Is there anything more comforting than the nostalgic crackle of a s’more or the warm spice of a pumpkin treat? Imagine combining those two beloved flavors into one incredible dessert. That’s exactly why you need to try these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies. They are the ultimate fall fusion, delivering a gooey, chocolatey, and spiced experience in every single bite. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their autumn baking with a seriously delicious and memorable cookie.
So, what exactly are Pumpkin S’mores Cookies? They are a soft, cake-like pumpkin cookie, packed with warm autumnal spices, that gets stuffed with a marshmallow and a piece of chocolate before baking. The result is a cookie that tastes like a cozy campfire gathering met a pumpkin patch. This combination is uniquely special because it masterfully blends the classic, gooey goodness of a s’more with the rich, seasonal flavor of pumpkin spice. It perfectly aligns with our mission to create exciting and easy desserts that bring people joy. While they are a fantastic treat for any autumn occasion, they are also surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. You can easily whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasing cookies after making a pot of our Creamy Pumpkin Soup for dinner. Furthermore, the marshmallow center creates an irresistibly fun, pull-apart texture that everyone adores. For another fantastic recipe that uses seasonal ingredients in a surprising way, you must try our Apple Cider Donuts next.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore this recipe because it brings my two favorite parts of the year together. I have such strong memories of summer campfire s’mores and crisp fall days baking with my family. These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies bridge that gap beautifully, so I can enjoy that nostalgic s’more flavor even when there’s a chill in the air. They fill my kitchen with the most incredible aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and toasting marshmallows, which instantly makes the whole house feel like a fall celebration.
Health and Nutrition
Why it’s good for your body
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies offer a surprising nutritional boost, even though they are a delicious treat. Canned pumpkin puree is the secret star because it is packed with vitamin A for sharp vision and a strong immune system. It also provides a good dose of fiber, which helps you feel full and supports healthy digestion. While marshmallows and chocolate add sweetness, they also contribute quick energy, so these cookies are a fantastic pick-me-up. The cinnamon and ginger often found in Pumpkin S’mores Cookies provide antioxidants, which fight inflammation. Although they are a dessert, you can feel good about the wholesome ingredients. Enjoying a Pumpkin S’mores Cookie means you are treating yourself to more than just sugar, so you are also giving your body beneficial nutrients that work hard for you.
How it fits in a healthy lifestyle
These cookies fit perfectly into a balanced diet when enjoyed mindfully. Consider them a satisfying component of your 80/20 approach to eating, where most foods are whole and nutrient-dense. You can easily adapt the recipe for specific dietary goals, such as using a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. For a higher protein boost to keep you full longer, try stirring in a handful of nuts or seeds. The key is portion control and pairing; enjoy one Pumpkin S’mores Cookie with a glass of milk or a piece of fruit for a balanced snack. This practice aligns with mindful eating tips that prevent overindulgence. Ultimately, including foods you love, like these cookies, is essential for a sustainable and happy relationship with food.
You can’t go wrong with pumpkin s’mores cookies. They’re soft, sweet and very more-ish, offering plenty of amazing flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
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
1 Cup chocolate chips
1 Cup mini marshmallows
8 graham crackers (broken into small pieces)
1 Teaspoon food coloring (orange, optional)
½ Cup chocolate chips
mini marshmallows
graham crackers (crushed)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined (add the orange food coloring into this step if you plan to use it).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not over mix.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces.
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Top each cookie dough ball by pressing in a few extra marshmallows, chocolate chips and/or pieces of graham crackers into the top of each one.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve the pumpkin s'mores cookies at room temperature.
