Name: Pumpkin Smores Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (300g) All-Purpose Flour; 1 tsp Baking Soda; ½ tsp Baking Powder; ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt; 2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1 cup (226g) Unsalted Butter, softened; ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar; 1 cup (200g) Light Brown Sugar, packed; 1 Large Egg, room temperature; ½ cup (120g) Pure Pumpkin Puree; 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs; 1 ½ cups (250g) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 2 ½ cups Miniature Marshmallows

Pumpkin Smores Cookies represent the ultimate autumn treat, bringing together two beloved dessert traditions into one irresistibly chewy, gooey, and spiced delight. Imagine the warmth of a crackling bonfire, the sweet aroma of toasted marshmallows, and the comforting embrace of pumpkin spice, all encapsulated in a single, perfect cookie. I am incredibly excited to share this recipe with you, as I believe it truly captures the essence of cozy fall evenings and festive gatherings, transforming a classic experience into an accessible, home-baked pleasure.

While s’mores themselves boast a charming history rooted in American scouting traditions and campfire camaraderie, and pumpkin spice has become synonymous with the vibrant hues and crisp air of the autumn season, this particular fusion is a modern marvel. It’s a testament to culinary creativity, offering a nostalgic nod to simpler times while introducing an exciting new flavor profile that is both comforting and innovative. People adore these Pumpkin Smores Cookies not just for their stunning appearance, but for the harmonious blend of textures—the soft, spiced pumpkin cookie base, the melty chocolate, and the wonderfully caramelized marshmallow topping. Each bite delivers a symphony of sweet, smoky, and subtly spicy notes, making them an instant favorite for anyone seeking comfort and joy in their dessert, without the need for an open flame.

Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups (300g), properly measured by spooning into a measuring cup and leveling with a knife. This ensures your cookies aren’t too dense.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, a crucial leavening agent that helps our Pumpkin Smores Cookies rise beautifully.
Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon, working in tandem with baking soda to give these cookies an extra lift and tenderness.
Fine Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon, to balance the sweetness and enhance all the wonderful flavors.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 teaspoons, for that quintessential autumnal warmth and aromatic bliss. This blend usually includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, an additional boost of spice that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g), softened to room temperature. This is essential for proper creaming with the sugars, creating a light and airy base for our cookies.
Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g).
Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (200g), firmly packed. The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a lovely depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
Large Egg: 1, at room temperature. A room temperature egg incorporates more smoothly into the batter, creating a more uniform texture.
Pure Pumpkin Puree: ½ cup (120g), not pumpkin pie filling. Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin. This gives our cookies their signature pumpkin flavor and moistness.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for that classic warm and inviting aroma.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 cup (about 8-10 full sheets, finely crushed). You can buy them pre-crushed or crush your own in a food processor or a sealed bag with a rolling pin. We’ll use these both in the dough and for rolling.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 ½ cups (about 250g), or your preferred type of chocolate. Milk chocolate or even dark chocolate morsels would be delicious here too.
Miniature Marshmallows: 2 ½ cups, loosely packed. These will transform into gooey, toasted perfection on top of our Pumpkin Smores Cookies.

Preparing the Pumpkin Cookie Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the measured all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, fine sea salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Whisking ensures these ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, which is important for uniform flavor and leavening throughout your batch of Pumpkin Smores Cookies. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed for about 1 minute until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the granulated sugar and the packed light brown sugar. Continue beating on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. This creaming process is absolutely vital; it incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes significantly to the cookies’ texture, making them tender and less dense. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the large room temperature egg, the pure pumpkin puree, and the pure vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for another 1-2 minutes until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; just combine until uniform. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher cookies. The pumpkin adds wonderful moisture and a beautiful color.
Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Reduce your mixer speed to low. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture from step 1 into the wet ingredients, mixing just until almost combined. It’s okay if a few streaks of flour remain visible. Overmixing at this stage is the enemy of tender cookies. Once you see most of the flour has disappeared, stop the mixer. We want to avoid developing too much gluten, which can lead to a tough cookie.
Fold in Goodies: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in 1/2 cup of the graham cracker crumbs and 1 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Continue to fold just until these additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The remaining graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips will be used for assembly. This careful folding ensures you don’t overmix the dough, preserving its delicate structure.

Assembling the Pumpkin Smores Cookies

Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring your Pumpkin Smores Cookies slide off effortlessly.
Scoop the Dough: Using a 1.5-inch cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie), scoop rounded portions of the pumpkin cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Arrange them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Uniform scoops are key to ensuring even baking.
Optional Graham Cracker Roll: For an extra layer of “smores” flavor and texture, you can lightly roll each scooped cookie dough ball in the remaining 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs before placing it on the baking sheet. This creates a delightful crumbly coating that crisps up beautifully as the cookies bake, enhancing the overall experience of your Pumpkin Smores Cookies.
Flatten Slightly: Gently flatten each cookie dough ball just a little bit with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. This helps the cookies spread more evenly and gives them a slightly wider base for holding all those delicious toppings later.
Add More Chocolate: If you wish, press a few extra semi-sweet chocolate chips onto the top of each flattened cookie dough ball. This isn’t just for aesthetics; it guarantees visible melty chocolate in every bite, which is a hallmark of truly irresistible Pumpkin Smores Cookies.

Baking the Pumpkin Smores Cookies

Initial Bake: Place one baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set and lightly golden, but the centers should still look slightly soft and puffy. Do not overbake at this stage! We want soft, chewy cookies. Overbaking will lead to dry, hard cookies, especially since they’ll go back in the oven later. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking if your oven tends to bake unevenly.
Prepare for Marshmallows: Once the cookies have reached the desired initial bake, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately, while the cookies are still warm and soft, carefully place 4-5 miniature marshmallows on top of each cookie. You can gently press them down a bit so they adhere to the cookie. Try to cluster them in the center, leaving a small border for the cookie edge.
Return to Oven or Broil for Toasting: You have two options here for toasting the marshmallows to perfect gooey, golden brown deliciousness for your Pumpkin Smores Cookies:
- Option A (Oven Method): Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed up and lightly golden brown. Keep a very close eye on them, as marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly!
- Option B (Broiler Method – Recommended for best results): If you want truly golden, slightly charred marshmallow tops reminiscent of campfire smores, set your oven to broiler mode (high heat). Place the baking sheet on the top rack, about 6-8 inches away from the broiler element. Watch them continuously! This step is incredibly fast, often taking only 30 seconds to 1 minute. The marshmallows will puff up and turn golden brown, then slightly char in spots. Remove them the moment they reach your desired level of toasting. This method gives you the classic “smores” look and flavor for your Pumpkin Smores Cookies.
Repeat with Second Batch: While the first batch is toasting, you can start the initial bake of your second sheet of cookies. Make sure to bake them for the same amount of time before adding marshmallows and toasting.

Cooling and Serving Your Pumpkin Smores Cookies

Cool on Baking Sheet: Once your Pumpkin Smores Cookies are perfectly baked and the marshmallows are toasted to gooey perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven. It is absolutely crucial to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5-10 minutes. The marshmallows will be incredibly hot and sticky, and the cookies themselves are very delicate straight out of the oven. This cooling time allows them to set up properly and prevents them from falling apart when you try to move them.
Transfer to Wire Rack: After the initial cooling period on the baking sheet, carefully transfer the warm Pumpkin Smores Cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Use a sturdy spatula, as the melted marshmallow can still be quite sticky. Cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulates around the entire cookie, preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy and allowing them to fully set to their perfect chewy texture.
Serving Suggestion: While these Pumpkin Smores Cookies are absolutely delicious at room temperature, they are truly phenomenal when served slightly warm. The chocolate is still wonderfully melty, and the marshmallows retain their soft, gooey texture, making each bite an unforgettable experience. If they’ve cooled completely, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can bring them back to their warm, gooey glory.
Storage Tips: Store any leftover Pumpkin Smores Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The marshmallows might lose a bit of their crispiness but will remain delightfully chewy. If you want to refresh them, a brief stint in the microwave or a low oven can bring back some of that freshly baked warmth and gooiness.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Smores Cookies Every Time:

Don’t skimp on quality ingredients: Good quality pumpkin puree, fresh spices, and decent chocolate chips really do make a difference in the final taste of your Pumpkin Smores Cookies.

Room temperature ingredients are key: Especially for the butter and egg. They emulsify better and create a smoother, more uniform dough, leading to a superior cookie texture.

Avoid overmixing: This cannot be stressed enough! Overmixing develops gluten, which results in tough, dense cookies. Mix only until ingredients are just combined.

