Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the classic campfire treat: s’mores. The combination of toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers is a nostalgic favorite, evoking memories of summer nights spent around the fire. But what if I told you there was a way to enjoy those same flavors without the need for a campfire? Enter Cookie S’mores—a fun, indulgent twist on the traditional treat, combining gooey marshmallows and chocolate with a soft, chewy cookie base.
I first came across Cookie S’mores at a family gathering when a relative decided to bake up a batch of cookies with a twist. She layered graham cracker crumbs into chocolate chip cookie dough and topped each one with a square of chocolate and a marshmallow, then baked them until they were perfectly gooey. It was a hit from the very first bite, and I knew right away that this would become a favorite in our family.
The beauty of Cookie S’mores lies in the balance of textures—crispy, chewy, and gooey all in one bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, enjoying a fun dessert night with family, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. They’re a fresh spin on the classic s’mores that can be made and enjoyed year-round. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible cookies!
Ingredients for Cookie S’mores (Makes 12 Cookies)
To make these Cookie S’mores, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (you can also use coconut oil for a different twist)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk chocolate or dark chocolate, based on preference)
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 6 graham cracker sheets, crushed into small pieces
- 6-12 marshmallows (depending on how much you want in each cookie)
- 1-2 chocolate bars, broken into squares (for topping)
Instructions: How to Make Cookie S’mores
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.
In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and egg, and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cookies.
Step 2: Add the Graham Crackers and Chocolate Chips
Once the dough is well-mixed, fold in the graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips. You can adjust the amount of chocolate chips based on your personal preference, but I recommend a full cup for the perfect balance of chocolate and dough.
Step 3: Scoop the Dough onto the Baking Sheet
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded balls of dough (about 1 ½ tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to give them room to spread.
Once the dough is portioned out, press each ball of dough down slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon. This helps the cookies spread more evenly while baking.
Step 4: Add the S’mores Topping
Place a piece of broken chocolate bar (about 1 square) on top of each cookie. Gently press it down into the dough. Then, place a marshmallow on top of each chocolate square. You can cut the marshmallows in half if you prefer smaller portions of marshmallow, or leave them whole for a more gooey result.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the marshmallows are slightly toasted. Keep a close eye on them as the marshmallows can brown quickly, and you want them to look golden and gooey, not burnt.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookie S’mores
- Don’t Overbake: To get that soft, chewy texture, be sure to pull the cookies out of the oven as soon as the edges are golden brown. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet, so they’ll firm up without becoming too hard.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, make sure your butter is at room temperature and your marshmallows are fresh. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and the marshmallows melt perfectly.
- Customize the Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate. Milk chocolate adds a classic sweetness, while dark chocolate brings a more intense, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the marshmallows and graham crackers.
- Make Them Smaller: If you prefer bite-sized treats, you can scoop out smaller portions of dough. Just reduce the baking time by a minute or two and keep an eye on them.
- Chill the Dough: If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and makes them slightly more chewy.
Variations of Cookie S’mores
- Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies: Add ¼ cup of peanut butter to the cookie dough for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows. This gives the cookies a whole new level of flavor.
- Vegan Cookie S’mores: To make these cookies vegan, swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg. You can also use dairy-free chocolate and marshmallows to keep the recipe fully vegan.
- Salted Caramel S’mores Cookies: For an indulgent twist, add a tablespoon of caramel sauce to each cookie before baking, or sprinkle some sea salt on top of the chocolate and marshmallow to enhance the flavor.
- S’mores Cookie Bars: If you prefer bars over cookies, press the dough into a lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Layer the chocolate and marshmallows on top, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown. Cut into squares once cooled.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores: Combine the flavors of traditional chocolate chip cookies with s’mores by adding more chocolate chips to the dough and placing marshmallows and chocolate on top of each cookie.
What to Serve with Cookie S’mores
These cookie s’mores are perfect on their own, but here are a few fun pairing ideas:
- A Tall Glass of Milk: Nothing beats the combination of cookies and milk. The cold, creamy milk helps balance out the sweetness of the cookies and gives you a nostalgic feeling of childhood.
- Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream for the ultimate dessert. The warmth of the cookie combined with the cold ice cream is a winning combination.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, enjoy your cookie s’mores with a cup of coffee or a mug of hot chocolate. The richness of the coffee or cocoa complements the gooey, chocolatey sweetness of the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can help balance out the richness of these cookies. Try a citrusy fruit salad with oranges, strawberries, and kiwis to add a refreshing touch.
Why You’ll Love Cookie S’mores
Cookie S’mores are the perfect combination of classic and modern. They take all the flavors of the traditional s’mores and turn them into a fun, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with your family, bringing them to a party, or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers creates a nostalgic yet modern dessert that’s hard to resist. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and endless variations, Cookie S’mores will quickly become your go-to dessert.