Pumpkin S’mores Cookies – The Ultimate Cozy Fall Treat

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, I find myself craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall. One evening, while preparing for a cozy night in, I decided to bring together two of my all-time favorites: pumpkin spice and classic s'mores. What emerged from my kitchen was an absolutely delightful treat: Pumpkin S'mores Cookies. These gooey, soft cookies are a joyful twist on the traditional s'more, blending sweet pumpkin puree with melting chocolate and marshmallows amidst a perfect chewiness.

Whether you're hosting a fall gathering, indulging in a movie marathon, or simply seeking a sweet treat to brighten your week, these cookies deliver warmth and nostalgia in every bite. From their inviting aroma to their festive, spiced taste, they're the ultimate cozy fall dessert to share with family or savor solo. Let's dive into this deliciously simple recipe and fill our homes with the scents of autumn!

Why are Pumpkin S'mores Cookies a must-try?

Cozy Flavors: The marriage of pumpkin spice and chocolate creates the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness, ideal for chilly evenings.
Easy and Fun: Whipping these up is a breeze, making them perfect for bakers of any skill level-just mix, scoop, and bake!
Crowd-pleaser: Their unique twist on a classic dessert means everyone will be raving about them at your next gathering.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions-serve them warm at parties or pack them in lunchboxes for a delightful surprise.
Seasonal Joy: With every bite, you're embracing the comforting essence of fall, making these cookies a must-have indulgence.

Pumpkin S'mores Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Base
• Unsalted Butter - Adds richness and moisture; can be swapped with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Brown Sugar - Gives sweetness and moisture for a chewy texture; use white sugar if unavailable, though the flavor will be simpler.
• Granulated Sugar - Provides extra sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.
• Pumpkin Puree - Brings that quintessential fall flavor; be sure it's pure pumpkin, not pie filling, which has added sugars.
• Egg - Binds everything together; a flax egg works as a vegan substitute.
• Vanilla Extract - Elevates the flavors, making every bite more delightful.
• All-Purpose Flour - Gives structure; use a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• Baking Soda - Leavens the cookies, ensuring they rise perfectly.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice - Infuses classic fall flavors; can be replaced with a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg if needed.
• Salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cookies.

For the S'mores Twist
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - Offers a creamy sweetness that melts deliciously into the cookie.
• Miniature Marshmallows - Adds that gooey s'mores flair; use large ones cut in half for a variation.
• Graham Crackers - Provides that characteristic crunch and s'mores taste; crush before mixing in.

Optional Ingredient
• Orange Food Coloring - Enhances the cookies' festive color; omit it for a more natural look.

Embrace the fall season with these Pumpkin S'mores Cookies, where every bite is a cozy explosion of flavor!

How to Make Pumpkin S'mores Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures a non-stick surface, ideal for baking your gooey cookies.
Cream Together softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until it becomes fluffy and light. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Combine pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and egg into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until just incorporated-feel free to add orange food coloring if you want a festive hue!
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in another bowl to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
Gradually Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender!
Crush graham crackers in a Ziploc bag until they are small pieces. Fold the crushed crackers, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and miniature marshmallows into the dough.
Scoop out 2-inch dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, making sure there's space for them to spread while baking.
Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin S'mores Cookies

Avoid Overmixing: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Cooling Time Matters: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least five minutes before moving them. This helps them firm up and maintain that perfect chewy texture.
Uniform Size: Use a 2-inch cookie scoop for even-sized dough balls. This ensures consistent baking, so every cookie turns out just right!
Ingredient Substitutions: If you're missing an ingredient, don't fret! Just remember to substitute with care-like using coconut oil for butter or a flax egg for vegan-friendly cookies.
Storage Secrets: Keep your Pumpkin S'mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Just thaw before enjoying!

Pumpkin S'mores Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful cookies, enhancing their flavors and textures to suit your taste.

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat. This way, everyone can enjoy the goodness!
Nutty Delight: Add Chopped Walnuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts for an extra crunch that beautifully complements the soft cookie texture. It adds a rich, nutty flavor to every bite.
Vegan-Friendly: Use a Flax Egg: Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will bind your cookie dough just like an egg would.
Chocolate Variety: Try Dark Chocolate Chips: For a more intense flavor, swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate. It's an exquisite contrast to the sweet pumpkin base!
Extra Spicy: Boost the flavor with Additional Pumpkin Pie Spice: For a bolder spice kick, increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice. This will truly make your cookies sing with fall flavors.
Cocoa Twist: Add Cocoa Powder: Replace a bit of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey version of these cookies. This delightful twist will surprise your taste buds in every chewy bite!
Marshmallow Upgrade: Use Roasted Marshmallows: If you have time, roast your mini marshmallows lightly before folding them in. This adds an extra layer of smokiness and depth to your cookies.
Flavor Boost: Incorporate Orange Zest: Grate some fresh orange zest into the dough for a zesty brightness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.

Embrace your creativity and let these variations inspire you to discover your favorite version of these amazing Pumpkin S'mores Cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin S'mores Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your Pumpkin S'mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delicious softness.

Fridge: Keep cookies in the fridge for an extended shelf life, where they can last up to 1 week. Just remember to seal them well to avoid drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container, stacking layers between parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: To bring back their gooey goodness, microwave each cookie for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

What to Serve with Pumpkin S'mores Cookies?

As autumn settles in, these delightful cookies pair beautifully with a variety of comforting accompaniments to elevate your cozy treat experience.

Hot Chocolate: The rich, creamy sweetness of hot chocolate makes for a perfect pairing, complementing the gooeyness of the cookies with every sip.
Coffee: A warm mug of coffee balances the sweet flavors from the cookies, bringing out the spices and making for a delightful morning treat.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Keep the fall theme going with this iconic drink that harmonizes the essence of pumpkin, enhancing the flavors of your cookies.
Apple Cider: Warm, spiced apple cider introduces a fruity note and warmth that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the cookies, making it a cozy pairing.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a creamy texture that offsets the chewy cookies perfectly.
Pecan Pie: For an indulgent dessert spread, serve alongside pecan pie-its nutty sweetness complements the pumpkin flavors fantastically.

These pairings create a heartfelt and delicious experience, turning your cookie enjoyment into a full-blown autumn celebration!

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin S'mores Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until step 6, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This not only enhances the flavors but also keeps the dough from spreading too much during baking. When you're ready to bake, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet directly from the fridge and bake as directed. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough in individual scoops for up to 3 months; just allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Enjoy these delightful cookies that are just as delicious even when made ahead!

Pumpkin S'mores Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right pumpkin puree?
Make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced. Look for a bright orange color with a smooth texture, indicating it's fresh and ready for baking!

How should I store my Pumpkin S'mores Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days for optimum freshness. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze Pumpkin S'mores Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, place your cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper. They can maintain their delicious flavor for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, it may be due to too much butter or not enough flour. Next time, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, which helps them hold their shape better. Additionally, a precise measurement of your ingredients is key!

Are Pumpkin S'mores Cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
While these cookies are a scrumptious treat for humans, they aren't suitable for pets, especially due to the chocolate and sugar content. If you or someone has allergies, be cautious with ingredients like egg, butter, or gluten. You can easily swap for alternatives, such as a flax egg or a gluten-free flour blend.

What variations can I make for Pumpkin S'mores Cookies?
The beauty of these cookies lies in their adaptability! Feel free to swap mini marshmallows for halved large ones or try different chocolate types, like dark or white chocolate chips. You can even add chopped nuts for some crunch or cinnamon for an extra hint of spice!