About Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies embody the warmth of autumn with their rich flavors and comforting textures. Combining the beloved tastes of pumpkin spice with the classic goodness of s’mores, these cookies provide a delightful twist on traditional cookies that satisfies cravings for both sweet and savory. The flavors in Pumpkin S’mores Cookies harmonize beautifully: the pumpkin offers a mellow earthiness, while the melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows create pockets of indulgence. The texture serves as a satisfying contrast, with a soft, chewy center encased in a slightly crisp outer layer, speckled with graham cracker crumbs for added crunch.
What You’ll Need for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Complete Ingredients List
- 1 cup (240ml) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (150g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (100g) mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup (60g) crushed graham crackers
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
- Pumpkin Puree: You can use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer or substitute it with sweet potato puree for a different flavor profile.
- Sugars: For a healthier twist, consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup. Adjust the liquid content accordingly if using liquid sweeteners.
- Butter: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter for a vegan variation.
- Flour: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free, keeping the ratios the same.
- Chocolate Chips: Almonds, butterscotch chips, or dark chocolate can be substituted according to your preference.
- Mini Marshmallows: Use vegan marshmallows for a plant-based option.
How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients to create a seamless baking experience. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring until well combined. The wet ingredients should be well-mixed to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt). Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could result in denser cookies.
Step 4: Fold in Mix-ins
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers. The goal is to evenly distribute them without breaking the marshmallows.
Step 5: Portion and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, giving them enough space to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked (they will continue to firm up once coming out of the oven).
Step 6: Let Them Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, enabling the marshmallows to remain soft and gooey.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed warm, allowing the chocolate and marshmallows to melt in your mouth. You can serve them straight from the oven or gently warmed after storing. For an appealing presentation, stack them in a glass jar or arrange them on a platter, garnished with extra crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
Enhance your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream. You can also serve them alongside a hot cup of cocoa or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy treat. Additional toppings can include a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance.
Storing & Preserving Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Best Storage Methods
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks, but keep in mind they may lose some of their chewiness when chilled.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
For optimal texture, the best way to reheat the cookies is in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. If you’ve frozen them, let them sit in the fridge overnight to defrost, then use the same reheating method to restore their delightful softness.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Every Time
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated properly; using an oven thermometer can confirm the right temperature.
- Not Using Parchment Paper: Skipping parchment can result in stuck cookies that are difficult to remove.
Helpful Tricks for Success
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor of your cookies significantly.
- Chill Your Dough: If you have power over time, chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking helps achieve a thicker cookie.
- Try Different Add-ins: Explore using flavored chocolate (like pumpkin spice or white chocolate) to add a new twist to these beloved cookies.
Fun Variations of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
For a creative spin on the classic recipe, try adding butterscotch chips, chopped nuts, or even a handful of dried cranberries for a tart contrast against the sweetness. You can also drizzle your baked cookies with melted chocolate or Nutella for an extra decadent treat.
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
- Vegan: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, use vegan butter, and opt for vegan chocolate chips.
- Keto: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, a sugar substitute like erythritol, and omit marshmallows to lower the carb count.
- Sugar-Free: Incorporate a sugar-free sweetener, adjusting the quantity based on the brand’s specific sweetness level.
FAQs
What If My Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your cookies end up too dry, the dough may have been overmixed or overbaked. Re-check oven temperatures and consider adding a touch more pumpkin to increase moisture in your next batch. For cookies that spread too much, chill the dough before baking or increase the flour by a few tablespoons.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. This not only makes meal prep convenient but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
If you find yourself without pumpkin puree, you can substitute with applesauce. Granulated sugar can be replaced with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or you might opt for honey or agave nectar, adjusting other liquid ingredients accordingly.
Print
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining the mellow earthiness of pumpkin with the indulgence of melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows. The soft, chewy center and slightly crisp outer layer, speckled with graham cracker crumbs, create a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (150g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (100g) mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup (60g) crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are slightly underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a vegan variation, use coconut oil or dairy-free butter and vegan marshmallows.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will result in thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Cookies, S’mores Cookies, Fall Dessert, Pumpkin Spice, Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies