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Pumpkin Smores Cookies bring together all the best flavors of fall and campfire treats in one soft and gooey bite. The pumpkin puree gives these cookies a seasonal twist, while chocolate chips and melty marshmallows provide all the nostalgia I crave once sweater weather hits. They are ideal when you want a cozy dessert without a big fuss.
My family lights up when I make these for movie night and I still remember sneaking the first gooey cookie off the tray with my husband grinning beside me
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: ensures a tender base and holds all the extras together use fresh flour for best results
- Baking soda and baking powder: combine for just the right lift and softness check their expiration for reliable rise
- Salt: brings balance and enhances all sweet notes
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: add warmth and complexity choose the freshest spices for maximum aroma
- Unsalted butter: softened for luscious flavor opt for a high quality brand
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: together create sweetness and tender texture dark brown sugar brings a deeper molasses note
- Pumpkin puree: gives signature taste and extra moisture use pure pumpkin not pie filling
- Vanilla extract: deepens the flavor choose real vanilla for best results
- Large egg: binds everything together use at room temperature for smooth dough
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: provide pockets of melted chocolate use good quality chips for glossy pools
- Mini marshmallows: deliver the gooey smores element
- Graham cracker crumbs: seal the deal with classic crunch crush them fresh for best texture
Step by Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper This step ensures even baking and easy removal
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour baking soda baking powder salt cinnamon and nutmeg Set aside so all leaveners and spices distribute evenly
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars Beat until mixture is light and fluffy usually about two to three minutes This adds air and creates tenderness
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- To the butter mixture add pumpkin puree vanilla extract and egg Beat until well combined and smooth This step brings structure and that unmistakable pumpkin color
- Combine Dry and Wet:
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients Mix only until just combined so cookies stay soft Avoid overmixing here
- Add the Mix Ins:
- Gently fold in chocolate chips mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs Distribute them well so every cookie gets all the elements
- Shape the Dough:
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and drop onto prepared baking sheet giving each plenty of space about two inches apart so they have room to spread
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for ten to twelve minutes until the edges are lightly golden and marshmallows look gooey The centers will still look a bit soft but will firm up as they cool
- Cool for Best Texture:
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before moving them to a wire rack This helps set the chewy texture and keeps the marshmallows intact
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My all time favorite ingredient here is the chocolate chips because nothing beats their glossy melty magic in these cookies My kids always race to see who gets the cookie with the most chocolate in every batch
Storage Tips
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for three to four days If they begin to dry out add a slice of bread to the container to keep them soft You can also freeze baked cookies tightly wrapped for up to two months Thaw at room temperature and enjoy
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap regular marshmallows torn into pieces if you do not have mini marshmallows Dairy free butter and egg substitutes work well for those with dietary needs Try using a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips for deeper flavor
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair perfectly with a mug of hot cocoa or spiced tea For a fun twist use them in a cookie sandwich around a scoop of vanilla ice cream The campfire flavor shines even more when you serve them slightly warm
Cultural Context
The mix of pumpkin and smores celebrates the nostalgia of fall and summer night traditions combined Pumpkin is a fall favorite in American baking while the smores theme brings back campfire memories blending the best of both worlds in a new treat
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Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make these cookies softer?
To keep cookies soft, avoid overbaking and ensure to cool them on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a rack. Adding pumpkin puree also helps maintain moisture.
- → Can I substitute the mini marshmallows with something else?
You can try using marshmallow fluff or larger marshmallows cut into smaller pieces, but mini marshmallows melt best to create the signature gooey texture.
- → What’s the best way to boost the pumpkin flavor?
A pinch of ground cloves or allspice added alongside cinnamon and nutmeg will deepen the pumpkin’s autumnal notes.
- → Why are graham cracker crumbs included in the dough?
The graham cracker crumbs add a subtle crunch and an extra layer of flavor that mimics the s'mores campfire experience.
- → How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their soft, chewy texture for several days.