Name: Irresistible Pumpkin S'mores Cookies for a Cozy Fall Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Provides rich moisture and flavor; swap for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel; coconut sugar works as a substitute.); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the dough for a balanced flavor; avoid substitutions for best results.); 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (The star of the cookie, ensuring moisture and flavor; use 100% pure pumpkin, not filling.); 1 Large Egg (Binds everything together; for an egg-free version, try a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances the cookie’s flavor; reach for pure vanilla for the best taste.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Gives structure to the cookies; gluten-free flour can substitute for a different texture.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Provides the lift these cookies need; no substitution is necessary.); 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice (Infuses the batter with warm spices; individual spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can substitute.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Elevates all the flavors; essential for achieving good taste.); 1 cup Chocolate Chips (Add sweetness and texture; choose from semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate options.); 1 cup Mini Marshmallows (Contributes gooeyness and classic s'mores flavor; opt for non-melting vegan marshmallows if preferred.); 1 cup Graham Crackers (Offers crunch and flavor; gluten-free graham crackers are an alternative.); 1 drop Orange Food Coloring (Enhances visual appeal; use sparingly or completely omit if desired.)

As the first hint of fall graces the air, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the warm aromas of pumpkin and spice. Picture this: golden-brown cookies, soft and pillowy, bursting with the sweet essence of pumpkin and nostalgic s’mores flavors. These Pumpkin S'mores Cookies are an absolute delight, perfect for brightening up chilly evenings or bringing a festive touch to gatherings with friends and family.

I first stumbled upon this enticing recipe during a pumpkin-picking expedition, where inspiration struck amidst the vibrant autumn foliage. With each bite, the soft cookies offer a chewy texture that's perfectly balanced by melty chocolate chips and gooey marshmallows. Quick to whip up and irresistibly delicious, they’re bound to become your go-to treat for any occasion. So grab your spatula, and let’s usher in the fall flavors together with this delightful twist on a classic!

Why are Pumpkin S'mores Cookies so irresistible?

Soft, Chewy Texture: Each bite is a delightful blend of softness and chewiness that melts in your mouth.
Nostalgic Flavors: These cookies evoke beloved memories of camping and cozy firesides, blending the charm of s'mores with the richness of pumpkin.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and baking time, you can whip these up effortlessly for any gathering or a sweet treat at home.
Perfect for Sharing: Their crowd-pleasing appeal makes them ideal for parties, potlucks, or enjoying with your favorite warm beverage.
Fall Essence: The warm spices of pumpkin pie spice fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that captures the essence of autumn.

Pumpkin S'mores Cookies Ingredients

For the Batter

Unsalted Butter – Provides rich moisture and flavor; swap for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel; coconut sugar works as a substitute.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough for a balanced flavor; avoid substitutions for best results.
Pumpkin Puree – The star of the cookie, ensuring moisture and flavor; use 100% pure pumpkin, not filling.
Large Egg – Binds everything together; for an egg-free version, try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoon water).
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cookie’s flavor; reach for pure vanilla for the best taste.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; gluten-free flour can substitute for a different texture.
Baking Soda – Provides the lift these cookies need; no substitution is necessary.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses the batter with warm spices; individual spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can substitute.
Salt – Elevates all the flavors; essential for achieving good taste.

For the Mix-Ins

Chocolate Chips – Add sweetness and texture; choose from semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate options.
Mini Marshmallows – Contributes gooeyness and classic s'mores flavor; opt for non-melting vegan marshmallows if preferred.
Graham Crackers – Offers crunch and flavor; gluten-free graham crackers are an alternative.

Optional Additions

Orange Food Coloring – Enhances visual appeal; use sparingly or completely omit if desired.

How to Make Pumpkin S'mores Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures an easy release and helps your cookies bake evenly.
Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving that perfect soft texture in your cookies.
Beat in the pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If using, incorporate the orange food coloring for a warm, autumnal hue.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a separate bowl. This mixture will add structure and allow your cookies to rise beautifully.
Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, stirring until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix as it can lead to tougher cookies.
Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces gently. This will ensure even distribution of those delightful treats throughout the dough.
Scoop generous spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each dough ball. This allows room for spreading as they bake.
Top each cookie dough ball with extra chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces for that irresistible s'mores look and flavor.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft and puffy. The cookies will firm up while cooling.
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing for the perfect chewy texture.

