Pumpkin Smores Cookies: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin Smores Cookies: Prepare to fall head-over-heels for the most delightful autumn treat you’ll bake all season! Imagine the warm, comforting spices of pumpkin pie mingling with the gooey, chocolatey goodness of s’mores – all nestled within a soft, chewy cookie. It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for more.

While the exact origins of combining pumpkin spice with s’mores are a modern marvel, both elements boast rich histories. Pumpkin spice, reminiscent of colonial American baking, evokes feelings of hearth and home. S’mores, on the other hand, are a campfire classic, born from the Girl Scouts in the early 20th century, representing shared moments and outdoor adventures. Marrying these two iconic flavors creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

What makes these Pumpkin Smores Cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The soft, slightly spiced pumpkin cookie base provides a comforting warmth, while the melted chocolate and toasted marshmallow offer a delightful contrast. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply a cozy night in. Get ready to experience cookie perfection!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light 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 graham crackers, broken into squares
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1 (10 ounce) bag large marshmallows

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to make our delicious pumpkin cookie dough. This is where the magic begins, and trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing in no time!

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. You want it to be nice and airy, so don’t rush this step! The lighter the mixture, the better the texture of your cookies.
2. Add 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. Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skip it!
3. Incorporate the Pumpkin Puree: Add the pumpkin puree and mix until well combined. Be sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added spices and sugar that we don’t need in this 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 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. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated, and then stop.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important because it allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilling also helps the flavors meld together. You can chill it for longer, even overnight, if you prefer.

Assembling the S’mores Cookies:

Now for the fun part – assembling our s’mores cookies! This is where we bring together the pumpkin cookie dough, graham crackers, chocolate chips, and marshmallows to create the ultimate treat.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Graham Crackers: Break the graham crackers into squares. You’ll need enough squares to top each cookie.
3. Scoop the Cookie Dough: Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
4. Press in Chocolate Chips: Gently press a few milk chocolate chips into the top of each cookie dough ball. This adds a layer of melty chocolate goodness to every bite.
5. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 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.
6. Add Marshmallows and Graham Crackers: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately top each cookie with a large marshmallow and a graham cracker square.
7. Broil Briefly: Place the baking sheets back in the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly melted. Watch them very carefully, as marshmallows can burn quickly under the broiler!
8. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them 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:

• Use Different Chocolate: Instead of milk chocolate chips, try using dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips. Each type of chocolate will add a unique flavor to the cookies.
• Add Nuts: Mix chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cookie dough for a subtle kick.
• Use Different Graham Crackers: Honey graham crackers, chocolate graham crackers, or cinnamon graham crackers can all be used in this recipe.
• Make them Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Marshmallow Variations: Use flavored marshmallows like vanilla, chocolate, or even pumpkin spice marshmallows for an extra burst of flavor.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: After the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.
• Add a Salted Caramel Swirl: Swirl a little salted caramel sauce into the cookie dough before baking for a sweet and salty treat.

Storage Instructions:

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be delicious after a few days. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage. To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Cookies are Spreading Too Much: If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or your oven temperature is too low. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, and double-check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer.
• Cookies are Too Dry: If your cookies are too dry, it could be because you overbaked them, or you used too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately, and don’t overbake the cookies.
• Marshmallows are Burning: If your marshmallows are burning under the broiler, it could be because they are too close to the heat source. Move the baking sheet to a lower rack in the oven, and watch the marshmallows very carefully.
• Cookies are Sticking to the Baking Sheet: If your cookies are sticking to the baking sheet, make sure to use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Enjoy Your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious pumpkin s’mores cookies! They are the perfect treat for fall, and they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Happy baking!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because something about these Pumpkin Smores Cookies whispered sweet nothings into your soul. And I’m here to tell you, that whisper was right! These aren’t just cookies; they’re a cozy autumn hug in every bite. The warm spices of pumpkin pie meet the gooey, melty magic of a campfire smore, all nestled in a soft, chewy cookie base. What’s not to love?

Why You Absolutely NEED to Make These

Seriously, if you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both comforting and impressive, look no further. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. The recipe is straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the results are guaranteed to elicit “oohs” and “aahs” from everyone who tries them. But beyond the ease and the deliciousness, these cookies are special because they capture the essence of fall. They’re the perfect treat for a chilly evening, a Halloween party, or simply a cozy night in with a good book. They’re a conversation starter, a mood booster, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, let’s face it, who can resist the allure of a perfectly toasted marshmallow?

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While these Pumpkin Smores Cookies are amazing on their own, there are so many ways to elevate them even further! For a truly decadent experience, try serving them 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 extra fancy, drizzle them with a bit of salted caramel sauce. The salty-sweet combination is irresistible.

Looking for variations? Get creative! You could swap out the graham crackers for chocolate graham crackers for an extra chocolatey kick. Or, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a bit of crunch. For a spicier version, increase the amount of cinnamon and add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different types of marshmallows, like flavored marshmallows or even homemade marshmallows. The possibilities are endless! You can also adjust the amount of pumpkin puree to your liking, depending on how strong you want the pumpkin flavor to be. Just remember that adding too much liquid can affect the texture of the cookies, so start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.

Another fun idea is to make mini versions of these cookies and serve them as bite-sized treats. They’re perfect for parties or for satisfying a sweet craving without overindulging. You could even turn them into ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two mini cookies. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these incredible Pumpkin Smores Cookies. I promise you won’t regret it. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone loved them. Tag me in your photos on social media, leave a comment below, or send me an email. I can’t wait to see your creations!

Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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