Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, then these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are just what you need! Soft, sweet, and oh-so-delicious, each bite is packed with flavors that remind you of warm evenings around the campfire. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how simple they are to make and how quickly they disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will rave about these cookies; they’re sure to be a hit!
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in with your favorite book.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store well, so you can bake them ahead of time and enjoy them later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies call for simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything to make this delightful treat!

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

For the Dry Ingredients

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

For the Mix-Ins

• 1 Cup chocolate chips
• 1 Cup mini vegan marshmallows
• 8 grachicken chicken ham crackers (broken into small pieces)
• 1 Teaspoon food coloring (orange, optional)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to tailor it to your taste, here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Swap the Chocolate Chips: Use white chocolate chips or caramel bits for a different flavor twist.
• Change Up the Spices: Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for an even richer autumn flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly. As it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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 as it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful soft texture.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re using orange food coloring for that extra festive touch, add it now too! Mixing these ingredients well ensures every cookie is full of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies—so be gentle!

Step 6: Fold in Fun Additions

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and broken grachicken chicken ham crackers. This step adds that delightful s’mores element we all love!

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Top each cookie dough ball by pressing in a few extra vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips, and/or pieces of grachicken chicken ham crackers. This creates an irresistible topping layer!

Step 9: Bake Them Up!

Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them—nobody wants overbaked cookies!

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 helps maintain their soft texture.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Serve your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing—or enjoying all on your own!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some tips to help you create the best pumpkin s’mores cookies ever!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and egg are at room temperature helps them mix more easily, resulting in a smoother cookie dough and a better texture in the finished cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which is not what we want!

• Adjust baking time for desired texture: If you prefer gooey centers in your cookies, keep an eye on them and take them out of the oven when they are just golden around the edges. For a firmer cookie, leave them in a minute or two longer.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to swap out chocolate chips or mini marshmallows for your favorite mix-ins like pecans, butterscotch chips, or even dried cranberries for a festive twist!

• Cool before serving: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack helps maintain their shape and prevents them from breaking apart.

How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

These delightful pumpkin s’mores cookies can be served in numerous fun ways that will impress your family and friends. Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top of each cookie right after they come out of the oven adds an extra layer of flavor and makes them look irresistible.
• Whipped coconut cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped coconut cream on the side for a creamy contrast that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: The crispness and tartness of apple cider pairs wonderfully with these sweet cookies, enhancing their fall flavors.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm cookies creates an indulgent treat that’s perfect for dessert lovers.
• Hot chocolate: A warm mug of hot chocolate adds coziness to your cookie enjoyment—perfect for chilly evenings!
• Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies, making it a lovely addition to any gathering.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious pumpkin s’mores cookies! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or share with friends and family. Here’s how to store them properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For added freshness, place a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep the cookies soft.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.

Freezing

• Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.

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

Yes! You can use applesauce or mashed banana as alternatives, but they will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

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

You can replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The results will be just as delicious!

What makes Pumpkin S’mores Cookies special?

Pumpkin S’mores Cookies combine the warm flavors of fall with gooey chocolate and marshmallows, creating a unique twist on traditional s’mores that everyone will love!

Can I add nuts to my Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add great texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the chocolate chips accordingly.

How long does it take to bake Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

Baking usually takes around 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden around the edges while remaining soft in the center!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies as I am! They bring together cozy fall flavors with that classic s’mores twist, making them perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in. Enjoy making these delightful treats, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy baking!