Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

You can’t go wrong with pumpkin s’mores cookies. These delightful treats are soft, sweet, and incredibly more-ish, offering plenty of amazing flavors in every bite! Perfect for gatherings, fall festivities, or simply enjoying at home, these cookies combine the essence of classic s’mores with a seasonal pumpkin twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and chocolate is a match made in heaven, creating a rich and indulgent taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these cookies without hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in with family.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay soft and chewy, making them perfect for dunking in milk or coffee.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve your little ones in the baking process for a fun family activity that results in delicious rewards.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your pumpkin s’mores cookies, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or whisk)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together.
• Baking sheet: Provides a stable base for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking.

Ingredients

To make your delicious pumpkin s’mores cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 1 Cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• ¾ Cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ Cup granulated sugar
• ½ Cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg (large)
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Teaspoon baking soda
• 1 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ Teaspoon salt

Mix-Ins

• 1 Cup chocolate chips
• 1 Cup mini vegan marshmallows
• 8 grachicken chicken ham crackers (broken into small pieces)
• 1 Teaspoon food coloring (orange, optional)
• ½ Cup chocolate chips (for topping)
• Mini vegan marshmallows (for topping)
• Grachicken chicken ham crackers (crushed, for topping)

How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Continue mixing by adding:
1. The pumpkin puree,
2. The egg,
3. The vanilla extract.
4. If using orange food coloring, add it during this step until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
– Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Add-Ins

Gently fold in:
– The chocolate chips,
– Mini vegan marshmallows,
– Broken grachicken chicken ham cracker pieces.

Step 7: Portion the Dough

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon:
– Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet,
– Space them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Press extra vegan marshmallows, chocolate chips, or pieces of grachicken chicken ham crackers into each cookie dough ball.

Step 9: Bake

Place in the preheated oven:
– Bake for 12 to 14 minutes,
– Look for golden edges while keeping centers soft.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Serve

Enjoy your pumpkin s’mores cookies at room temperature!

How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Pumpkin s’mores cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. You can serve them in various ways to enhance the experience, whether at a gathering or as a cozy snack at home.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair these cookies with a rich cup of coffee for a delicious contrast.
• Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the flavors in the cookies perfectly.
• Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea can balance the sweetness and provide a soothing experience.

As Dessert Toppings

• Ice Cream: Crumble cookies over vanilla or pumpkin ice cream for added texture and flavor.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer crushed cookies in yogurt with fresh fruit for a tasty parfait.

At Gatherings

• Cookie Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other cookies to create an inviting dessert table.
• Gift Bags: Package them in decorative bags for homemade gifts that friends and family will love.

How to Perfect Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Achieving the perfect pumpkin s’mores cookies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you elevate your baking game:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature ensures better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Gently mix until just combined to maintain softness in the cookies.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker, chewier cookies.
• Add extra marshmallows: Press additional mini vegan marshmallows on top before baking for a gooey, melty finish.
• Bake on parchment paper: This prevents sticking and helps achieve even baking.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming hard.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin s’mores cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Nutty Granola: Serve with a bowl of crunchy granola to add texture and a nutty flavor contrast.
3. Creamy Dip: A whipped cream cheese dip can complement the spices in the cookies beautifully.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a savory crunch that pairs well with sweet flavors.
6. Custard Sauce: A drizzle of homemade custard sauce adds creaminess that enhances each bite of cookie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little can alter the cookie’s structure. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on a baking sheet is essential. Skipping this step may result in cookies that fall apart.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the dough’s consistency. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Ignoring oven temperatures: Every oven is different; an inaccurate oven can lead to uneven baking. Always check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.

Can I use another type of flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary.

How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

Simply use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.

What can I use instead of mini marshmallows?

Chopped dried fruits or more chocolate chips work well as alternatives if you want a different flavor profile.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for extra crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture and rich flavors make them irresistible. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts, using different chocolates, or even incorporating spices that you love. Try these cookies today and enjoy their deliciousness!