Ultimate Chewy S’mores Cookies: Your Year-Round Campfire Indulgence
Imagine the irresistible delight of a classic campfire s’more, transformed into a perfectly baked, soft, and chewy cookie. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible **S’mores Cookies**. Forget the need for a roaring fire or perfect weather; now you can enjoy the gooey goodness of melted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers in every single bite, right from your own kitchen. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience, designed to satisfy your sweet cravings any time of the year. Whether it’s a cold winter night or a sunny summer afternoon, these delightful cookies are destined to become a family favorite, bringing smiles with every sweet bite.
Why This S’mores Cookie Recipe is a Must-Try for Any Occasion
This recipe for s’mores cookies isn’t just another sweet treat; it’s a culinary masterpiece that perfectly captures the essence of the beloved campfire classic, all in a convenient, portable form. Here’s why these cookies will undoubtedly become your new go-to dessert:
- Unmatched Texture Perfection: We achieve that ideal soft, buttery, and incredibly chewy cookie base that everyone craves. But what truly sets these apart is the delightful mix-ins: pockets of gooey, perfectly melted marshmallow, crunchy bits of graham cracker, and luscious chocolate chunks. Every single bite offers a symphony of contrasting textures – soft, chewy, gooey, and crisp – creating an unforgettable experience.
- Year-Round Indulgence, No Campfire Needed: Craving the nostalgic taste of s’mores but the weather isn’t cooperating for a crackling campfire? Or perhaps you simply don’t have access to a fire pit? These cookies are your ultimate solution! They effortlessly bring the joy and flavor of s’mores indoors, making them an ideal treat for any season, any time. From cozy winter evenings to bright summer days, these cookies are always in season.
- Effortless Enjoyment, Minimal Mess: While traditional s’mores are undeniably fun, they can often be sticky and messy, requiring specific outdoor conditions. Our s’mores cookies offer all the beloved flavors in a convenient, handheld, and significantly less messy format. They are perfectly portable for parties, excellent additions to lunchboxes, or simply ideal for enjoying a quiet moment at home.
- Elevated Flavor Profile: The rich, comforting cookie dough base itself beautifully complements the classic s’mores components. The way the butter, sugars, and flour blend and then meld with the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers during baking creates a deeper, more complex, and utterly satisfying flavor that goes beyond the simplicity of a toasted marshmallow.
- Surprisingly Simple to Bake: Despite their impressive appearance and incredible flavor, these cookies are surprisingly straightforward to prepare. With our clear, detailed, step-by-step instructions, even novice bakers can achieve spectacular, bakery-quality results. You’ll be whipping up batches in no time!
While we cherish our Mississippi Mud Cookies and Hot Cocoa Cookies for their wonderful chocolate and marshmallow elements, these s’mores cookies introduce the crucial third component: graham crackers. This addition truly completes the iconic s’mores experience, adding that signature honeyed crunch. Be forewarned, though – these cookies are so irresistibly delicious, they’re incredibly addictive!
Key Ingredients for Crafting Your Perfect S’mores Cookies
Creating these delightful s’mores cookies requires a selection of readily available ingredients, combining classic cookie staples with the iconic components that make a s’more so special. You’ll find a complete list of precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Tips for Success
Understanding each ingredient’s unique role and knowing suitable substitutions can significantly elevate your baking game, ensuring success and flexibility even if your pantry isn’t fully stocked.
- Cookie DOUGH Base: Our foundation for these perfect cookies is crafted from classic baking staples:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich flavor, moisture, and tenderness. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe. For a dairy-free option, a good quality plant-based butter substitute can work, though the texture might vary slightly.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Contributes to the cookie’s signature chewiness and helps retain moisture, adding a subtle caramel note.
- Granulated white sugar: Helps create those delightful crisp edges and aids in the cookie’s spread.
- Eggs and vanilla extract: Bind the ingredients, add richness, and provide essential flavor.
The true magic of these cookies, however, comes from the generous addition of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows folded directly into this luscious dough.
- MARSHMALLOWS: For optimal results, **standard mini-marshmallows** are highly recommended. They distribute evenly throughout the dough and melt beautifully, creating those irresistible gooey pockets without completely disappearing. We strongly advise against using those tiny, dehydrated marshmallows typically found in hot chocolate mixes, as they won’t provide the desired soft, stretchy texture. If your only option is large marshmallows, don’t worry! Instead of mixing them into the raw batter, bake your cookies for the initial 5 minutes. Then, remove them from the oven and gently press a halved (or whole, for extra indulgence) large marshmallow into the center of each cookie before returning them to the oven. This method ensures they toast beautifully on top without over-melting into the dough.
- CHOCOLATE: While the recipe traditionally calls for a Hershey’s chocolate bar, perfectly mimicking the classic s’mores experience, feel empowered to experiment with your favorite chocolate. You can use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even dark chocolate chunks or chips. Chopping a chocolate bar yourself often yields delightfully irregular chunks that melt into luscious pools and add wonderful visual appeal to each cookie.
- GRAHAM CRACKERS: The unsung hero of the s’mores trio! Graham cracker crumbs are essential for providing that distinctive honeyed flavor and a subtle, satisfying crunch that makes these cookies unmistakably s’mores. You’ll want to roughly crumble them, aiming for a mix of fine crumbs and small, textural pieces. If traditional graham crackers are hard to come by, plain digestive biscuits can serve as a decent substitute, though they will impart a slightly different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Delicious S’mores Cookies at Home
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you visually through the process of making this irresistible recipe. For the complete, printable version of this recipe, including exact measurements and a comprehensive ingredient list, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Baking Station: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C). Accurate oven temperature is crucial for even baking. Next, take two sturdy baking sheets and line them with either silicone baking mats or parchment paper. This vital step prevents your cookies from sticking and ensures effortless cleanup later.
- Cream Wet Ingredients for a Fluffy Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated white sugar. Cream these ingredients together on medium speed for approximately 1 minute, until the mixture becomes visibly light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is key to achieving a tender cookie texture. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined.
- Gently Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Switch your stand mixer to a paddle attachment. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix on the lowest speed *just* until the dry ingredients are fully combined and no streaks of flour are visible. It’s crucial not to overmix the dough at this stage, as excessive gluten development can lead to tough, rather than chewy, cookies.
- Fold in the S’mores Goodness: It’s time for the stars of the show! Gently fold in the majority of your mini marshmallows, chopped chocolate, and crumbled graham crackers into the dough. For a picture-perfect finish, make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of marshmallows and chocolate chunks to press into the tops of the cookies later. Mix just enough until these delightful additions are evenly distributed throughout the dough; vigorous mixing can cause the marshmallows and graham crackers to break down too much.
- Scoop and Perfectly Space Your Dough: Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1-1/2 Tablespoons per scoop) or a standard ice cream scoop, portion out even balls of cookie dough. Consistency in size helps ensure even baking. Place them onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure they are spaced about 2 inches apart. This generous spacing is important to allow the cookies to spread properly without merging into one giant cookie during baking.
- The Secret to Perfect Marshmallow Tops: Two-Stage Baking: Bake the cookies for an initial 5 minutes. At this point, the cookies will be mostly set around the edges but still quite soft in the center. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and carefully place the reserved mini-marshmallows and chocolate chunks on top of each cookie. This strategic timing ensures the marshmallows on top get perfectly toasted and gooey without completely melting away or burning too early. Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until their edges are beautifully golden brown, the cookies are fully baked, and the marshmallows are gloriously puffed and lightly toasted. Keep a very close eye on them during this second bake to prevent any over-browning or burning.
- Cooling for Optimal Texture: Once baked to perfection, allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for about 2 minutes. This brief resting period is essential as it helps the cookies firm up slightly, making them less fragile and easier to handle. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Or, if you simply can’t resist, enjoy them while they’re still warm for an unbelievably melty, gooey experience!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for S’mores Cookies
To maintain their delicious freshness and chewy texture, ensure your s’mores cookies are completely cooled before storing them. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay delightful for up to 3 days. For an extra tip to keep them super soft, you can even place a slice of plain white bread in the container with the cookies; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread!
Absolutely! Both the unbaked cookie dough and the fully baked cookies freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for future indulgence.
For Freezing Dough: We highly recommend preparing the dough and shaping it into individual cookie balls. Flash freeze these dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes to an hour until they are firm. This step prevents them from sticking together. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe ziptop bag or an airtight container. You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough balls at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes until slightly softened, then proceed with baking and topping as directed. You might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
For Freezing Baked Cookies: Allow baked cookies to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or warm slightly in the microwave for that fresh-baked gooeyness.
Yes, making the cookie dough ahead of time is a brilliant strategy for entertaining or busy days. Prepare the cookie dough as instructed, then form it into individual cookie balls. Arrange these balls on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Flash freeze them until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. When your event day arrives, simply thaw the desired number of cookie dough balls at room temperature until they are slightly softened (this usually takes about 20-30 minutes), and then proceed with the baking and garnishing steps as outlined in the recipe. This way, you can serve warm, fresh-baked cookies with minimal effort right when you need them!
If you find your marshmallows charring too quickly, the most common reasons are an oven running too hot or adding the marshmallows too early in the baking process.
Oven Temperature: It’s a good idea to verify your oven’s accuracy with an inexpensive oven thermometer, as oven temperatures can vary.
Timing: The two-stage baking method detailed in this recipe is specifically designed to prevent burning. Ensure you’re only adding the reserved marshmallows for topping *after* the initial 5 minutes of baking. This allows the cookie to set before the marshmallows are introduced, giving them just enough time to puff up and achieve a beautiful, light golden toast without completely burning.
For those picture-perfect, perfectly round cookies, here’s a professional baker’s trick: Immediately after removing the hot cookies from the oven, take a large round cookie cutter (one that’s slightly larger than your baked cookies) or a sturdy glass. Place it around each warm cookie and gently swirl it in a circular motion. This subtle nudging will help reshape the edges of the warm, pliable cookies into a flawless circle. This technique works best while the cookies are still very hot.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Irresistible S’mores Cookies
These chewy s’mores cookies are so incredibly versatile and universally loved, there’s truly never a wrong time to enjoy them! Whether you’re seeking a quick, comforting snack, a show-stopping dessert for guests, or a thoughtful, homemade gift, these cookies fit every bill perfectly. Here are some ideas to make them even more special:
- Fresh & Warm from the Oven: For the ultimate, most decadent experience, absolutely savor them warm. At this stage, the chocolate is wonderfully melty and the marshmallows are incredibly gooey and stretchy, just like a fresh s’more. Pair them with a tall, frosty glass of cold milk – it’s pure perfection!
- A Star on the Dessert Table: Arrange these visually appealing cookies on a platter for parties, potlucks, or any family gathering. Their golden tops, bursting with exposed s’mores ingredients, are guaranteed to capture attention and garner endless compliments.
- Thoughtful Edible Gifts: Package a few freshly baked cookies in a decorative box or a charming bag tied with a ribbon. They make incredibly thoughtful and personal homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, or colleagues during holidays or any special occasion.
- Perfect Pairings: Beyond milk, consider elevating your dessert experience by serving them alongside a scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream or even a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with a warm mug of hot cocoa, a freshly brewed coffee, or, for adult gatherings, a s’mores-inspired cocktail.
- Anytime, Any Season Treat: While traditional s’mores instantly evoke images of summer campfires, these delectable cookies defy seasonal boundaries. They serve as a wonderfully cozy comfort food for crisp fall and cold winter evenings, a lighthearted and fun treat for spring picnics, and a nostalgic delight for summer celebrations. They are always, without exception, a welcome and cherished addition!
Explore More S’mores-Inspired Recipes for Every Craving
If you’re as absolutely obsessed with the classic s’mores combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows as we are, then you’ll undoubtedly adore these other creative and delicious ways to enjoy that gooey, chocolatey goodness:
- S’mores Dip
- Smore’s Bars
- Frozen S’mores
- S’mores Martini
- S’mores Cupcakes
- S’mores Icebox Cake
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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 recipe, ensuring even distribution and ideal gooeyness within each cookie.
- If you only have large marshmallows available, do not add them directly to the raw cookie batter. Instead, after the initial 5 minutes of baking, remove the cookies from the oven and gently press a halved or whole large marshmallow into the center of each partially baked cookie. This method prevents the large marshmallows from melting away completely too early and helps achieve a beautiful, lightly toasted finish on top.
- For the chocolate component, while Hershey’s bars are classic for that authentic s’mores flavor, feel free to get creative! You can use your favorite chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) or other chopped chocolate bars to customize the richness and sweetness to your preference.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy release of your cookies.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and finally stir in the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
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Switch to the paddle attachment on your stand mixer. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
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Add the majority of the mini marshmallows, chopped chocolate, and crumbled graham crackers to the cookie dough. Make sure to reserve approximately 1/2 cup of marshmallows and chocolate chunks for topping the cookies later. Gently fold these delicious mix-ins into the dough until they are evenly distributed, trying to avoid over-mixing which can break them down.
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Using a cookie scoop (about 1-1/2 Tablespoons in size) or an ice cream scoop, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are spaced at least 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading without merging during baking.
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Bake the cookies for an initial 5 minutes, until they are mostly set around the edges but still appear soft. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and carefully place the reserved mini-marshmallows and chocolate chunks on top of each cookie. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and the marshmallows are beautifully puffed and lightly toasted. Keep a close watch to prevent them from burning.
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Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool on the baking pan for 2 minutes. This brief resting period helps them set and makes them easier to transfer. Then, carefully move them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. For the ultimate gooey delight, enjoy them warm!
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.