With hundreds of rave reviews, this pumpkin s’mores cookies recipe has earned its spot as the most popular fall time cookies on the blog! Don’t let the unique combination fool you, these cookies are packed with deep pumpkin flavor, a texture that stays soft for days, an abundance of warming spices, and that classic s’mores combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows that bakes into pure autumn magic.
Another reason it’s a reader favorite – it bridges the gap between summer campfire memories and fall flavors perfectly. I give you options to make them as traditional cookies, mini pumpkin desserts, or even bars. And my favorite tip from a reader – these make the perfect cookies recipes halloween treats that both kids and adults absolutely devour!
Jessica commented: “Absolutely love this – the recipe is amazing & I love how it combines my two favorite things: s’mores and pumpkin! 🎃 This opens up a whole new way of enjoying fall treats.” ★★★★★
This recipe all started with a late summer evening when I was craving s’mores but also excited about pumpkin season starting. I bought my first can of pumpkin puree when I started seriously developing fall recipes years ago because I wanted a clever way to incorporate autumn flavors into familiar treats. Turns out, this cookie combination has become absolutely legendary! So much so, that it has been copied and shared countless times – but rest assured, this is the original pumpkin smore cookies recipe! I suppose imitation is the best form of flattery…
I’ve lost track of how many times I have made these pumpkin smores cookies. So many times I have to alternate with other pumpkin treats and make my regular chocolate chip cookies, which ironically pale in comparison to this flavor combination.😂 And it’s not just during the fall. Even in the middle of winter, I discover leftover marshmallows from hot chocolate season and my family is right there asking, “are you making those incredible pumpkin s’mores cookies?!”
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert/Cookie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Serves: Makes 24 cookies
Over the years, I have perfected every element of this recipe. However, I have tested different ways to incorporate the s’mores cookies recipe easy components so everyone (not just s’mores lovers!) can enjoy these cookies. While they require a few special ingredients, I provide step-by-step photos so you can see just how achievable bakery-quality results are at home!
⭐ These pumpkin s’mores cookies have become such a staple that I was beyond excited the year I figured out how to make them into pumpkin s’mores bars too! So I adapted this recipe into its bar cookie buddy with the same incredible flavors in a different format.
Easy Step-By-Step Process
The magic of these fall time cookies lies in the perfect balance of pumpkin spice warmth and classic s’mores nostalgia. First, you create the most tender, spiced pumpkin cookie base. Then comes the fun part – incorporating crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows that create those irresistible pockets of s’mores flavor in every single bite.
INGREDIENTS
For the Pumpkin Cookie Base:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup pure pumpkin puree
For the S’mores Mix-ins:
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ¾ cup crushed graham crackers (about 5-6 full crackers)
- ¼ cup additional mini marshmallows for topping
- ¼ cup additional chocolate chips for topping
Optional Garnish:
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
- Extra graham cracker pieces for decoration
PREPARATION
- Preheat and prepare your oven to 350°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper. This creates the perfect environment for your pumpkin s’mores cookies to bake evenly without sticking.
- Prepare graham crackers by placing them in a sealed bag and gently crushing with a rolling pin until you have chunks ranging from fine crumbs to small pieces. You want texture variety for the best s’mores cookies recipe easy results.
- Mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl by whisking together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg. Set aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugars in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for tender fall time cookies with the perfect texture.
- Add wet ingredients by beating in the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until completely combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled, but that’s normal when adding pumpkin.
- Combine wet and dry by gradually mixing the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix – this keeps your pumpkin smores cookies tender rather than tough.
- Fold in s’mores components by gently stirring in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes in the refrigerator. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps maintain those distinct s’mores pockets.
- Shape and top by scooping 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press a few extra mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on top of each cookie for visual appeal.
- Bake to perfection for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. The cookies recipes halloween magic happens when they’re just barely done – they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan.
- Cool and finish by letting cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes while still warm if desired.
Recipe Success Tips
The secret to incredible pumpkin s’mores cookies lies in not overmixing the dough and getting the s’mores component distribution just right. The graham crackers should be crushed to varying sizes – some fine crumbs for flavor and some larger pieces for texture contrast.
Don’t skip the chilling step! This brief rest prevents the cookies from spreading into flat puddles and helps maintain those beautiful thick, chewy centers that make these pumpkin treats so addictive.
For the best mini pumpkin desserts results, make sure your oven temperature is accurate. These cookies go from perfect to overbaked quickly, and you want that soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- 165 calories per cookie
- 3g protein per cookie
- 24g carbs per cookie
- 7g fat per cookie
- 1g fiber per cookie
These pumpkin s’mores cookies provide comfort food satisfaction while incorporating some nutritional benefits from the pumpkin. They’re the perfect fall time cookies for when you want to indulge without going completely overboard.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Butter alternatives: You can substitute the butter with vegan butter or even coconut oil (solid, not melted) for dairy-free pumpkin smore cookies. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Spice variations: Don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Make your own by combining ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon cloves. For extra warmth, add a pinch of cardamom.
