S’mores Cookies: The Ultimate Graham Cracker Indulgence
S’mores, the quintessential campfire treat, evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and pure sugary delight. But what if you could capture all that gooey goodness in a portable, shareable, and undeniably delicious cookie? Enter the s’mores cookie, a delightful fusion of classic cookie dough, crunchy graham crackers, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. This recipe takes the beloved s’more and elevates it to a whole new level, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for more.
This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the crackle of the graham cracker, the rich sweetness of the chocolate, the chewy texture of the cookie, and the gooey, toasted perfection of the marshmallow all rolled into one delightful bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be accessible and rewarding, guaranteeing a batch of s’mores cookies that will impress even the most discerning palates.
## Why This S’mores Cookie Recipe Works
Several factors contribute to the success of this s’mores cookie recipe. First, we use a combination of butter and shortening to achieve the perfect texture – crispy edges and a soft, chewy center. Second, the graham cracker crumbs incorporated directly into the dough provide a subtle yet distinct graham cracker flavor that complements the other s’mores components. Third, the use of both chocolate chips and chopped chocolate ensures a rich and decadent chocolate experience. Finally, topping the cookies with marshmallows and briefly broiling them creates that iconic toasted marshmallow finish, mimicking the campfire experience.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth and efficient baking process. Here’s a comprehensive list:
**For the Cookies:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers, finely crushed)
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 cup chopped milk chocolate (or semi-sweet, if preferred)
**For the S’mores Topping:**
* 12 large marshmallows, halved (or mini marshmallows, if preferred)
* 6 graham crackers, broken into squares
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions carefully to achieve perfect s’mores cookies every time:
**Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumbs**
Begin by preparing the graham cracker crumbs. You can use a food processor to finely grind the graham crackers, or you can place them in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Aim for a fine, even crumb texture.
**Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars**
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which will result in a lighter and more tender cookie.
**Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
**Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for proper leavening and flavor balance.
**Step 5: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
**Step 6: Stir in the Graham Cracker Crumbs and Chocolate**
Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and chopped chocolate until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold in the ingredients.
**Step 7: Chill the Dough (Important!)**
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and results in a chewier texture. It also helps to solidify the butter, which further contributes to a thicker cookie.
**Step 8: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup a breeze.
**Step 9: Scoop the Dough**
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You can use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized cookies, or simply use a spoon.
**Step 10: Bake the Cookies**
Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet after they are removed from the oven.
**Step 11: Add Marshmallows and Graham Cracker Squares**
Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Immediately press two marshmallow halves (or a few mini marshmallows) onto the top of each cookie. Then, gently press a graham cracker square into the marshmallow. For a more even s’more look, you can cut the marshmallows into smaller pieces and distribute them more evenly over the cookie.
**Step 12: Broil (Carefully!)**
Turn on the broiler. Place the baking sheets under the broiler for 30-60 seconds, or until the marshmallows are lightly golden brown and toasted. Watch carefully, as the marshmallows can burn quickly under the broiler. The goal is to achieve a nicely toasted marshmallow top without burning the cookie.
**Step 13: Cool and Enjoy**
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, gooey s’mores cookies immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh, while the marshmallows are still soft and the chocolate is melted.
## Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookies
* **Use Softened Butter:** Make sure your butter is properly softened before creaming it with the sugars. This will ensure a smooth and creamy mixture, which is essential for a tender cookie.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
* **Use High-Quality Chocolate:** Using high-quality chocolate will enhance the flavor of the cookies. Choose a chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own.
* **Watch the Broiler Carefully:** The marshmallows can burn quickly under the broiler, so watch them carefully and remove the baking sheets as soon as they are lightly golden brown.
* **Add a Pinch of Sea Salt:** A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking can enhance the flavors and add a nice salty-sweet contrast.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different flavors and additions. You can add chopped nuts, different types of chocolate, or even a swirl of peanut butter to the dough.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
* **Storage:** Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
## Variations and Additions
The beauty of this s’mores cookie recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize it to your liking with these variations and additions:
* **Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies:** Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the dough along with the butter and sugars. You can also drizzle melted peanut butter over the cookies after they are baked.
* **Salted Caramel S’mores Cookies:** Add ½ cup of salted caramel bits to the dough or drizzle melted salted caramel over the cookies after they are baked.
* **Nutella S’mores Cookies:** Swirl a spoonful of Nutella into the top of each cookie before baking.
* **Dark Chocolate S’mores Cookies:** Use dark chocolate chips and chopped dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate.
* **Mint Chocolate S’mores Cookies:** Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and use mint chocolate chips.
* **Espresso S’mores Cookies:** Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a coffee-infused flavor.
* **S’mores Cookie Bars:** Press the cookie dough into a greased and lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Top with marshmallows and graham cracker squares and broil until the marshmallows are toasted.
## Serving Suggestions
S’mores cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Serve them warm:** The cookies are best enjoyed warm, while the marshmallows are still soft and the chocolate is melted.
* **Pair them with milk:** A glass of cold milk is the perfect accompaniment to these sweet and indulgent cookies.
* **Serve them with ice cream:** Top the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **Include them in a dessert platter:** Add s’mores cookies to a dessert platter with other treats like brownies, cupcakes, and fruit.
* **Give them as gifts:** Package the cookies in a pretty box or tin and give them as gifts to friends and family.
## Troubleshooting
* **Cookies are spreading too much:** Make sure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. If the dough is still too soft, chill it for a longer period of time. Also, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature.
* **Cookies are too dry:** Don’t overbake the cookies. They should be slightly soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. Also, make sure you are using the correct amount of ingredients.
* **Marshmallows are burning:** Watch the marshmallows carefully under the broiler and remove the baking sheets as soon as they are lightly golden brown.
* **Cookies are sticking to the baking sheet:** Use parchment paper to line the baking sheets. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
## S’mores Cookie FAQs
**Q: Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large marshmallows?**
A: Yes, you can use mini marshmallows. Simply sprinkle them over the top of the cookies before broiling.
**Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
**Q: Can I freeze these cookies?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
**Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you like. Milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would all work well.
**Q: Can I add nuts to these cookies?**
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts to the dough. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious additions.
**Q: My marshmallows are melting too much under the broiler. What am I doing wrong?**
A: Make sure your oven rack is positioned a little lower. This will give the marshmallows more space between the heat source. Also, watch them like a hawk! Broiling times can vary depending on your oven.
## Get Ready to Bake!
This s’mores cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. The combination of graham cracker, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow is simply irresistible. With these detailed instructions and helpful tips, you’ll be baking up a batch of perfect s’mores cookies in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate graham cracker indulgence!