Introduction
There’s something incredibly special about the cozy flavors of fall, especially when they come together in a single, unforgettable bite. Imagine the nostalgic joy of a gooey s’more perfectly combined with the warm, spiced essence of your favorite autumn gourd. That’s the exact magical experience you get with these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin. They are the ultimate treat that bridges the gap between a summer campfire and a crisp autumn evening, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie.
So, what exactly are Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin? This unique recipe starts with a wonderfully spiced pumpkin cookie dough, which we pack with rich chocolate chunks and mini marshmallows. The magic truly happens in the oven when the marshmallows get perfectly toasted and the chocolate becomes deliciously molten. This combination is significant because it takes two classic, beloved treats and merges them into something entirely new and exciting. It perfectly aligns with our blog’s mission to create rapid recipes that deliver maximum flavor and comfort without complicated steps. You can easily whip up a batch of these when you’re craving a taste of autumn or need a show-stopping dessert for a gathering. While they are incredible fresh from the oven, they also store beautifully, making them a fantastic make-ahead option. For another fantastic way to use seasonal produce, try our popular Easy Pumpkin Soup as a savory starter. Then, because every great meal deserves an even better dessert, you can finish with these incredible cookies. They are the ideal follow-up to a cozy dinner and pair wonderfully with a hot coffee or a cold glass of milk. If you enjoy the marshmallow-chocolate combo, you’ll also adore our simple Homemade Hot Chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore this recipe because it brings together my two favorite seasons in one delicious treat. The process of making them fills my kitchen with the most incredible aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin, which instantly puts me in a festive mood. Moreover, I love how the melted marshmallow and chocolate create little pockets of sweet, gooey surprise in every single cookie, making each bite a delightful experience that never fails to bring a smile.
Health and Nutrition
Why it’s good for your body
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin offer a surprising nutritional boost because they feature real pumpkin puree. This key ingredient delivers a powerful dose of vitamin A, which is essential for sharp vision and a strong immune system. Furthermore, pumpkin provides valuable fiber, so these treats can help support healthy digestion and keep you feeling satisfied. Although they are a dessert, they contain beneficial antioxidants that fight inflammation.
Even though they satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies contribute more than just empty calories. The pumpkin content also adds vitamin C and potassium to your day, while the dark chocolate in the s’mores element offers heart-healthy flavonoids. Because they use wholesome ingredients, Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin are a more mindful choice than many conventional desserts. You can enjoy a delicious moment while still giving your body some good-for-you nutrients.
How it fits in a healthy lifestyle
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin fit perfectly into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. They serve as a fantastic example of a mindful indulgence that satisfies a craving without derailing your goals. You can easily incorporate one cookie as an afternoon treat alongside a cup of tea or as a post-dinner dessert. This approach supports sustainable healthy eating by allowing for enjoyment without restriction.
For those with specific dietary needs, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make it celiac-friendly. To boost the protein content, consider adding a scoop of collagen peptides or serving it with a glass of milk. Remember, a healthy lifestyle is about the big picture. For more ideas on creating balance, explore our guide on easy healthy meal prep to ensure your overall nutrition is on track.
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Pumpkin S’mores Cookies
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
These healthy pumpkin s’mores cookies are a delicious and easy treat that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, use fresh pumpkin puree. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a crispier texture, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0
How to Prepare This Dish
Steps and time-saving tips
First, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven. Meanwhile, whisk your dry ingredients like flour, pumpkin spice, and baking soda in a medium bowl. In a separate, larger bowl, cream the softened butter with both 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 onto your baking sheets; this ensures even baking and saves you a messy cleanup. Bake the Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin until the edges are just set. Immediately after pulling them from the oven, press a marshmallow half onto the top of each warm cookie. Finally, let them cool completely on the pan, as this allows them to set up perfectly for that classic soft, chewy texture.
I have absolutely learned the hard way that using cold butter is a surefire path to flat, greasy cookies. Now, I always plan ahead to let my butter properly soften on the counter. Another common mistake I made was overmixing the dough after adding the flour, which resulted in a tougher cookie. I quickly learned to mix just until the last streaks of flour disappear. Most importantly, do not skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft or sticky; a brief 20-minute rest in the fridge makes all the difference for the perfect texture, much like it does for my Chewy Gingerbread Cookies. If you love the combination of pumpkin and warm spices, you must also try my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte to enjoy with your fresh-baked treats!
