Introduction
Is there anything more comforting than the nostalgic crackle of a s’more combined with the warm, spicy aroma of pumpkin spice? These two iconic fall flavors unite in the most magical way inside a soft, chewy cookie. Today, I am so excited to share my ultimate autumn creation: Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin. This recipe is the heart of the season, baked into one perfect, gooey treat that will have everyone begging for the secret.
So, what exactly are Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin? Essentially, they are a wonderfully spiced pumpkin cookie dough packed with melty chocolate chunks and gooey marshmallows, then finished with a graham cracker crumble for that authentic s’mores crunch. This combination is incredibly unique because it captures the essence of a campfire favorite while embracing the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie. It perfectly aligns with our mission to create innovative and delicious desserts that celebrate seasonal ingredients. While a classic pumpkin cookie is always a winner, this version takes the experience to a whole new level of decadence. Even though they sound fancy, they come together surprisingly easily, much like our popular One-Bowl Brownies. They are the perfect bake for a crisp fall afternoon, filling your kitchen with an unforgettable scent that promises pure deliciousness, just like our favorite Snickerdoodle Cupcakes.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore this recipe because it combines my two greatest fall loves into a single, portable treat. I created these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin on a chilly afternoon when I couldn’t decide between baking something with pumpkin or toasting s’mores, so I brilliantly chose both. The result was pure magic. They remind me of happy autumn gatherings and have since become my most requested treat. Every bite truly tastes like a celebration of the season.
Health and Nutrition
Why it’s good for your body
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin offer more than just incredible flavor because they provide a surprising nutritional boost. They feature real pumpkin puree, which delivers a healthy dose of vitamin A. This essential vitamin supports strong vision and a robust immune system. Furthermore, pumpkin is a fantastic source of fiber, so these cookies can help you feel satisfied for longer.
Although they are a treat, you can feel good about the ingredients. The recipe uses wholesome pumpkin, while the marshmallows add a fun texture without overwhelming sweetness. You also get a touch of antioxidants from the dark chocolate, which supports heart health. Enjoying Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin means you treat yourself to a dessert that cares for your body, even though it tastes indulgent.
How it fits in a healthy lifestyle
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin fit perfectly into a balanced diet when you enjoy them mindfully. They serve as a fantastic alternative to store-bought desserts that often contain preservatives. You can easily incorporate them into your routine as a satisfying afternoon snack or a planned dessert after a nutritious meal.
For those with specific dietary goals, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them celiac-friendly. If you explore more wholesome baking, our guide on healthy baking substitutions offers excellent tips. Pairing a cookie with a protein source, like a glass of milk or a handful of nuts, creates a more balanced snack that keeps energy levels steady. Remember, the key is moderation and pairing treats with other nutrient-dense foods, a principle we explore in our article on creating balanced meals. Ultimately, Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin prove that delicious desserts can have a proud place in your healthy lifestyle.
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Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
Pumpkin s’mores cookies are made gluten free and with simple ingredients and delicious! Gooey, melted marshmallow and chocolate fill every bite along with the hints of pumpkin and pumpkin spice!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy unsweetened almond butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 packed cup almond flour
- 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup vegan mini marshmallows**
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl with a wooden spoon mix together almond butter, brown/coconut sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla and egg until well combined. In a separate bowl whisk together almond flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir together until all mixed together. Fold in the chocolate chips
- Place 2-3 marshmallows into your cookie scoop and then scoop up the cookie batter. You want them to be on the top of the batter but still mixed in with the cookie dough. Portion out onto the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or chunks on each cookie if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use vegan mini marshmallows as they melt better. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The marshmallows may become sticky over time, but the cookies remain delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Method: pumpkin recipes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 16
How to Prepare This Dish
Steps and time-saving tips
First, preheat your oven and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Meanwhile, whisk your dry ingredients together in a medium bowl; this step ensures your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin bake evenly. In a separate, larger bowl, cream the butter and sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Next, beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla. Gradually add your dry ingredients to this wet mixture, and then gently fold in the graham cracker pieces and chocolate chunks. For a major time-saving tip, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough; this guarantees uniformly sized cookies that bake at the same rate. Furthermore, press a marshmallow half into the center of each dough ball right before baking. Finally, bake until the edges are just set, and let the cookies cool completely on the pan so they firm up. For an extra treat, you can even drizzle the cooled cookies with melted chocolate.
Mistakes I’ve made and learned from
I have absolutely learned a few lessons the hard way with these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin. Initially, I used mini marshmallows, which completely melted into a puddle and created a sticky mess. I quickly discovered that using larger marshmallow halves is the key to that perfect, gooey center. Another common mistake was overmixing the dough after adding the flour, which resulted in a tougher cookie. Now, I mix just until the last streaks of flour disappear. For more on avoiding common pitfalls, check out my guide on common baking mistakes. Also, if your cookies often spread too much, my tips on getting the perfect cookie texture will be a lifesaver.
Cultural Connection and Variations
Where this recipe comes from
Imagine the crackle of a campfire, the sweetness of melted chocolate, and the sticky joy of a classic s’more. Now, picture the warm, spiced aroma of a pumpkin patch in autumn. The magic of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin is how it marries these two beloved American traditions into one unforgettable treat. This recipe feels like a hug from two different seasons, blending summer’s final farewell with fall’s cozy welcome.
While s’mores have their roots in early 20th-century camping guides, and pumpkin spice connects deeply to harvest time and holidays like Thanksgiving, this cookie is a modern creation born from a desire to extend the joy of both. It’s the kind of recipe that often starts in a home kitchen, perhaps when someone wondered how to capture that campfire feeling on a rainy fall day. The result is a cookie that feels both nostalgic and entirely new, a story told through flavor that many families have now made their own. The enduring appeal of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin lies in its ability to evoke cherished memories while creating new ones.
