Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

You can’t go wrong with pumpkin s’mores cookies. They’re soft, sweet, and very more-ish, offering plenty of amazing flavors in every bite! Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy nights at home, or as a delightful treat for any occasion, these cookies combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with the classic s’mores experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and spices creates a unique taste that is both comforting and delicious.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip these up with confidence.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holidays, parties, or just a sweet snack. They cater to many occasions!
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie is soft on the inside with a slight crisp on the edges, making them incredibly satisfying to eat.
• Fun to Customize: Feel free to mix in your favorite chocolate or nuts to make them your own!

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful pumpkin s’mores cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment not only makes the process smoother but also ensures better results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These allow you to easily combine wet and dry ingredients without any mess.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking and browning of your cookies.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you will need for making delicious pumpkin s’mores cookies:

• 1 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• ¾ Cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ Cup granulated sugar
• ½ Cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg (large)
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Teaspoon baking soda
• 1 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ Teaspoon salt
• 1 Cup chocolate chips
• 1 Cup mini vegan marshmallows
• 8 graham crackers (broken into small pieces)
• 1 Teaspoon food coloring (orange, optional)
• ½ Cup chocolate chips
• mini vegan marshmallows
• graham crackers (crushed)

How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of pumpkin s’mores cookies.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies later.

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.

Step 3: Mix in Pumpkin and Egg

Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re using orange food coloring, add it during this step.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Add-ins

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and broken graham cracker pieces.

Step 7: Portion Out Dough

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Top each cookie dough ball by pressing in a few extra vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips, and/or pieces of graham crackers into the top of each one.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Serve

Serve your pumpkin s’mores cookies at room temperature. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Pumpkin s’mores cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies can be paired with other treats or beverages for an extra special experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee – The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate – A warm cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy pairing, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Chai Tea – The spices in chai tea enhance the pumpkin flavors in the cookies.

As a Dessert Platter

• Mixed Fruit – Serve with slices of apple or pear for a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
• Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream adds creaminess and balances the cookie’s texture.
• Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie elevates their deliciousness.

For Special Occasions

• Halloween Parties – These cookies are festive and fit perfectly into fall-themed celebrations.
• Thanksgiving Desserts – They can be a unique addition to your holiday dessert table, offering something different from traditional pies.

How to Perfect Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

To achieve the best pumpkin s’mores cookies, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Adjust Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Add Extra Toppings Before Baking – Press additional chocolate chips and marshmallows on top before baking for a more indulgent finish.
• Cool Properly – Letting them cool on a wire rack prevents sogginess and helps maintain their texture.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some delicious options you might consider serving alongside your pumpkin s’mores cookies:

1. Spiced Apple Cider – Warm spiced apple cider adds seasonal flavor and warmth.
2. Pecan Pie Bars – Rich, nutty bars provide a nice contrast to the soft texture of the cookies.
3. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies or serve it as a dip for added sweetness.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses balances out the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
5. Pumpkin Soup – A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory counterpart to your sweet treat.
6. Ginger Snap Cookies – These add another layer of spice and crunch that pairs well with s’mores flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking pumpkin s’mores cookies can be a fun experience, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature and your egg is fresh from the fridge for best results.
• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until everything is combined; a few lumps are okay!
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measuring.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet ensures they set properly. Don’t rush this step, as it affects texture and taste.
• Underestimating baking time: Each oven varies, so keep an eye on your cookies. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin s’mores cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin s’mores cookies.

Can I use another type of chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute dark or white chocolate chips if you prefer different flavors in your pumpkin s’mores cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for delicious gluten-free pumpkin s’mores cookies.

How do I add more pumpkin flavor?

You can increase the amount of pumpkin puree slightly, but make sure to balance it with additional flour if necessary.

What if I can’t find mini vegan marshmallows?

Regular marshmallows work well too! Just cut them into smaller pieces before mixing them into your cookie dough.

How long does it take to prepare pumpkin s’mores cookies?

The total time is about 35 minutes, including prep and baking time.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin s’mores cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their soft texture and delightful flavors, they make an excellent treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize with different chocolates or spices according to your taste!