Ultimate Soft & Chewy S’mores Cookies: Your No-Campfire Treat!
Imagine the irresistible flavors of a classic s’more – gooey toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crisp graham cracker – all perfectly baked into a soft, chewy cookie. These S’mores Cookies deliver that iconic taste experience without the need for a campfire, making them the ultimate indoor treat for any occasion. They’re fun to bake, delightful to eat, and perfect for potlucks, bake sales, rainy days, or simply satisfying that sudden craving for a nostalgic dessert.
Why S’mores Cookies? The Ultimate Indoor S’mores Experience
Who doesn’t adore the concept of s’mores? The combination of sweet marshmallow, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker is pure magic. However, the traditional campfire method often comes with a few challenges. Achieving that perfectly golden-brown marshmallow without it catching fire, dealing with sticky fingers, and having chocolate melt everywhere can sometimes turn a fun activity into a messy battle. That’s where these S’mores Cookies shine!
These S’mores Cookies offer all the incredible flavor of traditional s’mores with none of the fuss. They deliver that ideal balance of toasted, gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate, all encased in a soft, graham-flavored cookie base. Best of all, you can enjoy them without smearing chocolate and marshmallow all over your hands and face. They’re neat, perfectly portioned, and can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. Whether your bonfire plans get rained out, or you simply crave that nostalgic taste without the outdoor adventure, these cookies are your perfect solution.
Crafting the Perfect S’mores Cookie
The secret to these amazing cookies lies in their balanced composition. The cookie base is rich in graham cracker flavor, thanks to finely processed graham cereal crumbs, giving it that distinctive taste and a wonderfully tender texture. Combined with a generous amount of chocolate chips, each bite is a symphony of flavor. The final touch – a perfectly toasted marshmallow crown – brings it all together, creating a truly irresistible treat. While a chocolate drizzle can add an elegant touch, these cookies are equally delicious left plain, allowing the s’mores flavors to speak for themselves.
Essential Tips for S’mores Cookie Success
Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content. Make sure it’s at room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugars.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Finely processed honey graham cereal crumbs are key to integrating that signature flavor seamlessly into the cookie dough. You can crush your own graham crackers in a food processor or buy pre-made crumbs.
- Chocolate Chips: While classic semi-sweet chocolate chips are excellent, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of chocolate chunks for varying textures and intensities.
- Marshmallows: Large marshmallows cut in half are ideal as they provide a generous, gooey topping that toasts beautifully. Ensure they are fresh for the best puff and melt.
Mastering the Dough and Baking Process
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Even Scooping: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.
- Timing is Key: The initial bake time is crucial for a soft and chewy cookie. The edges should be set and lightly golden, but the centers should still look a bit soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Toasting the Marshmallows: Watch the marshmallows carefully in the oven during the final step. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. Ninety seconds to two minutes is usually sufficient for a beautiful puff and toast. If you have a kitchen torch, you can also use that for a more controlled toast after the cookies are fully baked and cooled slightly.
Storing Your S’mores Cookies
Once cooled, these cookies are best enjoyed fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If the marshmallows become a bit stiff, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can bring back some of their gooeyness.
S’mores Cookies Recipe
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose unbleached flour
- 1 ¼ cups honey graham cereal crumbs (finely processed from graham crackers or cereal)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or your preference)
- 18-19 large marshmallows (cut in half)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, finely processed graham cereal crumbs, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and both sugars (brown and granulated) until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add the cream and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough is just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips by hand.
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Using a cookie scoop (about 1.5-2 tablespoons per cookie), drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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While the cookies are baking, prepare your marshmallows by cutting each large marshmallow in half using kitchen scissors. As soon as the cookies are removed from the oven, immediately press one marshmallow half, cut-side down, onto the top of each warm cookie.
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Return the baking sheets with the marshmallow-topped cookies to the oven for an additional 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this step; you want the marshmallows to puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, you can drizzle extra melted chocolate over the tops for an enhanced presentation and flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 130-150
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Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
These S’mores Cookies are fantastic on their own, but they also make a wonderful addition to any gathering. They’re particularly delightful when served alongside other delicious treats for a picnic or party spread. Consider pairing them with savory options to balance the sweetness. For instance, a hearty Cuban ham salad sandwich offers a delightful contrast, while some crunchy zesty Italian seasoned pretzels provide a perfect salty bite. This combination creates a memorable and satisfying spread that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions About S’mores Cookies
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are traditional, feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. For extra decadence, try chopped chocolate bars or a mix of different varieties.
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
You can easily make your own! Simply place whole graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, you can put them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking to everything after baking?
Once the cookies are out of the oven and the marshmallows are toasted, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to move them. As they cool, the marshmallows will firm up slightly and become less sticky. You can also lightly grease your kitchen scissors with cooking spray when cutting the marshmallows.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. If the dough is very firm, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking. You can also scoop the dough balls and freeze them, then bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.
Can I make mini S’mores Cookies?
Certainly! Use a smaller cookie scoop for mini cookies and mini marshmallows. Adjust baking times accordingly, typically a few minutes less for the initial bake, and keep a close eye on the mini marshmallows as they toast even faster.
Share Your S’mores Cookie Creations!
Did you give this delightful S’mores Cookies recipe a try? I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Your feedback and photos are incredibly valuable and inspiring. Please take a moment to leave a comment or review below and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to share your amazing creations on Instagram or Facebook – be sure to tag me so I can see your beautiful S’mores Cookies!