As autumn’s chill begins to weave its way through the air, I find myself reminiscing about cozy gatherings filled with warmth and laughter. That’s when I decided to create Pumpkin S’mores Cookies— the perfect blend of comforting pumpkin flavor with a whimsical twist. These delightful cookies come together quickly, making them an ideal choice for busy fall days. With their soft, chewy texture and the irresistible combination of chocolate and gooey marshmallows, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or even as a treasured treat for yourself. So, are you ready to embrace the flavors of the season with a batch of these cozy cookies? Let’s dive in!
Why Are Pumpkin S’mores Cookies a Must-Try?
Flavor Explosion: These cookies pack a delightful pumpkin flavor that perfectly complements the gooey chocolate and marshmallows, creating an irresistible taste sensation.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll whip up a batch that’s perfect for busy fall days.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies will impress family and friends alike.
Versatile Treat: Customize them with different chocolate types or spices, making each batch a unique experience.
Seasonal Comfort: Ideal for embracing the cozy vibes of autumn, these cookies are a sweet way to celebrate the season. Dive into the festive spirit by pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or a hot cup of coffee, just like with my Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for a lovely dessert combo!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Ingredients
• To create these delightful Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, gather the following essentials!
For the Cookie Base
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Brown Sugar – Provides deep flavor and moisture; can replace with white sugar for a lighter taste.
- Granulated Sugar – Offers sweetness; used alongside brown sugar for a perfect balance.
- Pumpkin Puree – The star ingredient for moisture and flavor; must be 100% pure, not pie filling.
- Large Egg – Binds ingredients together, creating structure.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor, beautifully complementing the pumpkin.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; avoid over-mixing when combined with wet ingredients.
- Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and ensures a chewy texture.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses warm spices that enhance the fall flavor; feel free to adjust to your liking.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the S’mores Touch
- Chocolate Chips – Use semi-sweet or your favorite type; adds richness and sweetness.
- Mini Marshmallows – Provide that classic s’mores texture; consider non-melting options if desired.
- Graham Crackers – Infuses crunchy goodness; crushed into small pieces for the perfect crunch.
Optional Touches
- Orange Food Coloring – Adds a festive flair; use sparingly for a vibrant look.
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 heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie release. This preparation sets the stage for your delicious Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, creating an optimal baking environment that will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, then cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps incorporate air, contributing to the airy texture of your cookies. The rich aroma of sweet butter will begin to fill your kitchen!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. If you wish to make your cookies festive, consider adding a few drops of orange food coloring at this stage. Mix until the batter is smooth, ensuring that the pumpkin flavor melds nicely with the sweet vanilla and binds the ingredients together seamlessly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. This step helps to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and spices, which will enhance the flavors of your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies. The wonderful scent of warm spices will add to the fall ambiance in your kitchen.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cookie texture; a few flour streaks are okay. This is where your dough starts taking shape, promising a delightful batch of cookies filled with pumpkin goodness.
Step 6: Fold in Treats
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers using a spatula. This step adds that irresistible s’mores element to your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, where gooeyness meets crunchy texture. The vibrant colors and textures of the mix will surely get you excited for baking!
Step 7: Scoop Cookie Dough
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread while baking, resulting in fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treats that are just perfect for the season.
Step 8: Press the Extras
Before baking, press a few additional chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top of each cookie ball, ensuring they have a deliciously gooey topping. This visual cue not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your cookies but also boosts that wonderful s’mores experience.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Look for golden edges while the centers should remain soft and slightly underbaked. This visual signal guarantees that your cookies will maintain their chewy texture, embodying the perfect blend of flavors in each bite.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling period allows the cookies to firm up slightly, making transportation easy while maintaining their irresistible softness. Now your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
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; simply scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. You can also freeze the scooped cookie dough for up to 3 months; just bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. When you’re ready to enjoy these delicious cookies, bake them according to the recipe instructions, and they will come out just as scrumptious and fresh as the day you made the dough!
What to Serve with Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Enhance your cozy fall gatherings with delightful pairings that complement the warmth of these pumpkin-infused treats.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy chill beautifully balances the soft, warm cookies, creating a harmonious contrast.
- Chai Latte: Infused with spices, this drink echoes the flavors of pumpkin pie spice, making each sip the perfect accompaniment.
- Hot Apple Cider: A warm, spiced drink that envelops your taste buds in fall flavors, enhancing the festive experience.
For a complete treat, consider savoring them during a crisp evening by the fire with a comforting cup in hand.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop atop the cookies adds an extra layer of sweetness, elevating their decadent charm.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This classic drink mirrors the cookies’ flavors, creating a deliciously cohesive fall treat.
- Chocolate Milk: The ultra-sweet drink contrasts the cookies’ richness, perfect for those who love chocolatey indulgence.
These delightful pairings enhance your experience, turning a simple cookie into the centerpiece of a cozy autumn moment!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to maintain freshness and softness; this ensures they stay deliciously gooey!
Fridge: Refrigerate your cookies in an airtight container for up to a week; just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months; separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Frozen Dough: Unbaked pumpkin s’mores cookie dough can be frozen for up to a year; scoop and freeze dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring to a container for easy baking later.
Expert Tips for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing, leading to a fluffier cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can result in a dense cookie.
- Gooey Marshmallows: For the best s’mores experience, press additional mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on top before baking; this enhances the gooeyness in each bite.
- Storage Savvy: Store your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- Frozen Dough: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to a year, making it easy to enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies your own, adding your favorite twists and flavors along the way!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallows for a plant-based treat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the cookies soft and delicious without compromising flavor.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor, making each bite rich and indulgent. Imagine the cozy scents that fill your kitchen!
- Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. They complement the cookie’s softness and add a layer of texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Extra Spice: Replace pumpkin pie spice with a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of allspice for a more personalized seasonal kick.
- Fruity Twist: Add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped apples for a unique flavor twist that combines sweet and tart notes, making your cookies a delightful surprise.
- Warm Heat: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows. It’s a surprising but exciting way to elevate your treat!
- Chocolate Variations: Use white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips in place of semi-sweet chocolate for a completely new take on these cookies. You can even experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor!
And if you’re in the mood for more pumpkin goodness, why not try these alongside my delicious Gluten Free Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls? They make for a perfect pairing during those crisp autumn mornings!
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! You should use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that can alter the taste of your cookies. Look for canned pumpkin labeled “pure pumpkin” for the best flavor and moisture.
How should I store my pumpkin s’mores cookies?
To maintain that fresh, gooey texture, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Can I freeze the pumpkin s’mores cookies?
Yes! You can freeze those delightful cookies with ease. Simply place baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for up to 4 months. When craving a sweet treat, thaw them at room temperature or warm them a bit in the microwave!
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very! If your dough feels overly sticky, it’s typically because the butter is too warm or there’s too much moisture. To adjust, chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will firm it up and make it easier to scoop and handle without compromising the taste.
Are there any allergy considerations for the pumpkin s’mores cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re making these cookies for someone with allergies, be sure to consider alternatives. You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat. For dairy allergies, substitute the butter with vegan butter, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips. Always double-check that the specific ingredients you use do not contain allergens.
Irresistible Pumpkin S'mores Cookies for Cozy Fall Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Press additional chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top of each cookie ball.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden and centers remain soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
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