Name: Pumpkin S’mores Cookies: A Cozy Fall Treat to Share
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 39 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Room temperature); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Packed tightly); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (100% pure pumpkin); 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Chocolate Chips (Can substitute with white chocolate); 1 cup Mini Marshmallows (Consider using vegan types); 1 cup Graham Crackers (Crushed); a few drops Orange Food Coloring (Use sparingly for color)

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, I find myself craving the comforting taste of fall. Enter Pumpkin S’mores Cookies—a delightful twist on the classic cookie that harmonizes rich pumpkin flavor with the nostalgic essence of s’mores. Not only do these cookies come together in a snap, but they also capture the heart of autumn gatherings or cozy afternoons spent with loved ones. Each bite is a soft and chewy escape, perfectly balancing warm spices with gooey chocolate and marshmallows. Plus, they’re easily customizable, so you can let your creativity shine! Ready to fill your kitchen with those inviting fall aromas? Let’s get baking!

Why are Pumpkin S’mores Cookies a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The blend of pumpkin and s’mores creates a unique dessert experience that pleases everyone.

Quick and Easy Preparation: These cookies come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy bakers who want a delicious treat.

Versatile Customization: Feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins, whether that’s crunchy nuts or swapping chocolate chips for white chocolate!

Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for fall gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Pair them with Pumpkin Spice Milk for a cozy drink!

Soft, Chewy Texture: Each cookie boasts a delightful balance between soft pumpkin and gooey marshmallows, creating a comforting bite that captures fall’s essence.

With Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, you’ll easily become everyone’s favorite baker this season!

Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to create those delightful cookies.

For the Dough

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use room temperature for easier creaming.
Brown Sugar – Provides depth of flavor and moisture; pack it tightly for more caramel notes.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the cookie dough.
Pumpkin Puree – Essential for pumpkin S’mores cookies flavor and moisture; use 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
Egg – Binds ingredients together and helps cookies rise.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall sweetness and complements the pumpkin flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – Main structure of the cookies; no substitutes recommended for texture.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a lighter texture.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds warm spice flavors; individual spices can be substituted if desired.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavors.

For the S’mores Elements

Chocolate Chips – Provides sweetness and texture; can easily be swapped for white chocolate or chunks.
Mini Marshmallows – Adds gooey sweetness; consider using vegan types if preferred.
Graham Crackers – Introduces crunch and classic s’mores flavor; crush for mix-ins or topping.

Optional

Orange Food Coloring – Adds visual appeal; use sparingly if desired for color.

Each bite of these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies will transport you to a cozy autumn evening!

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 it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal later. This step is crucial for achieving perfectly baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, so take your time to prepare the baking surface properly.

Step 2: Cream 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 until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This creaming process helps create a rich texture for your cookies.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth, about 2 minutes. If you’re using orange food coloring for a festive touch, add it now and blend until evenly colored—this will enhance 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. Make sure there are no lumps; this helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the cookies. Once combined, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in S’mores Elements
With your dough now ready, gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers using a spatula. Do this carefully to maintain the cookie dough’s fluffy texture while evenly distributing these delicious s’mores-inspired elements throughout your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.

Step 6: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. This distance allows the cookies to spread without merging together during baking. You should have a lovely assortment of cookie mounds ready for the oven!

Step 7: Add Toppings
To create an irresistible look and extra sweetness, press additional chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces onto the tops of each cookie dough ball before baking. This step enhances both the visual appeal and the flavor of your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, making them extra inviting.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. This combination of textures is what makes Pumpkin S’mores Cookies so delightful, so don’t overbake them!

Step 9: Cool the Cookies
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period will help them set up slightly. Then, carefully transfer the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture characteristic of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious baked treats even on your busiest days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients, scoop them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment, and cover tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. If preferred, you can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months—just portion the dough and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—pop them directly in the oven! This way, your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies will be just as delicious with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Measure Carefully: Accurate flour measurement is key. Use the spoon-and-level method to ensure light, fluffy cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Overmixing leads to tough cookies, losing that soft texture.
Watch Your Bake Time: Start checking your cookies at 12 minutes. They should be golden on the edges while remaining soft in the center.
Cool with Care: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. This prevents breakage while they’re still warm and delicate.
Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap in nuts or different chocolate types, but remember to keep your balance in flavors with Pumpkin S’mores Cookies for the best results.

Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Let your culinary creativity shine by customizing your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies to suit your taste!

Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a creamy, dairy-free option.
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a delightful texture without gluten.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and rich flavor, enhancing the cookie’s appeal.
Marshmallow Lovers: Use larger marshmallows cut in halves for more gooey goodness throughout the cookies. Their melting quality creates a luscious filling!
Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick that complements the sweetness, giving you a unique, spicy sensation.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful presentation; it makes them irresistible!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a stronger pumpkin flavor, blend in extra pumpkin puree and chocolate chips; they’ll be rich and decadent!
S’mores Without the Chocolate: Omit chocolate chips entirely and amp up the marshmallows and graham cracker bits—creating a more classic s’mores experience!

With these delightful variations, you’ll find that each batch of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies is a new adventure! If you love these flavors, you might also enjoy pairing them with an indulgent scoop of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip or sharing them alongside a slice of Pumpkin Cornbread Cinnamon for an unforgettable fall feast.

What to Serve with Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

As the sweet, spiced aroma of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies fills your kitchen, you’ll want delightful companions to complete your cozy fall experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy coldness contrasts beautifully with the warm, chewy cookies while enhancing their rich flavors.
Coffee: The robust notes and warmth of a freshly brewed cup of coffee elevate the cookie experience, making each bite even more satisfying.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite complements the pumpkin flavors perfectly, creating a comforting drink that echoes autumn vibes.
Hot Chocolate: Embrace fall’s sweetness by pairing cookies with rich, cocoa-infused hot chocolate, perfect for warming up chilly evenings.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies for added indulgence; its sweetness and buttery flavor take the s’mores experience to new heights!
Apple Cider: The crisp and fruity flavors of apple cider provide a refreshing contrast that balances the rich cookie taste, embodying the essence of fall.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy brie or tangy goat cheese brings a savory note to balance the cookies’ sweetness, perfect for an autumn gathering.
Brownies: For dessert lovers, a warm brownie alongside Pumpkin S’mores Cookies offers a delightful duo of rich flavors and gooey textures to savor.
Pecan Pie: An elegant dessert pairing, the nutty, caramel-like flavor of pecan pie complements the spice notes in the cookies, rounding out the fall feast beautifully.
Iced Herbal Tea: Refreshingly different, a lightly sweetened iced herbal tea provides a cool and crisp contrast, perfect for afternoon snacking or gatherings.

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Just be sure to place them in a sealed container to prevent drying out.

Freezer: To freeze Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—perfect for that fresh-baked taste!

Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely, you should use 100% pure pumpkin puree for these cookies! Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it’s sweetened and spiced differently. Look for cans labeled “100% Pure Pumpkin” in the baking aisle. Fresh pumpkin can also be used; just make sure to roast and puree it, but canned is often more convenient.

How should I store Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
To keep your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week if you prefer a firmer texture. Just be sure to seal the container properly to avoid any dryness.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Pumpkin S’mores Cookies! Simply wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked experience.

What if my cookies turn out too dry or crumbly?
If your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies aren’t as moist as expected, it could be due to over-measuring flour. I recommend using the spoon-and-level method when measuring your flour to avoid this common mishap. Also, be cautious not to overmix your dough, as that can lead to a denser cookie. If you still find them dry, consider adding a tablespoon of milk to the dough before baking next time!

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Very! These cookies contain ingredients like chocolate and sugar, which are not safe for pets. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, be sure to check for potential allergens like gluten or eggs. You can make substitutions like using gluten-free flour or a flaxseed meal to replace the egg. Always communicate with your guests regarding any dietary restrictions.

Can I customize the ingredients in Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?
The more the merrier! Feel free to swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or add your favorite nuts for an extra crunch. You can also omit the mini marshmallows if preferred or experiment with different spices instead of pumpkin pie spice. Get creative—it’s a great way to make these cookies uniquely yours!