There’s something magical about the combination of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crisp graham crackers. It instantly takes us back to cozy nights around a campfire. But what if we told you we could bring that nostalgic s’mores flavor into a soft, chewy cookie? That’s exactly what this Chocolate S’mores Cookie recipe does—no campfire required.
We’ve taken the classic s’mores ingredients and transformed them into a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These cookies are loaded with melty chocolate chunks, toasted marshmallow bits, and crunchy graham cracker pieces, creating the ultimate flavor-packed bite. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving something indulgent, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Chocolate S’Mores Cookie Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these irresistible Chocolate S’mores Cookies. Follow our easy instructions, and you’ll have soft, gooey cookies packed with marshmallows, graham cracker crunch, and rich chocolate bites in no time.
Ingredients
Here’s what we’ll need to recreate these nostalgic flavors:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 6 whole graham crackers, broken into small pieces
Equipment Needed
To ensure a smooth baking process, gather these essential tools:
- Hand or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In one bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, and then mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until the dough starts to come together—don’t overmix.
4. Fold in the Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in chocolate chunks, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces using a spatula. This step ensures every bite is loaded with those classic s’mores flavors.
5. Shape the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into balls (approximately 1.5 tablespoons each). Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look set.
- While baking, the marshmallows will melt and slightly bubble, creating that gooey campfire texture.
7. Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
Quick Baking Tips
| Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Chill the Dough | For puffier cookies, refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking. |
| Watch Bake Time | Keep an eye on the marshmallows to avoid overbrowning them. |
| Storage Ready | Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for later. |
Ingredients
To create our irresistible Chocolate S’mores Cookies, we’ll need high-quality ingredients that bring the nostalgic flavors of this classic treat to life. Below is the breakdown of everything you’ll need for both the cookie dough and the S’mores-inspired topping.
For The Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for accuracy
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
For The S’Mores Topping
- 3/4 cup crushed graham crackers (about 6 full sheets)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup milk or dark chocolate chunks (optional, for extra gooeyness)
These carefully chosen ingredients ensure every bite delivers the perfect balance of softness, crunch, and chocolatey goodness.
Tools And Equipment
To create these Chocolate S’mores Cookies with ease and precision, we rely on the right set of tools and equipment. Having these items ready ensures a smoother process and guarantees the perfect texture and flavor that brings the s’mores experience alive. Below is a rundown of the essentials:
Essential Tools
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, ensuring the dough achieves the right consistency.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt evenly.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking wet ingredients such as eggs and vanilla extract.
- Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding in the chocolate chunks, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers gently without overmixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for ingredients, which is crucial in baking.
- Baking Sheets: Choose non-stick or lined with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie Scoop: For evenly shaped and sized cookies, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely, keeping the texture crisp yet chewy.
Optional Tools
- Rolling Pin: To gently crush graham crackers into small, uniform pieces.
- Kitchen Scale: For precise measurements, especially if you prefer weighing your ingredients.
- Toaster Oven or Kitchen Torch: Optional for an added toasted marshmallow effect after baking.
Equipment Table
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer | Cream butter and sugar effortlessly |
| Large Mixing Bowl | Combine dry ingredients uniformly |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Ensure ingredient accuracy |
| Rubber Spatula | Fold in delicate mix-ins like marshmallows with care |
| Baking Sheets | Provide the foundation for baking perfect cookies |
| Cookie Scoop | Shape cookies into even portions |
| Wire Cooling Rack | Cool cookies evenly to maintain texture |
| Parchment Paper/Mat | Prevent sticking and facilitate quick cleanup |
| Rolling Pin (Optional) | Crush graham crackers into the desired consistency |
| Kitchen Scale (Optional) | Precision for bakers who prefer weighing |
| Torch (Optional) | Toast marshmallows post-baking for added flavor (optional) |
These tools make the baking process efficient while ensuring that each cookie has the exact flavor, texture, and appearance reminiscent of a campfire s’mores treat.
Directions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create these irresistible Chocolate S’mores Cookies. Follow these directions closely to achieve the gooey marshmallow, melty chocolate, and graham cracker perfection in every bite.
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, crush the graham crackers into small bite-sized pieces. You can use your hands or a rolling pin for this step.
- Measure out all your ingredients and allow the unsalted butter to soften at room temperature. This ensures even mixing later.
- If you’re using a kitchen torch for extra-toasted marshmallows, set it aside for use after baking.
Make The Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¾ cup light brown sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed. Mix until the texture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon sea salt together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Continue until the dough comes together without any dry streaks.
- Fold in the 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks using a rubber spatula for an even distribution.
Assemble The Cookies
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place each dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Gently flatten the dough balls slightly using your palm or the back of a spoon. To create the S’mores effect, press 1-2 tablespoons of crushed graham crackers and 4-5 mini marshmallows neatly into the top of each dough ball. For extra gooey goodness, add a small piece of chocolate chunk to the center.
Bake
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time allows the cookies to firm up slightly.
- For a more authentic toasted marshmallow effect, lightly torch the marshmallow tops using a kitchen torch while still warm (optional but highly recommended).
