Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy treat that truly captures the spirit of fall, the Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe is pure magic. These cookies bring together the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the nostalgic gooeyness of s’mores — peanut butter, pumpkin, chocolate, and marshmallows all baked into one irresistible bite. Trust me, this isn’t just another pumpkin cookie; it’s a fun twist on a campfire classic that you’ll want to bake over and over.
What I love about this Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe is how perfectly it works for chilly afternoons or weekend get-togethers. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re just casually spending Sunday in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking with family or treating yourself, these cookies deliver that melty-sweet goodness that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect flavor balance: The pumpkin spice blends beautifully with peanut butter and chocolate for a cozy, nostalgic taste.
- Simple ingredients: Most of these are pantry staples, so you can whip up a batch anytime the mood strikes.
- Easy to customize: You can swap chocolate types or add nuts to make it your own.
- Gooey and soft texture: Thanks to the marshmallows baked right in, these cookies have that delightful s’mores melt that feels extra special.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe plays a special role — from the creamy peanut butter for richness to the pumpkin puree adding moisture and fall flavor. Together, they create a soft, chewy cookie with pockets of melty marshmallows and chocolate.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds subtle savory richness and holds the cookie together with moisture.
- Light brown sugar: Brings sweetness and a slight caramel note that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- Egg: Binds all the ingredients and gives structure.
- Pumpkin puree: Moistens the dough and gives that unmistakable fall flavor with natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm aromatic touch.
- Flour: The base that holds the cookie shape.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that takes the pumpkin flavor to the next level.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Mini marshmallows: The star ingredient that melts inside for that classic s’mores gooeyness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks: Provide rich chocolate pockets that melt delightfully when baked.
Make It Your Way
I love to switch things up with this Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe by adding my favorite crunchy nuts or swapping mini marshmallows for larger ones for extra ooey-gooey bites. You should feel free to experiment, maybe even toss in some white chocolate or try it nut-free for different textures.
- Variation: One autumn, I added chopped pecans, and it gave the cookies a wonderful crunch that paired perfectly with the soft marshmallows.
- Dietary modifications: For a nut-free version, simply swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter — the flavor changes but still stays delicious.
- Seasonal twists: Try adding a tablespoon of maple syrup for extra depth or a pinch of cayenne if you want a subtle spicy kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining your baking sheet with parchment to keep the cookies from sticking. In a large bowl, I mix together creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and the egg until smooth and well combined. This forms a rich, velvety base that will keep your cookies tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt. This mixes the leavening and spice evenly so each cookie bursts with that perfect pumpkin flavor. Then, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently so everything comes together without overmixing.
Step 3: Fold in Chocolate and Marshmallows
Here’s the fun part — folding in those semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. The key is to fold them gently so the marshmallows don’t melt or stick together just yet. When you scoop the dough, place 2-3 mini marshmallows on top or inside each scoop to get that classic s’mores texture baked right in. Pro tip: lightly pressing extra chocolate chips on top before baking makes them look irresistible.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes until they’re set but still soft — you want that marshmallow to be gooey, not burnt. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Trust me, waiting is hard, but the cookies firm up slightly and the flavors get even better.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature egg and peanut butter so they blend more smoothly without lumps.
- Watch the Marshmallows: Adding marshmallows inside the cookie dough rather than on top helps prevent them from burning in the oven.
- Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies out when edges are set but centers still look soft—they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
- Even Scoops: Use a cookie scoop to get evenly sized cookies for consistent baking times and the perfect bite every time.
How to Serve Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top of cooled cookies or sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated touch that brings out the chocolate’s richness. Sometimes, a dusting of pumpkin pie spice right before serving adds an extra cozy aroma that guests notice immediately.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming mug of chai tea or hot apple cider to round out that autumn vibe. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or even a dollop of whipped cream makes this treat feel extra indulgent when serving to guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe in a rustic wooden tray with mini pumpkins and cinnamon sticks around them—it instantly feels like fall. You could also stack them between graham crackers with extra marshmallows for a fun handheld ‘cookie s’mores’ tower that always gets compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep any leftover Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and the marshmallows chewy without getting stale. If you live somewhere humid, popping them in the fridge can help, but let them warm up a little before eating.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead, you can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just scoop them onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag—bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes. I’ve found this is a great way to have fresh cookies anytime with little effort.
Reheating
To bring leftover cookies back to life, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This helps to remelt the marshmallows and chocolate just a bit, giving you that fresh-baked feel again without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I use gluten-free flour for this Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend one-for-one with regular flour. Just keep an eye on the dough’s consistency—it should be soft but manageable. You might need to adjust baking time slightly depending on your flour choice.
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What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
No worries! You can chop regular-sized marshmallows into smaller pieces or fold them in as is, but keep in mind the baking time and texture might change a bit. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly within the cookie dough, creating that ideal gooey texture.
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Can these cookies be made dairy-free?
Yes, by choosing dairy-free chocolate chips and ensuring your peanut butter and other ingredients are dairy-free. The recipe itself is naturally free of butter, so making it dairy-free is pretty simple.
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How do I store Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies to keep marshmallows soft?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping humidity low and avoiding refrigeration helps maintain the marshmallows’ softness; if refrigeration is needed, reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe has quickly become a beloved standby in my kitchen because it’s everything I want out of a fall treat — comforting, easy, and downright delicious. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to bring a little extra warmth and joy to your baking routine this season. Grab your mixing bowl, invite some friends, and enjoy these sweet little cozy bites that make every moment feel like a campfire story.
PrintPumpkin S’Mores Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the cozy flavors of fall with these Pumpkin S’Mores Cookies. Combining creamy peanut butter, pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin pie spice, and gooey marshmallows with rich chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for an autumn treat that brings all the comforting tastes of a campfire s’more into a cookie form.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. Then fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently to distribute without overmixing.
- Add Marshmallows: Place 2-3 mini marshmallows into each cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon. Then scoop the cookie batter over the marshmallows so that they are partially covered but still mixed within the dough. Portion each onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips or chunks on top of each cookie for added chocolatey goodness.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes until they are set around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For more intense pumpkin flavor, you can increase the pumpkin pie spice slightly.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Do not overbake; the cookies should be soft and chewy.
- Substitute dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallows for a vegan option, although the recipe as is contains egg and peanut butter.
- If you prefer a nuttier texture, consider lightly toasting the peanut butter beforehand.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg