I absolutely love how this Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe brings together the best of fall flavors and cozy campfire nostalgia all in one bite. The warm pumpkin spice combined with gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate chips, and crunchy graham cracker pieces makes these cookies unforgettable. They’re perfect for a chilly afternoon when you crave a little comfort but want to keep that classic s’mores magic going strong.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle earthiness that really makes these cookies stand out from your regular s’mores treat. You’ll find that these cookies work well as a sweet snack, an easy dessert for gatherings, or even a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving cookie platter. Trust me, it’s worth trying at least once — your family will be making requests in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Fall Twist: The pumpkin puree adds moisture and spice for a unique seasonal flavor.
- Classic Comfort Food: Gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate deliver true s’mores indulgence.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can whip these up quickly for last-minute cravings.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these cookies, making them a great crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe come together beautifully to blend festive fall flavors with classic s’mores components. You’ll want to choose good-quality pumpkin puree and fresh marshmallows for the best texture and taste.
- Unsalted butter: Use at room temperature for easier creaming and a tender cookie.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and helps create that chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie spread.
- Pumpkin puree: Look for 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for authentic flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall warmth and sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: The base for your cookie structure.
- Baking soda: Helps cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The star of fall flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet for a classic s’mores taste.
- Mini marshmallows: For that gooey, melty texture everyone loves.
- Graham crackers: Broken into small pieces to add crunch and that signature s’mores bite.
- Food coloring (optional): A hint of orange can make your cookies visually festive, but it’s totally optional.
Variations
I love how flexible the Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe is—you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with the add-ins or toppings, making each batch uniquely yours.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch—I always find this adds a lovely texture contrast.
- Vegan Version: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg, and pick vegan marshmallows to make a plant-based batch that still feels indulgent.
- Spice it Up: Increase pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat that pairs surprisingly well.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure graham crackers are gluten-free to enjoy this cookie without worries.
How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars Until Fluffy
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer. Creaming well here is key for that tender, soft texture you’ll love.
Step 2: Mix in Pumpkin, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract to your creamed butter and sugar mixture. If you’re using orange food coloring for a festive touch, now’s the time to stir that in, just a drop or two is enough. Mix until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix at this stage to keep your cookies tender.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This ensures your leavening and spices are evenly distributed so each cookie tastes consistent and perfectly spiced.
Step 4: Gently Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin batter, mixing just until incorporated. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see flour. Then, carefully fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and the broken graham cracker pieces—these chunks are what make the iconic s’mores texture shine!
Step 5: Scoop and Top Your Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie for spreading. I like to press a couple of extra marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs right onto the tops of the dough balls—this adds such a fun, rustic look and extra melty goodness once baked.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should look golden while the centers remain soft—that’s the sweet spot for perfect chewiness. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage since they’re delicate while warm.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking causes tough cookies; mix just until ingredients combine.
- Use Vegan Marshmallows if Needed: They hold their shape better if you prefer marshmallows that don’t melt completely.
- Press Extra Toppings on Top: Adding a few marshmallows and chocolate chips on top gives a beautiful melty finish.
- Let Cookies Cool on Sheet: They’re fragile fresh from the oven; cooling on the sheet first prevents crumbles.
How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a sprinkle of crushed graham cracker crumbs and a few miniature marshmallows on top of the cookies just before serving for that extra visual appeal and texture. If you want to go all out, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top—it’s such a simple touch that makes these cookies feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of spiced chai, pumpkin latte, or even hot cocoa. For something light, a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonderfully alongside these rich, gooey treats, making dessert feel like a campfire feast right at home.
Creative Ways to Present
I once served these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe stacked on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by cinnamon sticks and tiny pumpkins for a cozy fall party. Another fun idea is to make mini cookie sandwiches with a layer of marshmallow fluff or cream cheese frosting—kids went nuts for those! Presentation really sets the mood, so don’t be shy about getting creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Pumpkin S’mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you can resist eating them all immediately, they’ll stay soft and delicious—just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking! For unbaked dough, scoop onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Baked cookies freeze great too and thaw in about an hour at room temp. Freezing lets you enjoy fall flavors long after pumpkin season is over.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness, warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for 5 minutes. It’ll soften the marshmallows and chocolate chips just right without drying out the cookie.
FAQs
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Can I substitute canned pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?
Yes, fresh pumpkin can be used if pureed smoothly, but make sure it’s fully cooked and drained well to avoid extra moisture that could affect the cookie texture. Using canned pumpkin puree is easiest because it’s consistent in moisture and flavor.
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Do the marshmallows melt completely inside the cookies?
Most marshmallows will melt and become gooey, creating pockets of softness in the cookie. If you prefer marshmallows that keep their shape, vegan mini marshmallows are a great alternative as they tend to hold up better during baking.
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Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallows to adapt this Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe for a dairy-free diet without sacrificing flavor.
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How long do Pumpkin S’mores Cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Beyond that, freezing is your best option to maintain texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe has become such a comforting staple in my fall baking rotation. I love how it blends classic s’mores nostalgia with pumpkin’s seasonal charm—there’s something so cozy and satisfying about it. If you’re looking for a twist on traditional cookies that’ll wow your family and friends, give this recipe a try. I promise once you do, it’ll be your go-to treat for chilly days ahead!
PrintPumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 Cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and classic s’mores ingredients like chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for fall, featuring a delicious blend of pumpkin pie spice and melty marshmallows baked to golden perfection. Optional orange food coloring adds a festive touch, making these cookies ideal for seasonal gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Teaspoon baking soda
- 1 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 Cup mini marshmallows
- 8 graham crackers, broken into small pieces
- 1 Teaspoon orange food coloring (optional)
Optional Toppings
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Graham crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. If using orange food coloring, add it in this step to evenly distribute the color.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt thoroughly to ensure even flavor and leavening.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and broken graham cracker pieces into the dough for that classic s’mores flavor in every bite.
- Portion the Dough: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Add Toppings: Press a few extra mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and/or graham cracker pieces onto the tops of each cookie dough mound for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes as they will be delicate when hot. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Non-melting marshmallows: To keep marshmallows from melting away into the dough completely, use vegan mini marshmallows which hold their shape better during baking.
- Orange food coloring: Use sparingly—just a drop or two adds a festive hue without altering the taste.
- Cooling: Cookies are delicate when hot, so let them rest on the baking sheet before moving to a cooling rack to prevent breakage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 232 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 133 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg