If there’s one dessert that embodies the essence of a cozy campfire night, it’s the s’more. The combination of marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers toasted over an open flame has been a beloved treat for generations. But what if you could enjoy that delightful flavor combination in the form of a cookie? That’s where s’mores cookies come into play.
S’mores cookies take all the elements of a classic s’more and transform them into a bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re reminiscing about your last camping trip or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. In this article, we’ll walk you through a delicious s’mores cookies recipe that will have you reaching for seconds.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these scrumptious s’mores cookies. The recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
For the cookie dough:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
For the s’mores topping:
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup crushed graham crackers
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these delightful s’mores cookies.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and have that perfect golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step, but mixing by hand works just as well if you’re looking for a bit of an arm workout.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the cookies.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, and we want these to be wonderfully tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Graham Cracker Crumbs and Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part – adding the s’mores twist to the cookie dough. Gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs and semisweet chocolate chips. The graham cracker crumbs will infuse the dough with that classic s’mores flavor, while the chocolate chips will provide pockets of gooey goodness in every bite.
Step 6: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into balls and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Leave enough space between each ball to allow for spreading during baking. These cookies will spread, so keep that in mind when arranging them on the sheet.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remember that cookies continue to bake a bit after they’re taken out of the oven due to residual heat, so it’s important not to overbake them if you want a soft and chewy texture.
Step 8: Add the S’mores Topping
As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, it’s time to add the s’mores topping. Sprinkle each cookie with mini marshmallows, semisweet chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers. The residual heat from the cookies will help melt the marshmallows and chocolate, creating that iconic s’mores gooeyness.
Step 9: Let the Cookies Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to ensure that the marshmallows and chocolate topping set properly.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Once the cookies are completely cool, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade s’mores cookies! Grab a glass of milk and savor the sweet, nostalgic flavors of this classic campfire treat in cookie form.
Tips and Variations
Experiment with different chocolates: While semisweet chocolate chips are a classic choice, you can get creative by using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.
Try different graham crackers: Explore various graham cracker flavors, such as cinnamon or honey, to add a unique twist to your cookies.
Use a kitchen torch: If you want to achieve that authentic toasted marshmallow flavor and appearance, you can lightly torch the marshmallow topping with a kitchen torch before serving. Be careful and do this step with adult supervision.
Make it gluten-free: If you or someone you’re baking for has a gluten intolerance, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free graham crackers to make a delicious gluten-free version of these cookies.
S’mores cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic campfire treat anytime, anywhere. With a soft and chewy cookie base, a gooey marshmallow and chocolate topping, and the unmistakable taste of graham crackers, these cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Whether you’re sharing them around a campfire, serving them at a backyard barbecue, or simply indulging in a sweet treat on a cozy evening at home, s’mores cookies bring the essence of outdoor adventures right to your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the delightful taste of s’mores in every bite of these delicious cookies.
Serving and Storing Your S’mores Cookies
Now that you’ve successfully baked a batch of these delectable s’mores cookies, it’s important to consider how best to serve and store them.
Serving Suggestions:
Warm and Gooey: S’mores cookies are best enjoyed when they are still slightly warm from the oven. The marshmallow and chocolate topping will be at its gooey best, providing a truly indulgent experience.
Pair with Milk: The sweetness of the cookies pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk. The milk helps balance the richness of the chocolate and marshmallow and enhances the overall flavor.
Gift Idea: S’mores cookies make fantastic homemade gifts for friends and family. Simply stack a few cookies in a mason jar, tie a ribbon around it, and attach a recipe card for a thoughtful and delicious present.
Storing Your S’mores Cookies:
Airtight Container: To keep your s’mores cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Placing a piece of parchment paper between the layers of cookies can prevent them from sticking together.
Freezing: If you want to enjoy s’mores cookies at a later date, they can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating the layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
S’mores Cookies for Every Occasion
S’mores cookies are incredibly versatile and can be adapted for various occasions and preferences. Here are a few creative ideas to explore:
Holiday Treats: Decorate your s’mores cookies with festive sprinkles or drizzle them with colored icing for a holiday-themed twist.
Summer Parties: Serve s’mores cookies at summer picnics, BBQs, or pool parties. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially if you have access to a grill or fire pit for some extra toasting.
Cookie Sandwiches: Turn your s’mores cookies into sandwich cookies by spreading marshmallow fluff or chocolate ganache between two cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
Mini S’mores Bites: Create bite-sized versions of these cookies for a bite-sized delight at parties and gatherings. Mini marshmallows and chocolate chips work perfectly for these tiny treats.
Custom S’mores Cookies: Experiment with different add-ins, such as chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even a dollop of peanut butter in the center of each cookie, to make your s’mores cookies even more unique.
S’mores cookies offer a delightful twist on a beloved classic, bringing the flavors of a campfire treat to your kitchen in the form of soft, chewy, and gooey cookies. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies and enjoy the nostalgia-inducing flavors of s’mores anytime you please.
Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, gifting them to friends, or treating yourself to a sweet moment of indulgence, s’mores cookies are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and start baking your way to a delicious adventure filled with the taste of s’mores and the warmth of shared memories.
