Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than Pumpkin S’mores Cookies. These cookies combine the warm flavors of pumpkin with the delightful crunch of graham crackers and gooey marshmallows, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. There’s something truly comforting about biting into one of these soft, sweet cookies, especially when shared with family or friends around a cozy gathering. They’re not just for Halloween; these cookies are perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a touch of seasonal sweetness.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up a batch of these delicious Pumpkin S’mores Cookies. They always bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for those busy afternoons.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping with this fun cookie recipe; they can mix and scoop!
• Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in one batch, there’s plenty to share at gatherings or parties.
• Deliciously Festive: The combination of pumpkin and s’mores flavors makes these cookies an instant fall favorite.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, you only need simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Base

• 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

Add-Ins

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

For topping:
* Extra ½ Cup chocolate chips
* Extra mini vegan marshmallows
* Extra crushed graham crackers

Variations

One of the best things about Pumpkin S’mores Cookies is their flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your additions or substitutes. Here are some ideas to try:

• Change the Sweetener: Swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Use Different Chips: Experiment with butterscotch or white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a different twist.

How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is essential here; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, helping your cookies stay soft and chewy.

Step 3: Mix in Pumpkin and Egg

Next, beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re using food coloring for that festive orange hue, add it now! Mixing well ensures all those lovely flavors meld together perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisking helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour—this will ensure that each cookie rises beautifully.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Step 6: Fold in Treats

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces. This is where the magic happens! Each bite will be filled with gooeyness and crunchy goodness.

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Remember to space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread as they bake.

Step 8: Top Your Cookies

Before baking, press some extra vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces into each cookie dough ball. This little detail makes them even more decadent!

Step 9: Bake Away!

Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges golden while keeping that center soft.

Step 10: Cool Down

Once baked, allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for just a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it helps them firm up without becoming hard.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Finally, serve your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies at room temperature and enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Baking pumpkin s’mores cookies is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve the perfect batch every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter, egg, and pumpkin puree are at room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough and a more even texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined helps prevent tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, making them dense instead of soft and chewy.

• Experiment with spices: If you’re a spice lover, feel free to add extra cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste! This can enhance the warm flavors that complement the pumpkin beautifully.

• Adjust baking time based on your oven: Ovens can vary in temperature. Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center when done.

• Let them cool properly: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack prevents them from breaking apart and ensures they set perfectly.

How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

When it comes to serving these delicious pumpkin s’mores cookies, presentation counts! Here are some creative ways to make your treats stand out.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance, making each cookie look photo-ready.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent touch that enhances both flavor and appearance.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: The warm spices in apple cider pair beautifully with the flavors of pumpkin, making it a cozy beverage choice for fall gatherings.
• Vegan vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream complements the soft texture of the cookies—perfect for those who enjoy a dessert à la mode!
• Fresh fruit platter: Serve with slices of crisp apples or juicy pears that provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies.
• Nutty trail mix: A bowl of crunchy trail mix adds texture and makes for a fun snacking option alongside your pumpkin s’mores cookies.

Enjoy your delicious creation! These tips, garnishes, and side dishes will surely impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating them to prevent them from getting too soft.
• For optimal freshness, place a piece of bread in the container with the cookies; it helps to keep them moist.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet.
• Heat for 5-7 minutes or until warm. Enjoy that freshly baked taste!

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! While this recipe uses mini vegan marshmallows, you can substitute regular marshmallows if you prefer. Just remember that they may melt differently.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin S’mores Cookies turn out soft?

To achieve soft Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, be careful not to overmix the dough. Bake until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool!

What can I substitute for pumpkin puree in Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree on hand, you can substitute it with mashed bananas or applesauce. However, this will slightly alter the flavor and texture of your cookies.

Can I make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies without gluten?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How long do Pumpkin S’mores Cookies stay fresh?

When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain fresh for about 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are not just treats; they’re little bites of happiness that celebrate fall flavors beautifully. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends during a cozy night in or sharing them at a gathering, I’m sure they’ll be a hit! Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every sweet moment!