S’mores customizations: Try dark chocolate chips instead of regular, or add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate pumpkin smores cookies. You can also use different flavored marshmallows for fun variations.
Bar cookie option: Press the dough into a 9×13 inch pan and bake for 20-25 minutes for pumpkin s’mores bars that feed a crowd.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These pumpkin s’mores cookies actually improve after the first day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Dough prep: You can make the cookie dough up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping and baking.
Freezing tips: Scoop the cookies onto baking sheets and freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Different Size Options
While this recipe makes perfectly sized cookies, you can adapt them for different occasions:
Mini cookies: Use a 1-tablespoon scoop and bake for 8-10 minutes. Perfect for mini pumpkin desserts at parties!
Giant cookies: Use a ¼ cup scoop and bake for 12-15 minutes. These make incredible cookies recipes halloween treats for sharing.
Cookie bars: Press dough into a lined 9×13 pan and bake for 22-25 minutes for easy pumpkin s’mores bars that serve a crowd.
Why These Have Become a Fall Tradition
After testing countless fall time cookies recipes, these pumpkin s’mores cookies have earned their permanent spot as the ultimate autumn comfort cookie. The combination of familiar s’mores flavors with warming pumpkin spices creates something completely unique yet totally nostalgic.
What really sets these apart from other pumpkin treats is how each bite delivers multiple textures and flavors. You get the soft, spiced cookie base, the crunch of graham crackers, the richness of chocolate, and those delightful pockets of gooey marshmallow.
The fact that they bridge summer campfire memories with fall flavors makes them perfect conversation starters at gatherings. Everyone always asks about the unique combination!
Perfect for Halloween and Fall Gatherings
These cookies recipes halloween treats are absolutely perfect for parties because they’re handheld, not too messy, and appeal to all ages. The combination of familiar flavors in a new format makes them approachable for picky eaters while exciting for adventurous dessert lovers.
For mini pumpkin desserts presentations, arrange them on autumn-themed platters with other seasonal treats. The golden color from the pumpkin makes them naturally beautiful for fall displays.
The s’mores cookies recipe easy format means you get all the campfire nostalgia without needing an actual fire – perfect for indoor fall celebrations!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these without pumpkin puree?
While pumpkin is what makes these special pumpkin s’mores cookies, you could substitute with the same amount of mashed sweet potato or even applesauce. The flavor will be different, but you’ll still get delicious fall time cookies with great texture.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This usually happens when the dough is too warm or the butter was melted instead of softened. Make sure to chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking, and ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best pumpkin smores cookies results.
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?
Mini marshmallows work best because they distribute more evenly and don’t create huge pockets that might burn. If using regular marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces for better s’mores cookies recipe easy success.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?
The brief chilling time and correct oven temperature are key. If your marshmallows are browning too quickly, lower your oven temperature by 25°F and bake a minute or two longer. The cookies recipes halloween magic is in that perfect golden color.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be slightly different, but you’ll still get incredible pumpkin treats that everyone can enjoy.
Creative Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin s’mores cookies are amazing on their own, but try serving them warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra special mini pumpkin desserts experience. The contrast of cold ice cream with the warm, gooey cookie is absolutely divine.
For parties, create a pumpkin s’mores bars station where guests can customize their own cookies with extra toppings. Set out bowls of extra marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker pieces.
Try crumbling them over pumpkin ice cream or using them as the base for a fall-themed parfait layered with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
The Ultimate Fall Cookie Experience
This pumpkin s’mores cookies recipe has brought me so much joy over the years – and it’s all because of readers like you who embrace creative flavor combinations! Every time someone tells me they’ve made these fall time cookies, my heart just fills with autumn happiness.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your fall baking journey, this recipe delivers results that taste like you’ve been perfecting them for years. The combination of familiar s’mores comfort with exciting pumpkin spice creates something truly special that captures the best of both summer and fall.
I hope these pumpkin s’mores cookies become a treasured recipe in your collection, bringing warmth and joy to your kitchen just as they have to mine! There’s something magical about a cookie that makes you smile with every single bite.
Share Your S’mores Cookie Success!
I absolutely love seeing how these pumpkin s’mores cookies turn out in your kitchen! Share your photos on my Facebook page – I love seeing your beautiful results and any creative variations you try with the s’mores components.
Let me know in the comments how your pumpkin smores cookies turned out! Tag me @OlyviaBestRecipes on Pinterest when you make these cookies recipes halloween favorites – your feedback and photos help other bakers discover amazing fall time cookies recipes!
Follow me on Facebook for more incredible pumpkin treats and seasonal s’mores cookies recipe easy variations that make fall baking both fun and delicious!
Author: Olyvia T.
