Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, look no further than these delightful Pumpkin S’mores Cookies! The combination of soft pumpkin flavor with gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate is simply irresistible. This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Each bite feels like a warm hug, making it the ultimate comfort cookie to share with friends and loved ones.

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to whip up. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again as the seasons change and pumpkin spice lingers in the air!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, especially when it comes to mixing and adding marshmallows!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, chocolate, and marshmallow creates a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a party with friends, these cookies are sure to impress.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need for these scrumptious Pumpkin S’mores Cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• ¾ Cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ Cup granulated sugar
• ½ Cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Teaspoon baking soda
• 1 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ Teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins

• 1 Cup chocolate chips
• 1 Cup mini vegan marshmallows
• 8 graham crackers (broken into small pieces)
• 1 Teaspoon food coloring (orange, optional)
• ½ Cup additional chocolate chips (for topping)
• Extra mini vegan marshmallows (for topping)
• Crushed graham crackers (for topping)

Variations

One of the best parts about these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies is how flexible they are! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
• Use Different Chips: Swap out regular chocolate chips with white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a twist.
• Make it Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter for a completely plant-based version.

How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into your dough, giving your cookies that wonderful soft texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re using orange food coloring for that festive touch, add it here! Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly ensures even flavor throughout.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout your dough.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over mix; we want our cookies soft and tender!

Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces. This is where all those delicious flavors come together; be sure every bite has a little bit of everything!

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each scoop so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 8: Top with Extras

Press in a few extra mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or graham cracker pieces on top of each cookie ball. This gives them an enticing look right before they hit the oven!

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers remain soft. The magic happens here as they puff up beautifully!

Step 10: Cool Down

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here will make all the difference in texture!

Step 11: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, serve your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container if you have any leftovers—though I doubt you will!

Now you’re all set! Enjoy baking these delightful treats that truly embody fall flavors!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Making these delicious pumpkin s’mores cookies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter and sugars blend together more smoothly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie dough.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: If you have time, refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
• Adjust the spices: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of pumpkin pie spice according to your taste. More spice will give a stronger fall flavor!
• Mix in variety: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips (like dark or white chocolate) or add some nuts for extra crunch.
• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. This keeps them fresh and chewy!

How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

These pumpkin s’mores cookies are perfect for gatherings and make delightful treats any time of year. Here are some creative ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the cookies adds an elegant touch and enhances their visual appeal.
• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: Mixing cinnamon and sugar together and lightly dusting it over the cookies adds not only flavor but also a beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: This warm, comforting drink complements the autumn flavors in your cookies perfectly, creating a delightful pairing.
• Apple slices with caramel dip: The crisp sweetness of fresh apple slices dipped in caramel contrasts nicely with the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
• Vanilla almond milk: A refreshing glass of vanilla almond milk balances the sweetness of the cookies while keeping everything dairy-free.
• Hot cocoa: For those chilly evenings, a steaming mug of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with pumpkin s’mores cookies, making it feel like a cozy dessert experience.

Enjoy your baking adventure! These pumpkin s’mores cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance and store them for later enjoyment—ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds, or until warm.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven (350°F) for about 5 minutes to regain their soft texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious cookies!

Can I substitute pumpkin puree in Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

Yes! You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute for pumpkin puree. However, keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What makes Pumpkin S’mores Cookies special?

These cookies combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with the classic s’mores experience, making them a delightful treat for fall and beyond!

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of vegan marshmallows?

While regular marshmallows could technically be used, this recipe specifically calls for mini vegan marshmallows to ensure it meets dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies! They truly bring together the cozy flavors of fall and the nostalgic taste of s’mores into one delightful treat. Enjoy sharing (or not sharing!) these sweet morsels with friends and family. Happy baking!