Irresistible S’mores Cookies: The Ultimate Chewy, Gooey, No-Campfire Treat!
There’s nothing quite like the classic campfire s’more, but when the weather isn’t cooperating or you simply crave that magical combination of toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker at a moment’s notice, these **S’mores Cookies** are your perfect solution. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie bursting with generous chunks of rich chocolate, pockets of gooey marshmallow, and subtle hints of crumbled graham crackers. These aren’t just cookies; they’re an experience, capturing the essence of a beloved campfire treat in every single bite, making them truly irresistible. They’re a year-round delight for your taste buds, bringing joy and comfort with their delightful texture and flavor profile.
Why This S’mores Cookie Recipe is an Absolute Must-Try
This **S’mores Cookies recipe** consistently delivers amazing results because it perfectly balances all the beloved elements of a traditional s’more within a perfectly baked, portable cookie. These cookies are not just soft and chewy; they are truly jam-packed with all the classic s’mores fixin’s, offering an authentic taste experience without the need for a campfire. They are particularly fantastic for those evenings when it’s a bit too chilly to get a roaring fire going, but your craving for a warm, chocolatey s’more is undeniable.
In many ways, having this delightful treat in a cookie form is even better than the original! Here on the blog, we admittedly have a bit of a cookie obsession, and these **homemade s’mores cookies** are a proud addition to our collection. They share some delicious similarities with our popular Mississippi Mud Cookies and Hot Cocoa Cookies, both of which feature the winning combination of chocolate and marshmallows. However, these s’mores cookies elevate the experience by highlighting the full package with the crucial addition of buttery graham cracker crumbs in every bite. This unique blend of flavors and textures creates a truly addictive treat – consider yourself warned!
What makes this recipe stand out is its clever approach to marshmallow integration. By adding marshmallows both within the dough and as a topping towards the end of baking, we ensure you get that iconic gooey, melted marshmallow pull in every cookie. The graham cracker crumbs are finely incorporated into the dough, providing a consistent, satisfying crunch and that distinct, slightly spiced flavor profile that makes s’mores so special. Plus, the combination of two types of sugar in the dough guarantees a wonderfully chewy texture with perfectly crisp edges. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and textural delight, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion, from casual family desserts to impressive party treats.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect S’mores Cookies
Creating these delightful **homemade s’mores cookies** requires a straightforward list of pantry staples and a few star ingredients that bring the classic s’mores flavor to life. You’ll find all precise measurements, ingredient details, and comprehensive instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake!
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips
To ensure your **s’mores cookies** are nothing short of perfection, let’s dive a little deeper into the key ingredients and offer some helpful substitution suggestions:
DOUGH BASE – Our foundation for these incredibly **chewy cookies** is a classic blend, much like most beloved cookie doughs. We utilize high-quality all-purpose flour for structure, unsalted butter for rich flavor and tenderness, and a combination of light brown sugar and granulated white sugar. The brown sugar contributes to that desirable chewiness and adds a subtle molasses note, while granulated sugar ensures crisp edges. But the true magic and fun part of these **s’mores cookies** comes from the generous additions of finely crushed graham crackers, decadent chocolate pieces, and soft marshmallows directly into the dough, infusing every bite with that signature s’mores taste.
MARSHMALLOWS – The standard mini-marshmallows are absolutely perfect for this recipe, delivering ideal gooey pockets without overwhelming the cookie. We strongly recommend against using the tiny, dehydrated marshmallows often found in hot chocolate mixes, as their texture and melting properties are unsuitable for baking in this context. If you only have large marshmallows on hand, don’t worry! You can still achieve wonderful results. Instead of mixing them into the batter, simply squish one large marshmallow into the center of each cookie after the initial 5 minutes of baking. This timing allows the cookie to set slightly before the marshmallow is added, preventing it from completely melting and disappearing. If a whole large marshmallow seems too big for your desired cookie size, simply cut the large marshmallows in half before squishing them on top. This technique creates a beautiful, toasted marshmallow topping that truly mimics a campfire s’more.
