If you’re looking for a cozy treat that blends the best of fall flavors with nostalgic campfire vibes, then you can’t miss this Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe. Imagine soft, chewy pumpkin-spiced cookies loaded with chunks of chocolate and graham cracker crumbs, topped off with gooey, toasted marshmallows—it’s everything you love about s’mores and pumpkin in one bite. I absolutely love how these cookies come together quickly and fill the kitchen with irresistible warmth. Keep reading, and you’ll discover my favorite tips to make this fan-freaking-tastic recipe your new seasonal staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Fall Flavor Fusion: The pumpkin pie spices marry perfectly with the graham crackers and chocolate, delivering cozy vibes without fuss.
- Chewy & Gooey Perfection: You’ll get soft, chewy cookies with those toasty, melty marshmallows on top, just like s’mores around a campfire.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using pumpkin puree instead of pie filling keeps the texture just right and balanced.
- Family Favorite: Every time I bake these, my family goes crazy for them—perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe is in combining classic fall spices with traditional s’mores ingredients. Shopping for good quality pumpkin puree and fresh spices makes all the difference, so don’t rush through that step.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your cookies, helps them hold together with a soft bite.
- Baking soda & Baking powder: Both work together to give these cookies just the right lift and texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweet and spicy notes.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg & pumpkin pie spice: The quintessential warm spices that bring out pumpkin’s best.
- Graham cracker crumbs: For that authentic s’mores crunch that pairs perfectly with chocolate and marshmallow.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture for chewy texture.
- Brown sugar & White granulated sugar: The combo offers depth and sweetness; brown sugar keeps them moist, while white sugar adds a slight crisp edge.
- Pure vanilla extract & Amoretti Graham Cracker Extract: Vanilla is a must-have, and the graham cracker extract amps up the s’mores flavor—totally worth hunting down if you can!
- Pumpkin puree: Not canned pumpkin pie filling—use pure pumpkin for the best consistency and flavor.
- Large egg yolk: Gives extra tenderness and richness to the cookies.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic choice here, but feel free to use mini chips for better distribution.
- Marshmallows (cut in half): The pièce de résistance for that melty, toasty topping.
Variations
I often customize this Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s such a flexible treat that welcomes a few tweaks, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
- Gluten-free version: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and with a slight texture tweak, these cookies still come out amazing.
- Vegan twist: Using vegan butter, a flax egg instead of yolk, and dairy-free chocolate chips works beautifully if you want plant-based.
- Extra spice kick: When I want an added warmth, I bump up the pumpkin pie spice a bit or add a dash of clove for a cozy spice bomb.
- Nut additions: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch I’ve found my family really enjoys.
How to Make Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Properly
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Now, here’s a little trick I learned: place your pumpkin puree in a paper towel and gently press to soak up some excess moisture. This helps the dough stay perfectly chewy without getting too wet. While that’s happening, melt your butter in the microwave and let it cool just a bit; this keeps it from scrambling your egg when mixed later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for Flavor Harmony
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. Separately, blitz your graham crackers in a food processor to get fine crumbs that’ll add that classic s’mores texture. Trust me, fresh crumbs here give a better crunch than store-bought crumbs.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with both brown and white sugars until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, graham cracker extract for that extra punch of flavor, the pumpkin puree you drained earlier, and the egg yolk, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing here to keep your cookies tender.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the flour mixture and graham cracker crumbs into the wet ingredients until you just see no more streaks. Then stir in the chocolate chips, evenly distributing them through the dough—mini chips work great for little hits of chocolate in every bite.
Step 5: Scoop, Press, and Bake
Using about a 3-ounce cookie scoop, drop six heaping scoops of dough onto each cookie sheet. Press them down slightly with your hand because you want these to spread evenly while keeping that chewy middle. Bake for 12 minutes or until edges start to turn golden.
Step 6: Add Marshmallows and Finish Baking
Take your cookies out, gently place halved marshmallows on top, and pop them back in the oven for 1-2 minutes to let the marshmallows melt and toast lightly. If you’re feeling decadent, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs on top while still warm. Let your cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a rack—this helps them set perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe
- Drain That Pumpkin Puree: Letting excess moisture soak out before mixing stops soggy dough, yielding perfect chewiness every time.
- Use Fresh Spices: I’ve found that fresh cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice make the flavors vibrant and avoid that stale, flat taste.
- Press Cookies Gently: Don’t skip pressing your cookie dough before baking—it ensures even baking and a chewy interior.
