As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a batch of warm, comforting cookies. Pumpkin S’mores Cookies blend the delightful flavors of fall with the nostalgic charm of campfire s’mores, creating a sweet treat that’s both soft and chewy. These cookies are bursting with flavor—from the rich pumpkin puree to the melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows—making each bite a delightful experience. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, or savoring during a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
PrintPumpkin S’mores Cookies
🍪✨ These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are fall in every bite! Soft, gooey, and loaded with melted chocolate, marshmallows, and pumpkin spice. Perfect for cozy nights! 🍂🔥
- Total Time: 34 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, this is the base of your cookie dough, adding richness and moisture.
- 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar: Packed for depth of flavor and moisture, it gives the cookies a lovely caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that brings fall flavors and a moist texture to the cookies.
- 1 Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 2 1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that captures the essence of fall.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- 1 Cup Chocolate Chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate goodness.
- 1 Cup Mini Marshmallows: Adds a delightful fluffiness and sweetness.
- 8 Graham Crackers: Broken into pieces, they bring the classic s’mores crunch and flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Orange Food Coloring (optional): For a fun, festive touch.
- Extra Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows for Garnish: Elevate the presentation and flavor.
- Crushed Graham Crackers for Garnish: Adds texture and a visual appeal to the cookies.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffy texture is key to achieving tender cookies!
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. If you’re using orange food coloring for an extra festive touch, add it here as well. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips, Marshmallows, and Graham Crackers
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and broken graham crackers. The batter will be thick and loaded with goodies—this is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a ½ inch cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. To make these cookies even more enticing, press a few extra marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces on top of each dough ball.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. This balance is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve these delightful cookies at room temperature, and watch them disappear!
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with applesauce for a similar moisture level. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and non-dairy chocolate chips.
- Add Nuts: For a nutty crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the granulated sugar slightly, keeping in mind that the brown sugar contributes to moisture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies are perfect on their own, but for a decadent treat, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 14 Minutes
The Allure of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies, hinting at notes of warm spices, melted chocolate, and sweet marshmallows. Pumpkin S’mores Cookies capture the essence of fall, combining the warmth of pumpkin pie with the joy of s’mores. The combination of flavors and textures is irresistible: soft, pillowy cookie bases studded with chocolate chips, fluffy mini marshmallows, and crunchy bits of graham cracker come together in perfect harmony. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience that evokes cherished memories of campfire gatherings and autumn festivities.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create these delectable Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, this is the base of your cookie dough, adding richness and moisture.
- 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar: Packed for depth of flavor and moisture, it gives the cookies a lovely caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- 1/2 Cup Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that brings fall flavors and a moist texture to the cookies.
- 1 Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 2 1/4 Cups All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that captures the essence of fall.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- 1 Cup Chocolate Chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate goodness.
- 1 Cup Mini Marshmallows: Adds a delightful fluffiness and sweetness.
- 8 Graham Crackers: Broken into pieces, they bring the classic s’mores crunch and flavor.
- 1 Teaspoon Orange Food Coloring (optional): For a fun, festive touch.
- Extra Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows for Garnish: Elevate the presentation and flavor.
- Crushed Graham Crackers for Garnish: Adds texture and a visual appeal to the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffy texture is key to achieving tender cookies!
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. If you’re using orange food coloring for an extra festive touch, add it here as well. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips, Marshmallows, and Graham Crackers
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and broken graham crackers. The batter will be thick and loaded with goodies—this is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a ½ inch cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. To make these cookies even more enticing, press a few extra marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces on top of each dough ball.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. This balance is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve these delightful cookies at room temperature, and watch them disappear!
Flavor and Texture Profile
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The pumpkin puree offers a moist, cake-like consistency, while the chocolate chips provide rich, melty pockets of sweetness. Mini marshmallows add a gooey, chewy element, and the graham cracker pieces lend a satisfying crunch. The warm spices from the pumpkin pie spice evoke the comforting essence of fall, making each bite feel like a cozy embrace.
Useful Tips and Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with applesauce for a similar moisture level. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and non-dairy chocolate chips.
- Add Nuts: For a nutty crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the granulated sugar slightly, keeping in mind that the brown sugar contributes to moisture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies are perfect on their own, but for a decadent treat, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are more than just a delicious treat; they’re a celebration of fall flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. With their soft, chewy texture and a perfect balance of sweetness, these cookies will surely become a cherished recipe in your home. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family into the kitchen, and enjoy the delightful process of baking together. Happy baking!