CHOCOLATE – For the ultimate **chocolatey s’mores cookies**, we suggest using a good quality Hershey’s chocolate bar, roughly chopped. The reason for chopping a bar rather than using chocolate chips is that chopped chocolate melts more unevenly, creating delightful streaks and pools of melted chocolate throughout the cookie. If you prefer chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips would work well, but for that authentic s’mores experience, a chopped bar is best. You can also experiment with different chocolate varieties like dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a unique twist.
GRAHAM CRACKERS – Crumbled graham crackers are non-negotiable for true **s’mores flavor**. We recommend using one sleeve of graham crackers, roughly crumbled. You can do this by hand or pulse them briefly in a food processor for finer crumbs. The crackers provide a subtle crunch and a distinct, honey-like flavor that ties all the s’mores elements together beautifully. For an extra boost of flavor, you could even toast the graham cracker crumbs lightly before adding them to the dough, although this is optional.
Crafting Your Own Delicious S’mores Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this incredibly satisfying **S’mores Cookies recipe**. For a convenient, printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- First things first, preheat your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking. Line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. These liners are crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring easy removal of your delicate, gooey **s’mores cookies**.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter and both sugars (light brown sugar and granulated white sugar) for a full 1 minute. This step is vital for incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy base for your cookies. Next, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and continue mixing just until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Switch your stand mixer attachment from the whisk to a paddle attachment. This is better for mixing in the dry ingredients without overworking the dough. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the flour mixture is combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Now for the fun part – integrating the classic s’mores components! Add the bulk of the mini marshmallows, chopped chocolate, and crumbled graham crackers to the cookie dough. Make sure to reserve about a 1/2 cup of marshmallows and a handful of chocolate chunks specifically for topping the cookies later. Give the dough a quick, gentle mix on low speed, just enough to evenly distribute the mix-ins without overbeating. Overmixing at this stage can break down the marshmallows and graham crackers too much.
- Using a cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop (approximately 1-1/2 Tablespoons per scoop), portion the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading during baking. This spacing ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t merge into one giant s’mores slab!
- Place the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for an initial 5 minutes. At this point, the cookies will be just about set around the edges but still soft in the center. Carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. This is the moment to personalize your **gooey s’mores cookies**: top each partially baked cookie with the reserved additional mini-marshmallows and chocolate chunks. This technique ensures beautifully toasted marshmallows and distinct chocolate pools on top. Return the baking sheets to the oven for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the cookies to finish baking and the marshmallows to puff up and achieve that characteristic golden, toasted appearance.
- Once baked to golden perfection with puffed, slightly browned marshmallows, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking pan for 2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the cookies set up slightly, making them easier to handle. After 2 minutes, carefully transfer the warm, still-gooey cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. While they are amazing warm, allowing them to cool slightly helps them firm up enough to enjoy without falling apart.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for S’mores Cookie Success
To maintain their delightful chewiness and gooey centers, always store your cooled, baked **s’mores cookies** in an air-tight container. Kept at room temperature, they will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. For best results, slightly warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to reactivate that irresistible melted marshmallow and chocolate.
Absolutely! This **s’mores cookie dough** freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prepping or having a fresh batch of cookies whenever a craving strikes. We highly recommend preparing the dough as instructed and then rolling them into individual balls. To prevent them from sticking together, flash freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet for 30 minutes to an hour until firm. Once firm, transfer the frozen dough balls into a ziptop freezer bag or an air-tight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls at room temperature until they’re slightly softened, then bake and garnish according to the recipe instructions.
Yes, preparing the **s’mores cookie dough** ahead of time is a fantastic option for convenience! Once you’ve made the dough, form it into individual balls as if you were going to bake them immediately. Arrange these dough balls on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching each other. Freeze them for a few hours, or until they are solid. Once frozen, you can transfer all the dough balls into a single freezer bag or airtight container. This way, you can pull out just a few to bake at a time! To bake from frozen, you can either thaw the cookie dough balls at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before baking as directed, or you can bake them from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
For that authentic s’mores experience, a classic Hershey’s milk chocolate bar, roughly chopped, is ideal. Its mild, creamy flavor melts beautifully. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate can provide a richer, less sweet cookie. For a fun twist, try white chocolate or even chopped caramel-filled chocolates.
