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. Are you drooling yet?

While s’mores themselves have a charmingly simple history rooted in American Girl Scout campfires of the 1920s, the addition of pumpkin elevates this classic to a whole new level of autumnal indulgence. Pumpkin, a staple of the fall harvest, has been used in baking for centuries, bringing warmth and subtle sweetness to everything it touches. The combination of these two beloved treats creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

People adore Pumpkin Smores Cookies for so many reasons. The taste is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes. The texture is equally appealing: soft and chewy cookies, melty chocolate, and gooey marshmallows all in one bite! Plus, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for a cozy weekend baking project or a festive holiday gathering. Get ready to experience the magic of fall with every delicious bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
• 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)
• 3 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:
• 12 ounces milk chocolate bars, broken into squares (Hershey’s or similar)
• 1 (10 ounce) bag large marshmallows
• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional, for topping)

Preparing the Pumpkin Cookie Dough

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of these amazing cookies – the pumpkin dough! This is where the magic happens, and the warm, comforting flavors begin to develop. 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 essential for a tender cookie. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is noticeably lighter in color and has a smooth, almost whipped texture.
2. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip it!
3. Add the Pumpkin Puree: Now for the star ingredient! Stir in the pumpkin puree until well combined. Be sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already has spices and sugar added, which will throw off the balance of the recipe.
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 crucial for consistent baking 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. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point.
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 allows the flavors to meld together. You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours if you want to make it ahead of time.

Assembling the S’mores Cookies

Now comes the fun part – assembling these delightful treats! Get ready to get your hands a little sticky (in the best way possible!).

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 Cookie Dough: Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie 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 two spoons.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers will still look slightly soft, but they will continue to set as they cool.
4. Add Chocolate Squares: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and immediately press 3-4 milk chocolate squares into the center of each cookie. The residual heat from the cookies will start to melt the chocolate.
5. Top with Marshmallows: Place 1-2 large marshmallows on top of the chocolate squares on each cookie.
6. Broil (Optional, but Recommended!): Place the baking sheets back in the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly toasted. Watch them very carefully! Marshmallows can burn quickly under the broiler.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and 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 chocolate and marshmallows to set slightly.
8. Optional Topping: While the marshmallows are still slightly melted, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs for an extra touch of s’mores goodness.

Tips and Variations

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

• Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate! Dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even white chocolate would be delicious.
• Mini Marshmallows: Use mini marshmallows instead of large marshmallows for a more even distribution of marshmallow goodness.
• Nutella Swirl: Swirl a spoonful of Nutella into the cookie dough before baking for a hazelnut-chocolate twist.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a subtle kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results.
• Make them Ahead: You can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat them slightly in the microwave before serving to re-melt the chocolate and marshmallows.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing.

Troubleshooting

Cookies are spreading too much: This is usually caused by the dough being too warm. Make sure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough.
Cookies are too dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour accurately and don’t overbake the cookies.
Marshmallows are burning: Watch the marshmallows very carefully when broiling! They can burn quickly. If they start to burn, remove the baking sheets from the oven immediately.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies as much as I do! They’re the perfect treat for fall, or any time you’re craving a little bit of comfort and sweetness. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a fall flavor explosion waiting to happen! The combination of warm pumpkin spice, gooey marshmallow, and rich chocolate nestled in a soft, chewy cookie base is simply irresistible. I truly believe these Pumpkin Smores Cookies are a must-try this season, and here’s why: they’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.

But the best part? You can totally customize them to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Try using different types of chocolate – dark chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor, or even white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. You could also experiment with different spices. A pinch of nutmeg or cloves alongside the cinnamon and ginger will add even more depth to the pumpkin flavor.

For serving suggestions, these cookies are fantastic on their own, warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk. But if you really want to elevate the experience, try crumbling them over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Or, get creative and use them to make mini ice cream sandwiches! Another fun idea is to pack them in lunchboxes for a special treat, or bring them to your next potluck – they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

And don’t forget about variations! If you’re not a fan of marshmallows (though I can’t imagine why!), you can leave them out altogether and still have a delicious pumpkin chocolate chip cookie. Alternatively, you could try using marshmallow fluff instead of regular marshmallows for an even gooier texture. For a vegan version, simply substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use vegan marshmallows and chocolate chips. There are so many possibilities!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I’m confident that these Pumpkin Smores Cookies will become a new favorite in your household. They’re the perfect treat for cozy nights in, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing cookies. I promise you won’t regret it!

Once you’ve tried the recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and create even more delicious recipes for you. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of these delightful Pumpkin Smores Cookies! I can’t wait to see what you create!

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