Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings the warmth of fall into your kitchen, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are a delightful blend of soft cookie goodness with the classic s’mores flavor we all love. Imagine biting into a warm cookie filled with melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows, all while enjoying that comforting hint of pumpkin. It’s no surprise that this recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home!

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to whip up, and everyone will be reaching for seconds (or thirds!). So grab those mixing bowls, and let’s create something sweet together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Just mix, scoop, and bake! You’ll have delicious cookies without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these pumpkin s’mores cookies. They’re sure to bring smiles all around!
• Perfect for sharing: With 24 cookies in this batch, there’s plenty to go around at parties or bake sales.
• Fall flavors: The warm spices and pumpkin make these cookies feel like a warm hug on a chilly day.
• Make ahead: Bake them in advance and store them for an easy snack or dessert throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that making these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies is quite simple with wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need:

• 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
• 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Teaspoon baking soda
• 1 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ Teaspoon salt
• 1 Cup chocolate chips
• 1 Cup mini vegan marshmallows
• 8 graham crackers (broken into small pieces)
• 1 Teaspoon food coloring (orange, optional)
• ½ Cup chocolate chips (for topping)
• Mini vegan marshmallows (for topping)
• Graham crackers (crushed) (for topping)

Variations

The beauty of these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies lies in their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: For extra crunch, consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Change the chocolate: Swap out regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor twist.
• Use different spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick of warmth.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly, giving them that perfect golden edge while keeping the center soft.

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 step is crucial because it helps incorporate air into your mixture, giving your cookies that delightful texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re using orange food coloring for extra fall flair, add it here too! The moisture from the pumpkin keeps these cookies soft.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout your dough so every cookie rises perfectly!

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tough cookies—nobody wants that!

Step 6: Fold in Extras

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces. This is where all those delicious s’mores flavors come together!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Giving them space allows them to spread out beautifully as they bake.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Top each cookie dough ball by pressing in a few extra vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips, and/or pieces of graham crackers into each one. This adds an extra layer of yumminess!

Step 9: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers still look soft. Trust me; they will firm up as they cool!

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. This step is essential as it helps maintain their chewy texture.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

Finally, serve those delicious Pumpkin S’mores Cookies at room temperature! Watch them disappear as everyone indulges in this delightful treat. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect pumpkin s’mores cookies every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, resulting in soft and chewy cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Gently combining the wet and dry ingredients keeps your cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies that lose their delightful texture.

• Experiment with spices: If you love a little extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for an added warmth that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

• Chill the dough: For even thicker cookies, consider chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and gives you a more satisfying bite.

• Check for doneness: Since ovens vary, keep an eye on your cookies during baking. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect s’mores experience!

How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Presenting these delightful cookies can enhance their appeal and make them even more enjoyable. Here are some fun ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds an elegant touch and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• Sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs: Dusting some crushed graham cracker on top gives a nod to traditional s’mores and adds a crunchy contrast.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite complements the flavors of pumpkin s’mores cookies perfectly. The warm spices will enhance your cookie experience.
• Apple Cider: A warm cup of apple cider is comforting and pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of these cookies, making it a cozy autumn treat.
• Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream: For those who love a chilled dessert contrast, this creamy scoop brings out the flavors of pumpkin while keeping things dairy-free.
• Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate can be a lovely accompaniment, especially during cooler months. Dip your cookies into it for an indulgent twist!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your pumpkin s’mores cookies will not only taste fantastic but look inviting too! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family or savoring them solo with a good book. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making them an excellent treat for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Have some questions? Here are the answers to common inquiries about Pumpkin S’mores Cookies!

Can I make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it has a binding agent if needed.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of vegan ones in Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

While this recipe calls for mini vegan marshmallows, you can use regular ones if preferred. Just keep in mind that they may not fit into specific dietary preferences.

What variations can I try with Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

Feel free to experiment by adding nuts or swapping chocolate chips with other flavors like white chocolate or butterscotch!

How do I get my Pumpkin S’mores Cookies soft and chewy?

Make sure not to overmix the dough and take them out of the oven when they are still slightly underbaked; they will continue to set as they cool.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies as delightful as I do! They perfectly blend autumn flavors with that classic s’mores experience. Enjoy making this recipe and sharing it with loved ones—it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!