Make-Ahead And Storage
When it comes to Chocolate S’mores Cookies, planning ahead and storing them properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious for days or even weeks. Here’s how we can make these cookies ahead and store them effectively:
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Dough in Advance:
We can prepare the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance. Simply follow the steps to mix the dough, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chilling the dough not only makes it convenient for future baking but also enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Shape and Freeze the Dough Balls:
For longer storage, roll the dough into cookie-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze them until firm (approximately 1-2 hours), then transfer the frozen cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- This method allows us to bake fresh cookies on demand—just pop them into the oven directly from the freezer with an extra 2-3 minutes of baking time.
Storage Instructions
Keeping the baked cookies fresh is essential to enjoy their chewy and gooey perfection. Here are some tips:
1. For Freshly Baked Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- To maintain their soft texture, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For added freshness, pop a slice of bread into the container—the bread helps the cookies retain moisture.
2. Freezing Baked Cookies:
- Cool the cookies entirely before freezing to avoid condensation.
- Arrange the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment or wax paper. This method prevents them from forming clumps.
- The cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour or warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Quick Reference Table: Storage Timelines
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room temperature (airtight) | Up to 5 days |
| Refrigerator (airtight) | Up to 7 days |
| Freezer – Dough | Up to 3 months |
| Freezer – Baked Cookies | Up to 3 months |
Tips For Perfect Chocolate S’Mores Cookies
Achieving the perfect Chocolate S’mores Cookies involves balancing texture, flavor, and presentation. Follow these practical tips to elevate your cookies from good to show-stopping.
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients directly impacts flavor. Opt for:
- Unsalted butter for full control over salt levels.
- High-quality semi-sweet chocolate chunks for a rich, smooth melt.
- Fresh mini marshmallows that toast beautifully.
- Honey graham crackers for authentic S’mores flavor.
Stick to fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure your cookies taste premium.
2. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps:
- Prevent excess spreading during baking.
- Develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Yield thicker, chewier cookies.
For even better results, we recommend chilling the dough overnight if time allows.
3. Perfect Your Topping-to-Dough Ratio
When applying the S’mores toppings, aim for balance:
- Avoid overloading the cookies with marshmallows as they can melt excessively.
- Use crushed graham crackers sparingly to prevent overly crumbly cookies.
- Stick to roughly 1 tablespoon of topping per cookie to ensure every bite is harmonious.
4. Hand-Crushed Graham Crackers
Crushing graham crackers by hand allows for a mix of textures. Include both fine crumbs and larger chunks:
- Finer crumbs incorporate into the dough seamlessly.
- Larger pieces provide that signature crunch.
To achieve this, place graham crackers in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them.
5. Toast the Marshmallows
For that authentic campfire feel, briefly toast the marshmallow topping:
- Use a kitchen torch for precise control over caramelization.
- Hold the torch about 6 inches away and move it in circular motions.
- Alternatively, place cookies under the oven broiler for 30-60 seconds while monitoring closely.
Toasting marshmallows not only enhances flavor but also adds irresistible visual appeal.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes:
- Watch for golden edges and slightly soft centers. Cookies will set as they cool.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to promote even baking.
If aiming for gooier chocolate, consider adding extra chocolate chunks midway through baking.
7. Storage and Reheating Tips
Store cookies properly to maintain freshness:
- Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight container.
- For extended storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Reheat the cookies briefly in the oven to restore their gooey texture. Bake at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.
Quick Reference Tips Table
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Chill dough | Ensures thick, chewy cookies with enhanced flavor |
| Hand-crush graham crackers | Adds crunchy texture and enhances authenticity |
| Toast marshmallows | Creates a caramelized flavor and pleasing presentation |
| Proper baking temperature (350°F) | Ensures a golden, chewy finish |
| Store in an airtight container | Keeps cookies fresh and chewy |
By following these techniques, every batch of Chocolate S’mores Cookies will turn out irresistible, bringing the nostalgic campfire flavors right to your kitchen.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the joy of transforming classic s’mores into soft, chewy cookies that deliver all the nostalgic flavors we love. With the right ingredients, tools, and a few simple steps, these Chocolate S’mores Cookies are sure to impress. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe offers the perfect balance of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. Let’s grab our aprons and bring a little campfire magic to the kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key ingredients for Chocolate S’mores Cookies?
The key ingredients include unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, sea salt, semi-sweet chocolate chunks, crushed graham crackers, and mini marshmallows.
2. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 48 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or as pre-shaped dough balls for convenience.
3. How do I achieve puffier cookies?
For puffier cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours before baking. Cold dough ensures the cookies don’t spread too much during baking.
4. What tools do I need for this recipe?
Essential tools include a stand or hand mixer, mixing bowls, a rubber spatula, baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and a rolling pin for crushing graham crackers. Optional tools like a kitchen torch can enhance the toasted marshmallow effect.
5. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both baked cookies and raw dough. For dough, freeze pre-shaped balls and bake directly from frozen when needed. For baked cookies, store in an airtight container and reheat slightly before serving.
6. How do I toast the marshmallows for this recipe?
You can toast the marshmallows by carefully using a kitchen torch after baking. This adds a campfire-like, caramelized flavor to the cookies.
7. What’s the recommended storage method for baked cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 2 months.
8. Can the recipe be customized with other ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like white chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or crushed pretzels for a fun twist on the classic flavor.
9. What temperature and duration are ideal for baking these cookies?
The cookies should be baked at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
10. How do I maintain the chewy texture of the cookies?
Store the cookies with a small slice of bread in the airtight container. The bread will help retain moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.