- Add Marshmallows Last Minute: Adding marshmallows only near the end prevents them from burning but still lets them melt perfectly.
How to Serve Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I personally like to sprinkle a pinch of extra graham cracker crumbs and a few mini chocolate chips on top of the warm marshmallows right after baking—it amps up the presentation and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar works nicely too if you want a festive touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai, creamy latte, or even classic hot chocolate. If you’re sharing at a gathering, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside elevates the indulgence. My family also loves fresh apple slices to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these cookies on a rustic wooden board with marshmallow skewers and little jars of chocolate chips and crushed graham crackers for a build-your-own s’mores station. Kids love it, and it makes for a memorable dessert display. Wrapping a few in parchment and tied with twine is a sweet gift idea too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep marshmallows soft and melty, I layer parchment paper between cookies so they don’t stick together. This way, they stay fresh and delicious for whenever you want a quick snack.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the raw cookie dough balls on a tray, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container. That way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime. Marshmallows don’t hold up well frozen, so add them fresh after baking. Dough freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop cookies briefly in a warm oven (about 300°F for 5 minutes) or microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the marshmallows and refresh the chocolate’s melty goodness. Just don’t overheat or the marshmallows could get rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree—not the pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the cookie’s flavor and texture. If you only have pie filling, reduce other sugars slightly and omit additional spices to balance it out.
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How do I prevent marshmallows from getting too browned or burnt?
Add marshmallows only in the last 1-2 minutes of baking under a watchful eye. Since ovens vary, keep a close watch to avoid over-toasting. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch for controlled toasting after baking.
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. For best results, choose one that contains xanthan gum or add it separately to retain chewy texture.
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What size is the cookie scoop recommended?
A 3-ounce cookie scoop is ideal here because these cookies are large and chewy. Using smaller scoops will work but expect more cookies and thinner results.
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Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld and for easier handling. Just add marshmallows before baking as instructed.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart for bringing together two comforting fall favorites—pumpkin spice and s’mores—in the easiest, most delicious way. Whenever I bake a batch, it feels like a warm hug from the inside out, and I know you’ll enjoy that same cozy happiness. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, give these cookies a try and watch them disappear faster than you’d expect. Seriously, once you try these, they’ll become a fall tradition you’ll want to revisit year after year.
PrintPumpkin S’mores Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 18 large cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these chewy Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, a perfect autumn treat that combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with crunchy graham cracker crumbs, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and gooey melted marshmallows on top. These large cookies offer a unique twist on classic s’mores with a seasonal pumpkin flavor, making them an irresistible dessert for fall gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/4 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs (blend from crackers using blender or food processor)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 cup Brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp Amoretti Graham Cracker Extract
- 3/4 cup Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 Large egg yolk
Mix-in and Topping
- 1 1/2 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips (or minis)
- 15-20 Marshmallows (cut in half)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup. Place the pumpkin puree inside a paper towel to absorb excess moisture, which helps keep the cookie dough consistency perfect.
- Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave, then allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg yolk when added later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice until fully combined. Set aside. For the graham cracker crumbs, pulse graham crackers in a blender or food processor until finely crushed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, blend the cooled melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract, graham cracker extract, pumpkin puree, and then the egg yolk. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated to maintain a tender dough.
- Form the Dough: Gradually fold the dry ingredients and graham cracker crumbs into the wet mixture. Once combined, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly through the dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a 3-ounce cookie scoop, place 6 heaping scoops of dough spaced evenly on each prepared cookie sheet. Press the top of each dough ball down slightly with your hand to flatten the cookies a bit. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until the edges start to turn golden.
- Add Marshmallows and Finish Baking: Remove the cookie sheets from the oven. Quickly place the halved marshmallows on top of each cookie, cut side down for better melting. Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the marshmallows to melt and become gooey. For extra indulgence, you can sprinkle additional chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs on top before cooling.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely or serve warm for melty marshmallows and fresh-baked goodness.
Notes
- These pumpkin s’mores cookies are wonderfully chewy with a rich pumpkin spice flavor enhanced by crunchy graham cracker crumbs and bursts of chocolate.
- Using pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling keeps the cookies from being too sweet and maintains a moist texture.
- Cutting marshmallows in half helps them melt evenly and cover the cookies more effectively.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly before transferring to prevent breaking as the marshmallows are still soft and sticky.
- For an even more intense graham cracker flavor, add a few extra crumbs on top after melting the marshmallows.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large cookie
- Calories: 339 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 223 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg