S’mores cookies recipe

S’mores Cookies Recipe: A Chewy, Gooey Dessert Favorite

Introduction

What Are S’mores Cookies?

S’mores Cookies Recipe are a delightful fusion of the classic campfire treat and the soft, chewy goodness of cookies. Inspired by the beloved combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, these cookies pack all the flavors of s’mores into a convenient, mess-free dessert. Perfect for those who love the nostalgia of campfire nights, these cookies are a delicious way to enjoy s’mores year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the best of two worlds: the gooey, chocolatey fun of s’mores and the comforting texture of freshly baked cookies. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these cookies are ideal for family gatherings, parties, or as a sweet indulgence on any day. Plus, with their customizable toppings and irresistible appeal, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

The Origins of S’mores

The History of the Classic Campfire Treat

S’mores, a quintessential American treat, trace their origins back to the early 20th century. The first recorded recipe appeared in a 1927 publication by the Girl Scouts, where the snack was called “Some Mores” because everyone always wanted more! Made with graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows, s’mores became a beloved campfire tradition, symbolizing fun, family, and the great outdoors.

The combination of flavors and textures—crunchy, gooey, and melty—has made s’mores an enduring favorite for generations.

How Cookies Bring a New Twist

While the original s’mores are best enjoyed around a campfire, s’mores cookies offer a creative and accessible twist. By incorporating the iconic ingredients into cookie dough, this recipe delivers the same nostalgic flavors with added convenience. No need for a campfire—these cookies bring the joy of s’mores straight to your kitchen, making them a versatile treat that’s perfect for any season or occasion.

Key Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for S’mores Cookies Recipe

  1. Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, tender base for the cookie dough.
  2. Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Create a perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.
  3. Eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to a soft texture.
  4. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile.
  5. All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookies.
  6. Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve the right texture.
  7. Graham Crackers: Crushed for that signature s’mores flavor and texture.
  8. Chocolate Chips: Bring the melty chocolate goodness of traditional s’mores.
  9. Mini Marshmallows: For gooey sweetness and authenticity.
  10. Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Fun

  1. Chocolate Squares: Add a piece of milk or dark chocolate on top for a classic s’mores look.
  2. Peanut Butter Chips: For a nutty twist.
  3. Toffee Bits: Add crunch and a caramel flavor.
  4. Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the graham cracker base.
  5. Flaked Sea Salt: Sprinkle on top for a sweet-and-salty combination.

Equipment Needed

Basic Baking Tools

  1. Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients.
  2. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for the perfect dough.
  3. Electric Mixer: Speeds up the creaming of butter and sugar.
  4. Cookie Scoop: For evenly portioned cookies.
  5. Baking Sheets: Use heavy-duty sheets for even baking.
  6. Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

Gadgets for Perfect S’mores Cookies

  1. Stand Mixer: Ideal for making large batches with ease.
  2. Cooling Racks: Helps cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy.
  3. Kitchen Torch: For toasting marshmallows on top of the cookies for an authentic campfire touch.
  4. Cookie Stamps: Press fun shapes or designs into the dough for visual appeal.

For a creative spin, pair these cookies with Moon Pie Recipe for another marshmallow treat idea.

With these key ingredients and tools, you’ll be well-equipped to bake irresistible s’mores cookies that capture the magic of the classic campfire treat!

S’mores cookies recipe

Ingredients List for S’mores Cookies Recipe

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)
  • 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

For Topping:

  • Extra chocolate chunks
  • Extra mini marshmallows
  • Crushed graham crackers

Preparing the Dough

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Cream Butter and Sugars:
    • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cookie texture.

Incorporating Graham Cracker Crumbs

  1. Prepare the Crumbs:
    • Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
  2. Fold into Dough:
    • Gently fold the graham cracker crumbs into the dough until evenly distributed, adding a subtle crunch and classic s’mores flavor.

Adding the S’mores Layers

Marshmallows and Chocolate Placement

  1. Fold Into Dough:
    • Stir mini marshmallows and chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution throughout.
  2. Top with Extras:
    • After shaping the cookie dough into balls, press additional marshmallows, chocolate chips, or small pieces of graham crackers onto the tops for a decorative touch.

Achieving the Perfect Ratio

  1. Balance the Flavors:
    • Aim for a ratio that balances the sweetness of marshmallows and chocolate with the subtle earthiness of graham crackers.
  2. Adjust for Personal Taste:
    • Add more marshmallows for extra gooeyness or increase the chocolate for a richer flavor.
  3. Test a Batch:
    • Bake a small test batch to see if the flavors and textures are to your liking. Adjust the add-ins as needed before baking the rest.

By following these steps, you’ll create a dough that’s perfectly prepared to deliver the iconic s’mores experience in cookie form!

Baking Instructions

Preheating the Oven

  1. Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Baking Time and Tips

  1. Shape the Dough:
    • Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
    • Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake the Cookies:
    • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft.
  3. Watch the Marshmallows:
    • If you’ve added marshmallows to the tops, keep an eye on them to ensure they melt slightly but don’t over-brown.
  4. Optional Topping:
    • For an extra touch, press a piece of chocolate or graham cracker onto the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven.

Cooling and Storing

Allowing Cookies to Set

  1. Cool on the Baking Sheet:
    • Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps them set and prevents breaking when transferred.
  2. Transfer to a Cooling Rack:
    • Move the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This ensures air circulates around them, keeping the bottoms crisp.

Proper Storage for Freshness

  1. Room Temperature:
    • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  2. Freezing for Later:
    • Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
    • To thaw, let cookies sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.
  3. Dough Storage:
    • Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

By following these baking and storage tips, your s’mores cookies will stay fresh, gooey, and irresistible for days to come!

Variations to Try

Peanut Butter S’more Cookies

  1. Add Peanut Butter:
    • Replace half of the butter with creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist.
    • Swirl in dollops of peanut butter into the dough before baking for pockets of flavor.
  2. Peanut Butter Chips:
    • Fold in peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips for an extra burst of peanut butter goodness.
  3. Flavor Profile:
    • Perfect for those who love the combination of sweet and nutty flavors.

White Chocolate and Raspberry S’more Cookies

  1. Swap Chocolate Chips:
    • Use white chocolate chips instead of traditional semi-sweet chocolate.
  2. Add Raspberries:
    • Fold in fresh or freeze-dried raspberries for a tart and fruity contrast to the sweetness.
  3. Flavor Profile:
    • A sophisticated take on s’mores cookies with a balance of creamy and tangy flavors.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

  1. Gluten-Free Swap:
    • Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  2. Vegan Swap:
    • Replace butter with vegan butter and eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
    • Use dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallow alternatives.
  3. Flavor Profile:
    • A chewy and gooey version of s’mores cookies, made accessible for everyone.

For another gluten-free treat, try Buckwheat Bread Recipe.

Tips and Tricks

Achieving a Gooey Center

  1. Don’t Overbake:
    • Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly underdone. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
  2. Use Extra Marshmallows:
    • Place a few marshmallows on top of each cookie before baking to ensure gooey pockets.
  3. Warm Them Up:
    • Reheat cooled cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the gooey center.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overmixing the Dough:
    • Overworking the dough can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  2. Skipping the Chill Step:
    • Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
  3. Not Measuring Ingredients Properly:
    • Too much flour can make the cookies dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
  4. Underestimating Oven Hotspots:
    • Rotate your baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.

These variations and tips will help you customize your s’mores cookies while ensuring they turn out gooey, delicious, and picture-perfect every time!

Serving Suggestions

Pairing Ideas

  1. With a Cold Glass of Milk: Classic and comforting, milk pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and gooey marshmallows in s’mores cookies.
  2. Hot Beverages:
    • Pair with hot chocolate for an indulgent treat.
    • Serve alongside a cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful dessert pairing.
  3. Ice Cream Sandwiches:
    • Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for a fun and decadent dessert.

