors and coffee warms both the heart and soul.
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Graham Cracker Crumble: Top each cookie with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for extra crunch and to echo the classic s’mores experience.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side can elevate your pumpkin-themed treat to an even cozier dessert that feels indulgent and festive.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dust: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar over your cookies adds a sweet and spicy finish, making every bite delightful.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Serve with a warm chocolate dipping sauce for a decadent twist—the gooey chocolate perfectly complements the texture of the cookies.
Expert Tips for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Perfect Butter Texture: Make sure your unsalted butter is at room temperature and well-creamed. This ensures a light, fluffy cookie that’s perfect for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so treat your dough tenderly!
Cooling Consideration: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring. They can be delicate when hot and may break if moved too soon.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the edges; they should be golden while the centers remain soft. This timing is crucial for a delightful chewy texture in your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Try Different Mix-Ins: Feel free to experiment with chocolate chip varieties or add nuts. Customizing your cookies keeps them exciting for every batch!
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 delicious for snacking!
Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough in portions for up to a year. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time for perfect Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Reheating: For a warm treat, microwave cookies for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their gooey center and delightful texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring maximum freshness without sacrificing flavor. Simply mix your ingredients as directed, then cover tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. For even longer storage, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months; bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, gooey cookies any time you need a quick treat, saving you time while still delivering just as delicious results!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies for a delightful twist!
- Chocolate Swap: Replace chocolate chips with butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a fun flavor change. The subtle sweetness of butterscotch pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Nutty Crumble: Swap mini marshmallows for chopped pecans or walnuts to add a crunchy texture and reduce the sweetness for those who prefer it.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a tasty dairy-free version. These cookies will still be rich and satisfying!
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to the dough for a playful kick of heat that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
- Fruity Boost: Fold in a handful of dried cranberries or cherries into the dough for a pop of tartness that complements the pumpkin flavors.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Pumpkin Spice Boost: Increase the pumpkin pie spice by an extra teaspoon for more aromatic goodness. It will fill your kitchen with that warm autumn scent!
- S’mores Stack: For the ultimate s’mores experience, sandwich melted marshmallows and chocolate between two cookies for a decadent treat that’s absolutely irresistible!
These variations can help keep your baking routine exciting, and if you’re looking for more comforting treats, don’t miss my delicious Joumou Haitian Pumpkin soup or make a batch of my delightful Blueberry Breakfast Cookies alongside! Enjoy your baking journey!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the perfect pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin puree, look for 100% pure pumpkin on the label, avoiding any that contain added spices or sugar, like pumpkin pie filling. The puree should be smooth and free of dark spots, indicating spoilage. I often opt for brands that use organic pumpkins for the best flavor.
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Very! For soft and chewy Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the refrigerator where they can stay fresh for up to a week. Just ensure they’re sealed tightly to maintain their deliciousness!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze unbaked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies dough, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag, storing them in the freezer for up to a year. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly in the oven, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
No worries! If your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies spread too much, it’s often due to overly soft butter or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted, and try chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent them from spreading too thin, resulting in the perfect shape!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you’re baking for someone with allergies, be mindful of common allergens like gluten and dairy. You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use specialized dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil in place of butter. This way, everyone can indulge in your delightful Pumpkin S’mores Cookies!
How long do these cookies stay fresh if frozen?
Great question! When properly frozen, your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies will remain delicious for up to 3 months. Make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container or bag and label them with the date. When the cookie craving strikes, simply defrost them at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying!
Pumpkin S'mores Cookies that Will Warm Your Fall Evenings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed for 1-2 minutes. Add orange food coloring if desired.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers carefully.
- Drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle additional chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces on top of each scoop.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until the edges are golden brown and centers are soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.