Optional: Serve with a drizzle of chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin S'mores Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—just refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and top with extra chocolate chips and marshmallows before baking as directed. If you want to prep even further, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll always have a delicious treat on hand, ready for any occasion!

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin S'mores Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Fridge: For extended freshness, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring they stay delicious and moist.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to a year; this allows you to enjoy freshly baked Pumpkin S'mores Cookies anytime. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 4 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to get that freshly baked warmth back.

Expert Tips for Pumpkin S'mores Cookies

Cool Gently: Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet; they’re delicate when warm and could break if handled too soon.
Spice It Up: For a stronger pumpkin flavor, feel free to increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice. This enhances the cozy essence of the Pumpkin S'mores Cookies.
Measure Accurately: If the dough is excessively runny, double-check your measurements for flour and pumpkin puree—accuracy is key to achieving the right cookie texture.
Marshmallow Substitute: To prevent marshmallows from melting during baking, consider using non-melting vegan options for the gooey, nostalgic texture without the mess.
Mix-Ins Balance: When folding in chocolate chips and graham cracker pieces, be gentle; this ensures a delightful distribution without overworking the dough.

Pumpkin S'mores Cookies Variations

Feel free to customize your Pumpkin S'mores Cookies with these delightful alternatives that will tickle your taste buds!

Chocolate Twist: Substitute white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier profile that beautifully complements the pumpkin.
Crunchy Variation: Replace graham crackers with finely chopped nuts for an unexpected crunch that adds a lovely texture contrast.
Spice It Up: Experiment with various spices; adding ground ginger or cardamom can create unique flavor profiles for your cookies.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream in place of butter and almond milk for an entirely dairy-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate a spoonful of almond or peanut butter into the dough for richness and added nutty flavor.
Pumpkin Seeds: Toss in some roasted pumpkin seeds for an earthy crunch that enhances the fall theme of your cookies.
Coconut Touch: Add shredded coconut to the mix for a tropical twist that brings a new dimension to the classic s'mores flavor.
Heat It Up: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a subtle kick that beautifully contrasts the sweetness.

Embrace these variations, and let your creativity shine while baking up a storm!

What to Serve with Pumpkin S'mores Cookies?

As the aroma of baked cookies fills your home, envision the perfect companions to enhance this delightful treat.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla beautifully complements the warm spices, creating a delicious contrast to the soft cookies.
Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, comforting beverage adds a cozy element, balancing the sweetness while paying homage to autumn flavors.
Chocolate Milk: A nostalgic pairing that enhances the chocolate notes in the cookies, bringing out the full s'mores experience.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the fall season with this iconic drink, harmonizing perfectly with the pumpkin flavors in your cookies.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: For a crunchy texture contrast, offer these as a side snack. Their savory notes balance the sweet cookies beautifully.
Whipped Cream Topping: Adding a dollop of whipped cream elevates your cookie experience, enhancing the dessert’s indulgent nature.
Ginger Snaps: Their crispy texture and spicy notes create a wonderful contrast to the soft cookies, perfect for a cozy cookie platter.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel over the cookies or serving it on the side provides an extra layer of indulgence that highlights the pumpkin's sweetness.
Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai complement the flavors of the cookies, making for a soothing pairing that's perfect for chilly days.

Pumpkin S'mores Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely, use 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter your cookie’s taste.

How should I store my Pumpkin S'mores Cookies?
You can store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure they’re fully cooled before sealing to maintain their delightful texture.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
Yes, you can! Wrap the unbaked dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a zip-top bag, and freeze it for up to a year. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

What do I do if my cookie dough is too runny?
Very! If your dough is runny, double-check your measurements—ensuring you accurately measured flour, pumpkin puree, and other ingredients. If it’s still too soft, try adding a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you get the desired consistency.

Are there any common allergies I should consider?
Definitely, keep in mind that these Pumpkin S'mores Cookies contain common allergens such as wheat, eggs, and dairy. If you're baking for someone with allergies, consider using a flax egg for the binding and substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

How can I tell when my cookies are done baking?
You’ll want to bake them until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft and puffed. This usually takes about 12-14 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the cookies will continue to firm up slightly while cooling on the baking sheet.