Creative Presentation Tips

  1. S’mores Platter:
    • Arrange cookies on a tray with additional graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate pieces for a themed presentation.
  2. Cookie Stacks:
    • Stack cookies and drizzle with melted chocolate or marshmallow sauce for an Instagram-worthy display.
  3. Seasonal Touch:
    • Add decorative elements like powdered sugar for a winter feel or edible flowers for a summer gathering.
  4. Gift Packaging:
    • Wrap cookies in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift idea.

Nutritional Information

Calorie Breakdown

The calorie count for one s’mores cookie (standard size) can vary depending on ingredients and size. Here’s an approximate breakdown:

  • Calories: ~150–180 per cookie
  • Fat: ~8–10g (mainly from butter and chocolate)
  • Carbohydrates: ~20–22g (from sugar, flour, and graham crackers)
  • Protein: ~2–3g (from eggs and chocolate)
  • Sugar: ~12–15g

Healthier Ingredient Alternatives

  1. Reduce Sugar:
    • Use half the sugar or replace it with natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or stevia.
  2. Replace Butter:
    • Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  3. Use Whole-Wheat Flour:
    • Swap all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour or a mix for added fiber.
  4. Opt for Dark Chocolate:
    • Replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for a richer flavor and lower sugar content.
  5. Graham Cracker Alternatives:
    • Use whole-grain or gluten-free graham crackers for a healthier base.

By pairing your s’mores cookies thoughtfully and incorporating healthier ingredient swaps, you can enjoy this nostalgic treat while keeping it as indulgent or wholesome as you like!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a S’more?

The name “S’more” is short for “some more,” as the treat is so delicious that people always wanted more of it! The term was first recorded in a 1927 Girl Scouts handbook, referring to the popular campfire treat made with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate.

Does Costco sell S’more cookies?

Yes, Costco occasionally sells s’mores-inspired cookies or baked goods, especially during seasonal promotions. These cookies typically feature the classic flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers. Availability may vary depending on location and time of year.

Ruth Wakefield is credited with inventing the chocolate chip cookie in the 1930s at her Toll House Inn in Massachusetts. Her original recipe, which later became the iconic Nestlé Toll House Cookie, included butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, salt, and semi-sweet chocolate pieces.

What are Snoop Dogg cookies?

Snoop Dogg cookies are inspired by the rapper’s cookbook “From Crook to Cook.” One of his famous cookie recipes includes a variation of chocolate chip cookies with fun twists like the addition of toffee bits or candy pieces. Snoop Dogg’s recipes often combine creativity and indulgence with classic comfort foods.

Elvis cookies are inspired by the King of Rock and Roll’s favorite sandwich, which included peanut butter, bananas, and bacon. These cookies typically incorporate similar ingredients, such as peanut butter cookie dough, banana chips, and crumbled bacon for a sweet-and-savory treat.

A blondie is similar to a brownie but is made with vanilla and brown sugar instead of cocoa, giving it a butterscotch flavor. It’s baked in a pan and cut into bars, unlike cookies, which are individually portioned and baked on a sheet. Blondies are chewy and dense, while cookies can vary in texture from crispy to soft.

Conclusion

Why S’mores Cookies Are a Crowd Favorite

S’mores cookies combine the best of two worlds: the nostalgic flavors of the classic campfire treat and the comforting texture of freshly baked cookies. With gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, and the familiar crunch of graham crackers, these cookies are a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

Their versatility allows you to customize the recipe to suit your tastes, making them perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a quiet indulgence at home. Whether you’re looking to relive campfire memories or try something new, s’mores cookies are a treat that never disappoints. For more marshmallow-inspired recipes, check out the Ranger Cookies Recipe. Once you bake a batch, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!