Cultural Connection and Variations
Where this recipe comes from
This recipe feels like a warm hug from two cherished American traditions. It starts with the classic s’more, a treat born from summer campfires where sticky fingers and laughter are part of the experience. Then, we fold in the essence of fall, the beloved pumpkin spice that signals cozy sweaters and changing leaves. The magic of the Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin happens when these two distinct, seasonal worlds collide in one delicious cookie.
Although s’mores
are deeply rooted in outdoor adventure, many families have found ways to bring that flavor indoors, especially when a bonfire isn’t possible. Some bakers might use a family gingerbread recipe as the base, while others might stir homemade pumpkin butter into the dough. The goal is always the same: to capture that feeling of gathering together. This particular version, the Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin, is a beautiful homage to that spirit of adaptation and comfort.How it fits in today’s cooking
This cookie has found its perfect place in modern cooking because it effortlessly bridges the gap between holiday spectacle and everyday treat. It’s a superstar at autumn gatherings, often appearing alongside other seasonal favorites like a warm Slow Cooker Apple Cider. Bakers love it for its crowd-pleasing nature, making it a go-to for bake sales, Thanksgiving potlucks, or simply as a special after-school snack that makes an ordinary day feel festive.
Today’s cooks are also putting creative spins on the formula. Some are making them gluten-free by using a 1:1 flour substitute, while others are creating a stunning dessert board by pairing them with No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake bites. The recipe’s flexibility is its greatest strength, allowing for endless personalization while still delivering that iconic, nostalgic flavor we all crave.
Taste and Texture
What makes it delicious
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin deliver a spectacular sensory adventure with every single bite. You first notice the inviting aroma of warm pumpkin spice and toasted marshmallow, a fragrance that instantly evokes cozy autumn evenings by a fire. The texture is a masterful contrast, featuring a wonderfully chewy and tender cookie base that is packed with rich pumpkin flavor. That soft, cake-like center gives way to pockets of gooey, melted marshmallow and generous chunks of bittersweet chocolate, which provide a smooth, creamy melt against the warmth of the cookie. A final, crucial element is the crisp, lightly charred graham cracker crust on the bottom, adding a satisfying crunch and a nostalgic, honey-kissed flavor that ties everything together. This combination of chewy, creamy, and crisp textures makes the experience utterly irresistible. The overall taste is a perfect harmony of seasonal pumpkin warmth and the classic, beloved s’mores combination, ensuring that Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin becomes an instant fall favorite.
Boosting the flavor
You can easily elevate these already incredible cookies with a few simple tweaks. For an even deeper flavor profile, try using a dark chocolate bar with sea salt instead of standard chocolate chips because the salty notes will beautifully cut through the sweetness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking also enhances every other ingredient. If you adore warm spices, consider adding a tiny pinch of black pepper to your dough, as it intensifies the warmth of cinnamon and ginger. For a truly decadent finish, serve a cookie slightly warm alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an epic cookie à la mode experience. Exploring different spice blends is another fantastic way to personalize your baking, so feel free to experiment until you find your perfect mix. For more inspiration on crafting your own signature flavors, our guide to creating the ultimate homemade spice blends is an excellent resource. Furthermore, a drizzle of easy salted caramel sauce just before serving adds a buttery, rich dimension that complements the pumpkin and chocolate flawlessly.
Tips for Success
Best practices for results
Always chill your cookie dough for at least one hour before baking because this crucial step prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and ensures they maintain a wonderfully soft and chewy texture. Use high-quality pumpkin puree for the most vibrant flavor, and be sure to press your marshmallows gently into the top of each dough ball just before baking so they toast perfectly without sinking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for the best texture and easy cleanup, and finally, allow your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies | Once Upon a Pumpkin to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack so they can set properly.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid using marshmallow bits or miniature marshmallows mixed into the dough because they will melt away completely and create a hollow cookie, so instead, always use full-sized marshmallows placed on top just before baking. Do not overmix your cookie dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this will develop too much gluten and lead to a tough, cakey cookie rather than the desired soft and chewy texture. Although it is tempting, never skip the chilling step for your dough, even though you are eager to get baking, because this is the secret to achieving the perfect thickness. For more guidance on working with different types of dough, our guide on baking with yeast offers excellent foundational principles that apply here. Furthermore, ensure your baking soda is fresh for proper leavening; if you are unsure about your ingredients, our article on essential pantry staples explains how to check for freshness.
