Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

As the leaves start to turn and the aroma of pumpkin spice wafts through the air, it’s officially time to indulge in cozy desserts that celebrate the season. Pumpkin S’mores Cookies bring together the nostalgic allure of classic s’mores with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin — a combination that’s perfect for fall! Whether you are pressed for time after a long day or just looking for a delightful treat to impress friends, these cookies check all the boxes. They are deliciously chewy, perfectly sweet, and oh-so-easy to whip up, making them ideal for busy individuals and families. Let’s dive into why you will love this Pumpkin S’mores Cookies recipe!

Why You Will Love This Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Imagine this: it’s a chilly evening, and you want something sweet to bridge that gap between dinner and dessert. You pull out the ingredients for Pumpkin S’mores Cookies and, within no time, your kitchen is filled with the irresistible scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and melted chocolate. Not only do these cookies evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia, but they also fit seamlessly into a hectic lifestyle. They are quick to prepare, bake in just about 12 minutes, and can be made in large batches for sharing (or not!).

These cookies incorporate pumpkin puree, which adds a delightful twist and brings added moisture, keeping them soft and chewy. Moreover, the combination of graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and soft marshmallows creates a texture that’s crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, reminiscent of a classic s’more. The best part? They are so simple that even the busiest person can manage to bake a batch — perfect for school lunches, work snacks, or even holiday gatherings!

Practical Tips / Cooking Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pumpkin puree is best, but canned works too. Ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature for optimal mixing and baking. This helps achieve that soft, chewy texture.
• Don’t Overbake: To ensure cookies stay soft and chewy, pull them out when the edges are just lightly golden.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This step will enhance the flavors and prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Nutritional Value / Health Benefits

Pumpkin is not just for decoration during the fall; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients! A serving of pumpkin provides a good source of vitamin A, which is vital for eye health, and fiber which aids in digestion. The natural sweetness of pumpkin can also reduce the need for excessive sugar in your recipes. Paired with the wholesome graham cracker crumbs and semi-sweet chocolate (which contains antioxidants and may enhance mood), Pumpkin S’mores Cookies can be a delightful and slightly healthier treat. Just remember, moderation is key!

Recipe Overview

Ingredients (with substitution options in table format)

Ingredient	Amount	Substitution Options
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend
Pumpkin puree	1 cup	Homemade puree or butternut squash puree
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1 cup	Dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
Graham cracker crumbs	1 cup	Crushed cookies or oats for gluten-free option
Brown sugar	¾ cup	Coconut sugar or maple syrup (adjust flour accordingly)
Granulated sugar	½ cup	Honey or agave syrup (adjust flour accordingly)
Baking soda	1 tsp	Baking powder (use 3 tsp)
Salt	½ tsp	No substitute necessary
Cinnamon	1 tsp	Nutmeg or pumpkin spice blend
Butter (softened)	½ cup	Coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce (for vegan option)
Egg	1	Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water)

Instructions (step-by-step with cooking tips)

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Pumpkin and Egg: Mix in the pumpkin puree and egg until well combined. This mixture should be smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing!
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens!
7. Form the Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to form dough balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Top with Marshmallows: Gently press a few mini marshmallows into the tops of the dough balls before baking for that gooey s’mores effect.
9. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked; that’s perfect!
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

FAQ

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. Simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I store Pumpkin S’mores Cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months.

Can I use different types of chocolate or add nuts?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk or dark chocolate. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch!

Recipe Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

• Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for additional warmth.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel on top of the cookies after cooling for an extra decadent treat.

Conclusion with light call to action

There you have it! Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are not only a fantastic way to celebrate the season with flavors reminiscent of s’mores, but they are also quick and simple enough to fit into any busy schedule. Whether you’re sharing these cookies with friends, family, or indulging by yourself with a warm cup of tea or coffee, they are sure to bring joy to your fall! Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us on social media or in the comments below! Happy baking!

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