Marshmallows can be tricky! If they disappear completely, they were likely added too early or baked for too long. Adding them towards the end of baking (as instructed in step 6) is key. If they burned, your oven might be too hot, or they were left in for too long after adding. Keep a close eye on them during the final 3-4 minutes; you want them puffed and golden, not charred. Different ovens can vary, so adjust baking times as needed.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for S’mores Cookies
Honestly, when is a batch of warm, gooey **s’mores cookies** not acceptable? These decadent treats are always a welcome addition, no matter the time of day or year. Enjoy them fresh and warm, straight out of the oven, when the chocolate is perfectly melty and the marshmallows are gloriously toasted and stretchy. This is arguably the best way to experience their full glory, providing an instant burst of comfort and happiness.
While s’mores are traditionally a campfire delicacy associated with summer nights, these versatile cookies allow you to indulge in that nostalgic flavor year-round. Whether it’s the crisp air of fall, the coziness of winter, the freshness of spring, or the warmth of summer, these cookies are always a fantastic choice. They make a wonderfully festive addition to any Christmas cookie platter, adding a unique, playful touch amidst traditional holiday treats. Furthermore, their homemade charm and undeniable deliciousness make them perfect for edible gifts for friends, family, or neighbors. Package them in a nice box or tin, and you have a thoughtful present that’s sure to be appreciated.
For an extra special treat, pair these **homemade s’mores cookies** with a tall glass of cold milk, a steaming mug of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an ultimate dessert experience. The contrast of the warm, gooey cookie with cold ice cream is simply divine. You can even crumble them over ice cream or use them as a base for a fun dessert trifle. The possibilities are as endless as your cravings!
Explore More S’mores Inspired Recipes!
If you’re a true s’mores enthusiast, the fun doesn’t have to stop at cookies! We have a fantastic collection of other recipes that capture the essence of this beloved treat in various exciting forms. Dive into these other s’mores creations:
- S’mores Dip: An incredibly easy, shareable dessert perfect for parties!
- S’mores Bars: All the s’mores flavor in a convenient bar form, great for potlucks.
- Frozen S’mores: A cool and refreshing twist, perfect for warmer days.
- S’mores Martini: An adult-friendly beverage that tastes just like the classic treat.
- S’mores Cupcakes: Fluffy cupcakes topped with toasted marshmallow frosting and graham cracker crumbs.
- S’mores Icebox Cake: A no-bake delight, layered with creamy goodness.
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S’mores Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 5 oz Hershey’s chocolate bar roughly chopped
- 9 graham crackers 1 sleeve, roughly crumbled
Things You’ll Need
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Insulated baking sheets
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Electric mixer
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Cookie scoop
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Wire cooling racks
Before You Begin
- The standard mini-marshmallows work perfectly for this. If you have only large marshmallows, do not add any to the batter, simply squish only one into the center of the cookie after the initial 5 minutes of baking. If that seems like too much marshmallow for you, chop the large marshmallows in half before placing on the cookies.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
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In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, cream together the butter and sugars for 1 minute. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
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Switch the stand mixer to a paddle attachment. Add the flour, baking soda and salt and mix just until combined.
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Add the mini marshmallows, chopped chocolate, and crumbled graham crackers to the dough, while reserving about a 1/2 cup of marshmallows and chocolate chunks for topping. Give a quick mix, careful not to overbeat.
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Using a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop (about 1-1/2 Tablespoons), scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 5 minutes until cookies are just about set. Remove from the oven and top with additional mini-marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Return to the oven for 3-4 minutes for the cookies to finish baking and marshmallows start to puff.
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Allow cookies to cool on pan for 2 minutes, and then transfer to a wire cooling rack.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.