Irresistible Pumpkin S’mores Cookies for Fall Bliss
You can’t go wrong with pumpkin s’mores cookies. These delightful treats are the perfect blend of soft, sweet, and utterly irresistible. As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like the warm flavors of pumpkin and chocolate melting together in a cookie that feels like a cozy hug. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home, these cookies will surely bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite.
What I adore about pumpkin s’mores cookies is how they capture the essence of classic s’mores while adding a seasonal twist. The combination of chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers creates a deliciously gooey experience that’s hard to resist. Plus, they make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft in the center with just the right amount of chewiness.
– Perfect for Fall Gatherings: They capture all the cozy flavors of autumn, making them ideal for seasonal celebrations.
– Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll have these delicious cookies ready in no time!
– Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
– A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cookies! These are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your pumpkin s’mores cookies shine. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat:
For the Cookies
– 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 and Toppings
– 1 Cup chocolate chips
– 1 Cup mini vegan marshmallows
– 8 graham crackers (broken into small pieces)
– 1 Teaspoon food coloring (orange, optional)
– Additional chocolate chips and mini vegan marshmallows for topping
Variations
One of the best parts about baking is how flexible recipes can be! Here are some fun variations you might consider trying:
– Swap the sweetener: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
– Add nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
– Try different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg alongside or instead of pumpkin pie spice for added warmth.
– Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. While your oven heats up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create those soft cookie centers we all love.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin Mixture
Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re using orange food coloring for an extra festive touch, add it here as well. This step brings moisture and flavor to your dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute them evenly throughout your cookie dough.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this will help keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 6: Fold in Mix-ins
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and broken graham cracker pieces. This step adds those delicious textures and flavors that make each bite special.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.
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 on top. This not only looks appealing but also enhances that gooey goodness when baked.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. The slight underbaking helps achieve that chewy texture we crave.
Step 10: Cool Down
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time allows them to set up nicely without falling apart.
Step 11: Serve
Serve your pumpkin s’mores cookies at room temperature—perfect for sharing or enjoying with a warm beverage!
With these easy steps, you’ll have scrumptious pumpkin s’mores cookies ready to delight everyone around you! Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Baking can be such a delightful experience, especially when making these pumpkin s’mores cookies! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time:
– Use room temperature ingredients. This helps to create a smoother batter and ensures that the butter incorporates well with the sugars.
– Don’t overmix the dough. Mixing just until combined will keep your cookies soft and tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
– Experiment with spices. If you love a little extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch more pumpkin pie spice or even a dash of cinnamon to enhance the warmth of these cookies.
– Adjust baking time based on your oven. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
– Allow cooling time. Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them helps them set and maintain their shape.
How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Serving these pumpkin s’mores cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some ideas to present these delicious treats beautifully:
Garnishes
– Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for an extra crunch.
– Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for an appealing finish.
Side Dishes
– Pair with a warm cup of chai tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
– Serve alongside vanilla almond milk for a delightful dip.
– Offer fresh fruit like apple slices or pears for a refreshing contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Planning ahead can make enjoying these pumpkin s’mores cookies even easier! Here’s how you can store or prepare them in advance:
Storing Leftovers
– Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
– For added freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
Freezing
– Freeze unbaked cookie dough by scooping it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and placing it in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
– Baked cookies can be frozen by placing them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.
Reheating
– To reheat frozen cookie dough, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
– For baked cookies, microwave them for about 10 seconds or warm them in an oven set at 350°F for 5 minutes until soft again.
FAQs
If you have questions about making pumpkin s’mores cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
Using pumpkin pie filling is not recommended since it contains added sugars and spices that could alter the flavor and texture of your cookies. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for best results.
What if I can’t find vegan marshmallows?
You can substitute regular mini marshmallows if necessary; however, choosing vegan options ensures they align with dietary preferences.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown, while the centers will look slightly underbaked. They will set as they cool!
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up these delightful pumpkin s’mores cookies! They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying during cozy nights at home. Remember, there’s no wrong way to enjoy your baking adventures—so gather your ingredients and have fun! Happy baking!
Pumpkin S'mores Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add food coloring if using.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini vegan marshmallows, and broken graham cracker pieces.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
- Top each cookie dough ball with extra vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips, and/or pieces of graham crackers.
- Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve your pumpkin s'mores cookies at room temperature.
