Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that captures the essence of fall, look no further than these delightful Pumpkin S’mores Cookies. They are soft, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy, making them absolutely irresistible. With every bite, you’ll be treated to the warm flavors of pumpkin and the nostalgic taste of s’mores. This recipe is not only perfect for cozy family gatherings but also makes a fantastic treat for busy weeknights when you need a little comfort food.

What I love most about these cookies is how they bring everyone together. Whether you’re enjoying them with your family after dinner or sharing them at a potluck, these cookies will surely brighten up any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have fresh cookies in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these treats, making them perfect for all ages.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a big batch and watch them disappear at parties or gatherings; they are always a hit!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin and s’mores is a match made in heaven; each bite is bursting with flavor.
• Make Ahead Convenience: These cookies can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment—perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these scrumptious Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.

For the 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

Mix-Ins

• 1 Cup chocolate chips
• 1 Cup mini vegan marshmallows
• 8 graham crackers (broken into small pieces)

Optional

• 1 Teaspoon food coloring (orange)
• ½ Cup chocolate chips
• Mini vegan marshmallows
• Graham crackers (crushed)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Change the Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for an exciting twist.
• 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

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!

Step 2: Creaming 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 the mixture, leading to soft cookies.

Step 3: Mix in Pumpkin and Wet Ingredients

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re using orange food coloring, add it here too. This mixture adds moisture and that lovely pumpkin flavor we all crave.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution throughout your cookie dough.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; over mixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix gently!

Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces. They will add delightful bursts of sweetness in every bite!

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 2 inches apart since they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Add Toppings

For extra yumminess, press some additional vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips, or graham cracker pieces on top of each cookie dough ball before baking.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. You want that perfect chewy texture!

Step 10: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allowing them to cool slightly helps maintain their shape.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Serve your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies at room temperature. Share with friends or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Baking is all about love and a little know-how, so here are some pro tips to help you create the best pumpkin s’mores cookies ever!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, egg, and pumpkin puree to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother cookie dough.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined ensures that your cookies remain soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, which we definitely want to avoid!

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts or swapping out chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a fun twist!

• Store properly for freshness: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer-lasting enjoyment. This way, you can savor these delicious treats whenever you like!

How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Presenting your pumpkin s’mores cookies can be just as delightful as making them! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over each cookie adds an elegant touch and enhances the s’mores flavor.
• Sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking gives a lovely sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This warm drink perfectly matches the fall flavors of the cookies and creates a cozy atmosphere.
• Pumpkin spice latte: For coffee lovers, pairing these cookies with a creamy pumpkin spice latte makes for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Vanilla almond milk: A refreshing glass of vanilla almond milk balances out the sweetness of the cookies and adds a nutty flavor.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples and pears adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich cookies.

These simple serving suggestions will surely impress family and friends while enhancing your overall cookie experience! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

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

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that might alter the flavor of your cookies.

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

To keep your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Take them out when the edges are golden but the center still appears slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook as they cool.

Can I customize the mix-ins in my Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the mix-ins based on your preferences. You can add nuts or swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips!

What makes these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies special?

These cookies combine classic s’mores flavors with the cozy essence of pumpkin, making them a delightful treat for fall gatherings or any occasion!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies! They bring together the warmth of pumpkin and nostalgic s’mores flavors, creating a truly special treat perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy baking, and may each bite fill your heart with happiness!