Pumpkin Smores Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin Smores Cookies: the ultimate fall treat that combines the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice with the gooey, campfire goodness of s’mores! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie, bursting with pumpkin flavor, only to discover a hidden pocket of melted chocolate and a perfectly toasted marshmallow center. Sounds heavenly, right?

While s’mores themselves have a charmingly simple history rooted in American campfire traditions, the addition of pumpkin elevates this classic to a whole new level of autumnal indulgence. Pumpkin spice, with its warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, has become synonymous with fall baking, evoking feelings of comfort and nostalgia. It’s no wonder people adore pumpkin-flavored everything this time of year!

What makes these Pumpkin Smores Cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The soft, slightly spiced pumpkin cookie provides a comforting base, while the melted chocolate adds a rich, decadent sweetness. And of course, the toasted marshmallow brings that signature gooeyness and a hint of smoky flavor that transports you straight to a crackling campfire. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for a cozy weekend baking project or a festive holiday gathering. Get ready to experience a taste of fall magic with every bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pumpkin Cookie Dough:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the S’mores Filling & Topping:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 7-8 graham crackers)

Preparing the Pumpkin Cookie Dough

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of these delicious cookies – the pumpkin dough! This is where all the magic begins, and trust me, the aroma alone is worth the effort.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step! Properly creaming the butter and sugars incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cookie. I like to use my stand mixer with the paddle attachment for this, but a hand mixer works just as well. Just make sure your butter is truly softened – not melted!
2. Add Vanilla and Egg: Beat in the vanilla extract and then the egg until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
3. Incorporate the Pumpkin Puree: Add the pumpkin puree and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. The mixture might look a little curdled at this point, but don’t worry, it will all come together in the next steps.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for proper leavening and flavor.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, which is perfectly normal.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is a crucial step! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and also allows the flavors to meld together. You can chill the dough for longer, even overnight, if you prefer. If chilling overnight, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping.

Assembling the S’mores Cookies

Now for the fun part – turning that delicious pumpkin dough into s’mores masterpieces! This is where the chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers come into play.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Scoop the Dough: Scoop rounded tablespoons of the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. I like to use a cookie scoop for uniform size, but you can also use a spoon.
3. Press in Chocolate Chips: Gently press a few chocolate chips into the top of each cookie dough ball. This will ensure that you get a nice chocolatey bite in every cookie.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want them to be slightly underbaked for a soft and chewy texture.
5. Add Marshmallows and Graham Cracker Crumbs: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs over the top of each cookie. Don’t be shy with the marshmallows and graham crackers!
6. Broil Briefly (Optional): If you want your marshmallows to be toasted and gooey, you can broil the cookies for 1-2 minutes, watching them very carefully to prevent burning. Keep the oven door slightly ajar and don’t walk away! Broiling can quickly turn marshmallows from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds. If you prefer not to broil, the residual heat from the cookies will still melt the marshmallows slightly.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the marshmallows to set slightly and prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a subtle kick.
• Nutty Goodness: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chunk Upgrade: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Marshmallow Swirl: Before baking, swirl a spoonful of marshmallow fluff into the top of each cookie for an extra gooey treat.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for a decadent finish.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use vegan marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Storage Instructions

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.

Troubleshooting

Cookies spreading too much? Make sure your butter is not too soft and that you have chilled the dough for the recommended time. You can also add a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough to help prevent spreading.

Cookies too dry? Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be slightly underbaked for a soft and chewy texture.

Marshmallows burning? Watch the cookies very carefully when broiling and keep the oven door slightly ajar. You can also skip the broiling step altogether and let the residual heat melt the marshmallows.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies as much as I do! They are the perfect treat for fall and are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a fall flavor explosion waiting to happen! These Pumpkin Smores Cookies are a must-try because they perfectly blend the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice with the gooey, campfire-inspired goodness of s’mores. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with pumpkin flavor, followed by the satisfying crunch of graham cracker and the melty, irresistible pull of toasted marshmallow. Seriously, what’s not to love?

But the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! I know baking can sometimes feel intimidating, but trust me, this recipe is straightforward and yields incredible results. You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up a batch of these delightful treats. The combination of simple ingredients and clear instructions makes it a perfect recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

And the possibilities don’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a truly decadent experience, try serving these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and the cold ice cream is simply divine. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle them with a bit of salted caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and complexity.

Looking for variations? You could swap out the milk chocolate chunks for dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. Or, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a bit of added crunch and nutty flavor. Another fun idea is to use different flavored marshmallows, like toasted coconut or chocolate swirl, to add a unique twist to the classic s’mores flavor. You could even try using gluten-free graham crackers to make these cookies accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

These cookies are perfect for so many occasions. They’re a fantastic treat to bring to a fall potluck, a cozy addition to a Halloween party, or simply a delicious way to enjoy a crisp autumn evening at home. Imagine sharing a plate of these warm, gooey cookies with your friends and family – their smiles will be the ultimate reward!

I truly believe that these Pumpkin Smores Cookies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and fun. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of pumpkin and s’mores in every bite.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let’s spread the pumpkin s’mores cookie love! I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Happy baking!