Notes
For best results, use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. To refresh cookies after a day, microwave for a few seconds to make chocolate and marshmallows gooey again. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Prep Time:20 mins
Cook Time:15 mins
Method:Sweets
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Calories:232
Sugar:18
Sodium:133
Fat:12
Saturated Fat:7
Unsaturated Fat:2
Trans Fat:0
Carbohydrates:31
Fiber:1
Protein:2
Cholesterol:27
How to Prepare This Dish
Steps and time-saving tips
First, whisk your dry ingredients together in a medium bowl; this simple step ensures your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies bake evenly. Meanwhile, cream the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Next, beat in the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla until everything combines smoothly. Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until you see no more dry streaks. For a huge time-saver, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto your baking sheets; this guarantees every cookie is the same size and bakes in the same amount of time. Press a few chocolate pieces and a marshmallow half into the center of each dough ball. Then, bake your cookies until the edges look perfectly set. Finally, let your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes before you move them to a wire rack. For an extra treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of your cooled cookies.
Mistakes I’ve made and learned from
I have definitely learned a few lessons the hard way with these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies. Initially, I used cold butter straight from the fridge, which resulted in a crumbly dough that refused to cream properly with the sugars. Now, I always make sure my butter is properly softened for the perfect cookie base. Furthermore, my biggest mistake was being impatient and placing the marshmallows on top of the raw dough; they inevitably burned and created a sticky, blackened mess. The solution is so simple: press them into the center of the dough ball where they stay protected and simply melt into gooey perfection. For more on getting your ingredients to the right temperature, check out my guide on ingredient prep tips. Also, if you love this flavor combo, my pumpkin cheesecake bars use a similar technique for a no-bake dessert.
The story of Pumpkin S’mores Cookies is a beautiful tale of two American classics colliding. It starts with the campfire tradition of s’mores, a treat born from early 20th-century Girl Scout outings, and the deeply rooted autumnal love for all things pumpkin spice. While s’mores evoke memories of summer nights, this recipe brilliantly bridges the gap to fall, creating a new tradition that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
You can imagine a home baker, perhaps inspired by the first crisp day of the season, deciding to bring the warmth of a campfire into their kitchen. They fold the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and a blend of warm spices into a soft cookie dough. Then, they press chunks of chocolate and marshmallow right into the center, so each bite delivers that iconic, gooey s’mores experience. This act of culinary fusion is how many family favorites begin, born from a desire to merge seasonal joy with cherished flavors.
Ultimately, these Pumpk
in S’mores Cookies represent a personal twist on shared memories. They are a testament to how we continuously adapt our food traditions to reflect the seasons and our own creativity in the kitchen.
How it fits in today’s cooking
Pumpkin S’mores Cookies have carved out a special niche in modern baking because they perfectly capture the cozy essence of fall. They are a star player at seasonal gatherings, showing up on holiday cookie platters and at Halloween parties, while also being simple enough for a weeknight baking project that makes the whole house smell incredible.
Today’s cooks are constantly reimagining this treat. Some are making them gluten-free by using a 1:1 flour substitute, and others are creating a vegan version with dairy-free chocolate and marshmallows. The adaptability of the recipe is its greatest strength. You can even turn the concept into a show-stopping dessert, like our Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars, for those who want a different texture but the same beloved flavor profile.
This spirit of innovati
on keeps the recipe exciting and relevant. The combination is so beloved that it inspires other creations, proving that the fusion of pumpkin and chocolate is a timeless winner, much like the classic combination found in our favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Taste and Texture
What makes it delicious
These Pumpkin S’mores Cookies deliver a spectacular sensory experience, beginning with their warm, fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and rich pumpkin. When you take your first bite, you encounter a wonderfully chewy and tender cookie base that is packed with spiced pumpkin flavor. The texture is a masterful contrast because the center remains soft and almost brownie-like, while the edges boast a satisfying, delicate crispness. A gooey pocket of melted milk chocolate provides a creamy, rich counterpoint to the warm spices, and then you discover the star of the show: a toasted marshmallow. This marshmallow becomes lightly crisp on the outside while staying incredibly airy and soft within, melting perfectly into the chocolate. Ultimately, each Pumpkin S’mores Cookie is a perfect bite of autumn campfire nostalgia, combining the best elements of a chewy cookie, a rich brownie, and the classic s’more.
r">Boosting the flavor
You can easily boost the flavor of your cookies with a few simple tweaks. Consider using dark chocolate chunks instead of milk chocolate because their deeper, less sweet flavor creates a more sophisticated contrast to the sweet marshmallow and spiced dough. For an extra layer of cozy warmth, try adding a pinch of black pepper or a dash of cardamom to your pumpkin spice blend. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just after baking enhances every single flavor, making the chocolate taste richer and the pumpkin notes more vibrant. If you are looking for the ultimate indulgence, serve a warm cookie alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, as the creamy cold ice cream melting into the warm, gooey cookie is pure magic. For more inspiration on balancing sweet and savory spices, explore our guide to the ultimate pumpkin spice blend. Furthermore, a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce just before serving introduces a buttery, salty-sweet element that takes these cookies to a completely new level of deliciousness.
Tips for Success
Best practices for results
Always chill your dough for at least one hour before baking, because this prevents the Pumpkin S’mores Cookies from spreading too thin in the oven. Use a cookie scoop for uniform dough balls, so each cookie bakes evenly and you get a consistent texture in every batch. Press the marshmallow pieces gently into the top of each dough ball just before baking, although you should avoid pushing them all the way through to the bottom. Finally, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for the best texture and to make cleanup a breeze.
>Mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is using marshmallows that are too large, which can cause them to burn or create overly gooey spots; instead, use mini marshmallows or chop standard ones for even distribution. Another error is overmixing the cookie dough once the flour is added, even though this can develop too much gluten and lead to a tough cookie. For more on achieving the perfect texture, see our guide on common baking mistakes to avoid. Furthermore, do not skip the step of letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven, because this allows them to set properly. If you find your cookies are often overdone, our tips for getting your oven temperature right can be a game-changer.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
How to serve this dish
For a truly memorable presentation, serve your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies warm on a rustic wooden board or a charming ceramic platter. Furthermore, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate instantly elevates their visual appeal. These cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for autumn celebrations, from Halloween parties to cozy Thanksgiving gatherings. Moreover, they make a spectacular finale to a casual family dinner or a fun addition to a holiday cookie swap. Ultimately, a platter of these decadent Pumpkin S’mores Cookies promises to be the center of attention wherever you serve them.
What goes well with it
A cold glass of milk is a classic pairing for a reason, as its cool creaminess perfectly balances the warm, gooey marshmallow and rich chocolate. Alternatively, a hot mug of our spiced pumpkin spice latte enhances the cozy autumn spices in every bite. For a more decadent dessert course, consider serving these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The ice cream’s cool, creamy texture creates a delightful contrast with the warm, freshly baked cookie. Finally, if you’re planning a full fall feast, these sweet treats beautifully follow a savory main like our hearty slow cooker turkey chili.
Yes, you can absolutely freeze pumpkin cookie dough. Portion the dough into individual balls for these Pumpkin S’mores Cookies and place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why are my pumpkin cookies cakey?
Pumpkin puree adds a lot of moisture, which can lead to a cakey texture. To achieve a chewier cookie, ensure you are not over-measuring your flour and consider slightly reducing the amount of pumpkin puree. The marshmallows and chocolate in Pumpkin S’mores Cookies also contribute to a fudgy, dense texture.
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How do you keep s’mores from getting hard?
The key is to use fresh, soft marshmallows and to not overbake them. For cookies, add the marshmallow half towards the very end of the baking time so it just gets warm and softens without melting completely and turning hard when cooled.
What is a good substitute for graham crackers in baking?
If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits are the closest substitute. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free graham-style crackers or crushed gluten-free vanilla cookies. These alternatives will provide a similar sweet, crunchy base for your Pumpkin S’mores Cookies.
FacebookPin Introduction There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, savory-sweet dish baking in the oven on a crisp autumn day. It just feels like home.
FacebookPin Introduction There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, savory-sweet dish baking in the oven on a crisp autumn day. It just feels like home.
FacebookPin Introduction There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, savory-sweet dish baking in the oven on a crisp autumn day. It fills your home with
FacebookPin Introduction There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, savory-sweet dish baking in the oven, especially when the air turns crisp. This classic Butternut Squash