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin fits perfectly into our modern cooking rhythm because it delivers maximum cozy flavor with a manageable amount of effort. It has become a star of autumn baking, showing up at Halloween parties, Thanksgiving potlucks, and as a special after-school snack that makes an ordinary day feel festive. This cookie bridges the gap between classic comfort and contemporary convenience.
Today’s bakers are constantly reimagining it, often by experimenting with different mix-ins. Some might add a handful of chopped pecans for a crunchy texture, while others could swirl in a ribbon of salted caramel for a sweet-and-salty twist. For those looking to expand their seasonal baking repertoire, these cookies pair wonderfully with other fall favorites. You could serve them alongside a slice of our popular Pumpkin Crumb Cake for a dessert spread that truly celebrates the season. They also make a fantastic edible gift during the holidays, especially when packaged with other homemade goodies from a batch of our Ginger Molasses Cookies.
>Taste and Texture
What makes it delicious
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin deliver a perfect symphony of autumn and campfire nostalgia in every single bite. You first encounter the warm, fragrant aroma of pumpkin pie spice and toasted graham cracker, which is absolutely irresistible. The cookie itself boasts a wonderfully soft and tender chew, almost cake-like in its texture because of the pumpkin puree. This soft base provides a beautiful contrast to the generous pockets of melted milk chocolate, which become luxuriously creamy as they cool. Then comes the star of the show: the gooey, toasted marshmallow swirls that offer a delightful pull and a hint of smoky sweetness. Each element complements the next, so they create a rich and complex flavor profile where the earthy pumpkin and warm spices balance the decadent chocolate and sweet marshmallow. The final result is an incredibly satisfying treat that feels both cozy and indulgent. Enjoying Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin is a truly multi-sensory experience, from its inviting scent to its perfectly balanced textures.
Boosting the flavor
You can easily elevate your cookie experience with a few simple tweaks. For an even deeper flavor, try browning your butter before adding it to the dough because it introduces a wonderfully nutty, caramelized note that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin. Although milk chocolate is classic, consider swapping it for a dark chocolate bar chopped into chunks; its slight bitterness will cut through the sweetness and add a more sophisticated edge. A pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top just after baking enhances every single flavor while also providing a subtle crisp texture. If you are a true spice lover, amplify your blend by adding an extra dash of cardamom or a tiny pinch of black pepper to your pumpkin pie spice for a warm, intriguing kick. Serving them slightly warm is highly recommended, as it makes the marshmallow wonderfully gooey again. For the ultimate indulgence, sandwich a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies. Finally, a glass of cold spiced chai latte makes for the perfect cozy beverage pairing.
Tips for Success
Best practices for results
Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking because this prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Use a high-quality, thick pumpkin puree for the most robust flavor and ideal texture in your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin. For perfectly gooey marshmallows, press a few extra mini pieces into the top of each cookie immediately after they come out of the oven so they melt slightly onto the surface. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure an even bake and to make cleanup effortless.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid measuring your flour by scooping it directly with the measuring cup as this packs it down and leads to a dry, cakey cookie; instead, spoon it into the cup and level it off for accuracy. Do not overmix your cookie dough once you add the dry ingredients because overworking the gluten will result in a tougher cookie. Although it is tempting to use fresh marshmallows, they can cause the cookies to become overly sticky; therefore, stick with mini marshmallows or even dehydrated ones for the best structure. Remember that oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your first batch to nail the perfect bake time, just as you would when perfecting your classic chocolate chip cookies. Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a full five minutes before transferring them because this step is crucial for setting their texture, a fundamental principle we also emphasize in our guide to baking perfect cookies every time.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
How to serve this dish
For a truly memorable presentation, serve your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin warm on a rustic wooden board. Consequently, this style creates a cozy, campfire-inspired vibe that everyone will love. Drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the top and add a tiny sprinkle of sea salt just before serving to make them look as incredible as they taste.
These cookies are the u
ltimate treat for any autumn gathering. They are perfect for holiday parties, Halloween festivities, or simply as a special weekend dessert. Alternatively, package them in cute cellophane bags tied with twine for a delightful homemade gift that spreads fall cheer.What goes well with it
A cold glass of milk is a classic pairing for a reason, as it perfectly cuts through the rich sweetness of the cookies. For a cozy adult alternative, a hot mug of our slow cooker spiced apple cider provides a warm, spiced contrast that highlights the pumpkin and cinnamon notes beautifully.
If you are serving these as part of a larger dessert spread, they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Moreover, the cool, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, gooey cookie creates a divine textural experience. For a lighter option, consider a fresh fruit platter; the bright, juicy flavors offer a refreshing palate cleanser between each deliciously indulgent bite.
To prevent your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies from getting soggy, ensure the marshmallows are completely cool before storing them. Placing a piece of bread in the airtight container can also help absorb any excess moisture. This trick works perfectly for keeping these cookies from Once Upon a Pumpkin fresh and chewy.
The best method is to place them on top of the cookie dough for the last few minutes of baking, which allows them to melt perfectly without burning. For a more controlled approach, you can also melt them briefly in the microwave. This technique is key for achieving the classic gooey texture in Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
Yes, you can absolutely use pumpkin pie spice instead of just cinnamon. Pumpkin pie spice is a blend that typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, which will add a more complex and warm flavor profile to your cookies. It’s a great way to enhance the autumn taste of this recipe.
Pumpkin puree adds a lot of moisture, which can lead to a cakey texture if there’s too much in the dough. For a chewier cookie, make sure you accurately measure your pumpkin and don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Following the Once Upon a Pumpkin recipe precisely will help you avoid this common issue.