Watch the marshmallows closely: Especially when using the broiler. They can burn in seconds. Stay by the oven and pull them out as soon as they’re golden brown to your liking for the best Pumpkin Smores Cookies experience.

Experiment with chocolate: While semi-sweet is classic, feel free to try milk chocolate for a sweeter profile or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor in your Pumpkin Smores Cookies.

Conclusion:

And so, we arrive at the grand finale of our baking adventure! I truly hope you’ve enjoyed following along with this recipe, and I’m even more excited for you to experience the sheer delight that awaits. This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a celebration of autumn’s finest flavors, a heartwarming hug in edible form, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more. Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it masterfully blends the comforting, earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the beloved, nostalgic campfire magic of s’mores. The result is a cookie that boasts an incredible complexity: a soft, perfectly spiced pumpkin cookie base, generously studded with melty chocolate, delightfully gooey toasted marshmallows, and that unmistakable crunch of graham cracker. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that perfectly encapsulates everything wonderful about the cooler months and cozy gatherings. Each bite is a journey – from the warm spices of pumpkin to the rich depth of chocolate and the airy sweetness of marshmallow, all grounded by the satisfying snap of graham. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience.

I find immense joy in creating these autumnal treats, and I’m confident you will too. They have a way of bringing smiles to faces and warmth to kitchens. Imagine the aroma filling your home – that beautiful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves mingling with the sweet notes of chocolate and toasted marshmallow. It’s truly intoxicating! These cookies are designed to evoke comfort and happiness, making them perfect for nearly any occasion, or no occasion at all. Just a simple treat to brighten your day.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

Now, let’s talk about how to best enjoy these incredible cookies and how you can make them uniquely your own. While they are absolutely divine straight from the oven, still warm and wonderfully gooey, here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:

A La Mode: Serve a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream against the warm, soft cookie is an absolute dream.
With a Hot Beverage: Pair them with a steaming mug of coffee, spiced chai tea, or a rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy autumn treat. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
Dessert Platter Star: Arrange them on a dessert platter for your next fall gathering or holiday celebration. They are always a showstopper and disappear quickly!
Gift of Warmth: Package a few freshly baked cookies in a decorative box or bag and share them with friends, family, or neighbors. Nothing says “I care” quite like homemade baked goods.

Feeling adventurous and want to put your own spin on these delightful treats? Here are some variations you might consider:

Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate! While semi-sweet is classic, dark chocolate chunks would add a sophisticated bitterness, milk chocolate would enhance the sweetness, or even white chocolate chips could offer a creamy contrast. You could also chop up your favorite candy bars for a more complex mix-in.
Nutty Crunch: For an added layer of texture and flavor, consider folding in a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the dough. They pair wonderfully with pumpkin and spice.
Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the pumpkin pie spice to your liking. If you prefer a bolder spice profile, add a pinch more. If you like it milder, reduce it slightly. A tiny touch of black pepper can also enhance the other spices, believe it or not!
Cracker Swap: While graham crackers are essential for s’mores, don’t hesitate to try crushed Biscoff cookies or digestive biscuits for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, base note.
Skillet Cookie: Instead of individual cookies, press the dough into a greased cast-iron skillet, bake until golden, and then top with the marshmallows and broil. Serve it warm with spoons for a communal dessert experience!
Bars, Anyone?: Press the dough into a 9×13-inch pan, bake, top with marshmallows and broil, then cut into squares for easy-to-serve Pumpkin Smores Cookies bars.

Your Turn to Bake & Share!

Now that you’re armed with all the tips, tricks, and inspiration, it’s your turn to head into the kitchen and create some magic. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. Don’t be intimidated; the process is incredibly rewarding, and the payoff is absolutely worth every minute. There’s something truly special about the act of baking, especially when it results in something as comforting and delicious as these. Imagine the warmth spreading through your home as these bake, the sweet anticipation building with every passing minute.

Once you’ve experienced the sheer delight of biting into one of these incredible Pumpkin Smores Cookies, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Your experiences, your triumphs, and even your funny kitchen mishaps, if any, are all part of the baking journey. Did you try a variation? Did you serve them with something unique? Did they become an instant family favorite? Please feel free to share your thoughts, your photos, and your baking stories. You can leave a comment below or share your creations on social media. There’s a wonderful community of home bakers out there, and your success could inspire someone else to give this recipe a go. Happy baking, my friends, and may your kitchens always be filled with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies!