Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the cozy essence of fall, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Pumpkin S’mores Cookies! These cookies are a wonderful blend of soft pumpkin goodness and the nostalgic flavors of s’mores. They’ll fill your kitchen with warmth and sweetness, making them ideal for everything from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll be reaching for another!

These cookies are not just tasty; they’re also fun to make. The combination of chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces will have everyone in your home asking for more. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time.
• Family-friendly treat: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and devouring these cookies afterward!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a holiday party, these cookies fit right in.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
• Irresistible flavor: The blend of pumpkin and s’mores brings a unique twist to classic cookie flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you likely already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need to bring our Pumpkin S’mores Cookies to life:

For the Cookie 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
• 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 grachicken chicken ham crackers (broken into small pieces)
• 1 Teaspoon food coloring (orange, optional)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use different chocolates: Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate or dark chocolate for diverse flavors.
• Change up the spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicier kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that once your cookie dough is ready, it will bake evenly and perfectly.

Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in soft cookies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. If you’re using food coloring for that festive orange hue, add it here too! This mixture will give our cookies their moist texture.

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 when combined later.

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies!

Step 6: Fold in the Goodies

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and broken graham cracker pieces. The mix-ins create delightful pockets of flavor throughout each cookie.

Step 7: Shape Your Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave about two inches between each one so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 8: Top It Off

Before they go into the oven, press a few extra marshmallows and chocolate chips onto each cookie ball. This creates an irresistible topping that looks fantastic once baked.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden but the center still looks soft—it will firm up as they cool.

Step 10: Cool Down Time

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them set while keeping that delicious chewy center intact.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Serve these delightful Pumpkin S’mores Cookies at room temperature and watch them disappear! Enjoy with friends or save some for yourself—they’re truly irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Baking these delicious pumpkin s’mores cookies is a joy, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with butter and egg at room temperature helps to create a smoother batter, ensuring that your cookies bake evenly and have the perfect texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, while gentle mixing keeps them soft and tender.

• Experiment with spices: If you love pumpkin spice flavor, feel free to add a pinch more of pumpkin pie spice or even a hint of cinnamon to enhance the warm flavors in your cookies.

• Chill your dough (optional): For thicker cookies that maintain their shape, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This step can also intensify the flavors of your ingredients.

• Store properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw before serving!

How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

These pumpkin s’mores cookies are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Presenting them well can enhance the experience!

Garnishes

• Sprinkle of sea salt: A light dusting of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness and adds an appealing contrast.
• Drizzle of chocolate: A quick drizzle of melted vegan chocolate over the cooled cookies makes them look even more irresistible and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair your cookies with a warm pumpkin spice latte for a delightful fall treat that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Apple slices with almond butter: Fresh apple slices provide a refreshing crunch and pair well with almond butter for additional protein.
• Warm chai tea: The spicy notes in chai tea harmonize wonderfully with the pumpkin flavors in your cookies, making it an ideal beverage companion.
• Cinnamon ice cream (dairy-free): For those who enjoy dessert à la mode, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of cinnamon-flavored dairy-free ice cream for a comforting treat.

Enjoy making and sharing these delightful pumpkin s’mores cookies—they’re sure to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how you can store them effectively:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common inquiries about Pumpkin S’mores Cookies!

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini vegan marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows if you prefer. Just cut them into smaller pieces so they blend well into the cookie dough.

How do I make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you choose is suitable for baking.

Can I add nuts to my Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and flavor. Just fold them into the dough along with the chocolate chips and marshmallows.

What makes these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies special?

The combination of pumpkin puree, chocolate chips, and marshmallows creates a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for fall. These cookies are soft and chewy, making them an irresistible treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you get as much joy from making these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies as I do! They’re not just delicious but also bring a cozy warmth that makes any day feel special. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family (or keeping them all to yourself!). Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with delightful aromas!