Pumpkin Smores Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin Smores Cookies: Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure that perfectly marries the cozy warmth of autumn with the nostalgic delight of campfire treats! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie, bursting with pumpkin spice, gooey marshmallow, and rich chocolate – all in one delectable bite. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport you to a crisp fall evening around a crackling fire.

S’mores, a beloved American tradition, have been bringing joy to generations with their simple yet irresistible combination of roasted marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers. While the exact origins are debated, the first published s’mores recipe appeared in a Girl Scout guidebook in the 1920s. Now, we’re taking this classic treat to a whole new level by infusing it with the quintessential flavors of fall.

People adore these Pumpkin Smores Cookies because they offer the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of s’mores and the seasonal spice of pumpkin. The soft, slightly spiced pumpkin cookie base provides a delightful contrast to the melted marshmallow and decadent chocolate chunks. They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for baking with family, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The combination of textures – the soft cookie, the gooey marshmallow, and the slightly crunchy chocolate – is simply irresistible. Get ready to experience a cookie that’s both comforting and exciting, a true celebration of fall flavors!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 1/4 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
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 12 graham crackers, broken into squares

Preparing the Pumpkin Cookie Dough

Alright, let’s get started on these amazing Pumpkin S’mores Cookies! First things first, we need to cream together the butter and sugars. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect chewy texture, so don’t rush it!

1. 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. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is noticeably lighter in color and has a smooth, almost whipped consistency. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to emulsify the mixture and create a stable base for the cookie dough.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and that wonderful pumpkin flavor we’re after!

Combining Dry Ingredients and Forming the Dough

Now, let’s move on to the dry ingredients. This is where the magic happens – the spices that give these cookies their signature pumpkin spice flavor!

1. 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 essential for proper leavening and flavor.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
3. Stir in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Gently fold them in using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. We want pockets of melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows in every bite!

Chilling the Dough (Important!)

This is a step you absolutely don’t want to skip! Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer you chill the dough, the more flavorful and less likely to spread your cookies will be. I usually aim for at least an hour.

Baking the Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Time to bake these beauties! The aroma that will fill your kitchen is simply divine. Get ready for some serious cookie cravings!

1. 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. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows the cookies to spread without running into each other.
3. Gently press a graham cracker square into the top of each cookie dough ball. This adds that classic s’mores element and a nice textural contrast.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are 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 soft in the center.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when you move them.

Adding Extra Marshmallows (Optional but Recommended!)

For an extra gooey and s’mores-like experience, you can add more marshmallows during the last minute of baking. This is totally optional, but highly recommended if you’re a marshmallow lover like me!

1. During the last minute of baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows on top of each cookie.
2. Return the baking sheet to the oven for just one minute, or until the marshmallows are slightly melted and golden brown. Watch them carefully, as marshmallows can burn quickly!
3. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and Storing Your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed warm, when the chocolate is melty and the marshmallows are gooey. But they’re also delicious at room temperature! Here’s how to store them to keep them fresh.

1. Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
2. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them extra soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin S’mores Cookies:

• Use room temperature butter: This is essential for creaming the butter and sugars properly, which results in a light and fluffy cookie.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking and allows the flavors to meld together.
• Use parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t overbake the cookies: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
• Adjust baking time as needed: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin S’mores Cookies!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve scrolled this far because something about these Pumpkin Smores Cookies whispered sweet nothings to your soul. And trust me, they deliver on that promise! These aren’t just your average cookies; they’re a symphony of fall flavors and gooey, marshmallowy goodness that will have everyone begging for more. The warm spice of pumpkin, the rich chocolate chunks, and the perfectly toasted marshmallow create a textural and taste experience that’s simply irresistible. Seriously, you need these in your life.

Why are these a must-try? Because they’re incredibly easy to make, even for baking novices. The recipe is straightforward, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. But more importantly, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine the look on your family’s faces when you present a plate of these warm, gooey delights. Picture yourself bringing them to a potluck and being the instant star of the show. These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a memory in the making.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to take these Pumpkin Smores Cookies to the next level! While they’re absolutely divine on their own, fresh from the oven, there are plenty of ways to customize them to your liking. For an extra touch of indulgence, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream against the warm cookie is a match made in heaven. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle them with a salted caramel sauce for a sweet and salty explosion of flavor.

Want to switch things up a bit? Consider these variations:

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Espresso Boost: Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle coffee kick.
• Spice It Up: Increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice for a more intense fall flavor. You could even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising hint of heat.
• Chocolate Overload: Use a combination of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate chips for a truly decadent experience.
• Graham Cracker Crust: Press a small piece of graham cracker into the bottom of each cookie before baking for an extra layer of graham cracker goodness.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique version of these amazing cookies. The possibilities are endless!

Time to Bake!

So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of these Pumpkin Smores Cookies. I promise you won’t regret it. They’re the perfect treat for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or simply a moment of pure, unadulterated indulgence.

And now for the best part: I want to hear about your baking adventures! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did your family and friends think? I’m eager to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy baking!

Don’t forget to snap a picture of your gorgeous cookies and tag me on social media! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Let’s spread the pumpkin smores cookie love!

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