Soft Baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

When the leaves start turning and the air turns crisp, there’s an undeniable urge to indulge in cozy, comforting treats. Soft Baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are the perfect way to embrace the season and satisfy your sweet tooth simultaneously. This delightful recipe combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate, making it a flavor sensation that’s perfect for autumn gatherings or a simple evening at home.

Why You Will Love This Soft Baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies

Imagine a busy evening when you’ve just finished a long day at work and all you want is to unwind with some delicious baking. Soft Baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are not only easy to whip up but they also fill your kitchen with the warm, spicy aroma that can instantly lift your mood. These cookies are a flock of friendly flavors—pumpkin, chocolate, and graham crackers—coming together in a soft, chewy cookie that feels like a warm hug.

This recipe is designed for even the busiest of schedules. With minimal prep time and a short baking duration, you can have these cookies fresh out of the oven in just about 30 minutes! Whether you’re hosting friends for a fall-themed dinner party or just indulging your cravings after a hectic day, these cookies fit right in. Plus, they store well, so you can enjoy them throughout the week or share them as gifts. Pumpkin lovers and s’mores fans alike will find this treat irresistible.

Practical Tips / Cooking Tips

When making Soft Baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, there are a few tips to ensure success:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps in combining them smoothly and yielding a fluffier cookie.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhance the flavors.
• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking the cookies a minute or two early to prevent over-baking. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out, as they will continue to set as they cool.

Nutritional Value / Health Benefits

Soft Baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies not only taste good but also offer a few nutritional benefits thanks to the pumpkin in them:

• Rich in vitamins: Pumpkin is a great source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function and skin health.
• Fiber content: Including pumpkin in your diet contributes to your daily fiber intake, promoting digestive health.
• Lower calorie count: These cookies can be lighter on calories compared to traditional cookies if you manage the sugar and chocolate content well.

While these cookies are indeed a treat, taking inspiration from their ingredients can help you indulge responsibly without compromising taste!

Recipe Overview

Ingredients (with substitution options in table format)

Ingredient	Substitution Options
1 cup pumpkin puree	Sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened	Coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free option
3/4 cup brown sugar	Coconut sugar or maple syrup (adjust dry ingredients accordingly)
1 cup all-purpose flour	Whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs	Crushed vanilla wafers or oat flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips	White chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different texture
1 large egg	Flax egg for vegan option (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water)
1 tsp baking soda	No substitute necessary
1 tsp vanilla extract	Maple extract for a different flavor
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon	Pumpkin pie spice for additional flavor

Instructions (step-by-step with cooking tips)

Follow these steps to create your Soft Baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Integrate the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Fold in the chocolate chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough.
6. Portion the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake your cookies: Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to bake as they cool.
8. Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm for the best gooey experience!

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin with no added sugars or spices.

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them or freeze them in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure the graham cracker crumbs are also gluten-free.

What can I serve with these cookies?

These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like apple cider, pumpkin spice latte, or hot chocolate. They also make a great addition to fall dessert platters.

Recipe Variations

If you’d like to customize these Soft Baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies further, here are a few ideas:

• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch.
• Spice it up: Incorporate other spices such as nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it festive: Top with crushed candy corn or Halloween sprinkles for holiday-themed cookies.

Conclusion

Soft Baked Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a way to celebrate the flavors of fall while enjoying a simple baking experience. With the combination of pumpkin, chocolate, and graham cracker, this delicious cookie will surely become a beloved seasonal favorite. So, why not gather your ingredients and bake a batch today? Don’t forget to share your baking success on social media, and let your friends and family join in on the pumpkin goodness!

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