Indulge in the nostalgic taste of summer campfires anytime with these irresistibly soft and chewy S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies. Packed with gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate chips, and delightful Teddy Grahams, these cookies capture the essence of the classic s’mores treat in a convenient, handheld form. Whether you’re craving a taste of summer on a chilly evening or simply seeking a unique twist on your favorite chocolate chip cookie, this recipe delivers all the beloved flavors and textures, no campfire required.
If you’re a true s’mores enthusiast, you might also enjoy exploring other creative ways to enjoy this iconic dessert. Be sure to check out our Peanut Butter S’mores Cups, delectable S’mores Cookie Bars, or our effortless Peanut Butter No-Bake S’mores Bars for more s’mores-inspired deliciousness.
S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Campfire Classic, Reimagined
S’mores have held a special place in our hearts for generations, symbolizing warm summer nights, laughter, and the simple joy of a perfectly toasted marshmallow. The magic lies in their perfect balance of flavors and textures: the intense sweetness of melted marshmallow, the rich bitterness of chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of a graham cracker. This trio creates a symphony that is both sweet and salty, crunchy and wonderfully gooey – a dessert masterpiece that even kids can assemble themselves.
However, as much as we adore the authentic campfire experience, it’s not always practical to light a fire every time a s’mores craving strikes. Let’s be honest, traditional s’mores can be quite messy, leaving sticky fingers and crumbs everywhere. Sometimes, you yearn for those iconic flavors of gooey marshmallow, rich melted chocolate, and crisp graham cracker, but in a more convenient, less-messy format that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime.
This S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe offers precisely that: an easy-to-prepare, make-ahead friendly dessert that encapsulates all the beloved components of everyone’s favorite summer treat. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, transforming the beloved campfire classic into an extraordinary cookie experience perfect for any season or occasion.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This S’mores Cookie Recipe
- Enjoy the iconic flavors, sans the mess: While the crackling fire and sticky fingers are part of the s’mores charm, these cookies allow you to savor the gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate without the usual cleanup. Fewer crumbs, less stickiness, and pure dessert bliss!
- Perfect for make-ahead convenience: Life gets busy, but delicious treats shouldn’t be a hassle. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable; prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for a day or two, or freeze it for up to two months. Freshly baked s’mores cookies are always just minutes away!
- A delightful and unique twist on a classic: If you’re looking to elevate your chocolate chip cookie game, this s’mores variation is an absolute winner. It’s a fun and creative way to surprise your family and friends with a dessert that’s familiar yet excitingly different.
- Year-round indulgence: No need to wait for summer or a camping trip! These cookies bring the warmth and joy of s’mores into your home all year long, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, school lunches, or simply a cozy evening treat.
- Simple and approachable for all skill levels: Despite their impressive appearance and complex flavors, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. Even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-quality results with straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect S’mores Cookies
Crafting the perfect s’mores cookie relies on a harmonious blend of classic cookie ingredients and the iconic s’mores components. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each plays a vital role in achieving that delightful texture and flavor:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundational structure of our cookies. Ensure it’s measured correctly, preferably by weight, to avoid overly dense or dry cookies.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent is crucial for giving the cookies their slight rise and contributing to that wonderfully soft and tender texture that makes them so satisfyingly chewy.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is key for creaming properly with the sugars. It creates tiny air pockets that result in a light and fluffy cookie dough, which translates to soft baked cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: This dynamic duo provides both sweetness and contributes significantly to the cookie’s texture. Granulated sugar promotes spread and crispness around the edges, while light brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel-like depth of flavor.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as binders, holding the cookie dough together and providing richness. For best results, use room temperature eggs; this helps them emulsify better with the butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth, uniform dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic base that complements the chocolate and marshmallow beautifully.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: While any chocolate chips work, mini chocolate chips are ideal for these s’mores cookies. Their smaller size ensures an even distribution throughout the dough balls and they melt more quickly and consistently, contributing to the gooey factor. Alternatively, you can chop up Hershey’s chocolate bars into small pieces for that authentic s’mores chocolate experience.
- Mini Marshmallows (Regular & Dehydrated): This recipe utilizes both types for maximum marshmallow impact. Regular mini marshmallows melt into gooey pockets, while dehydrated marshmallows (like those found in hot cocoa mix) maintain a slightly chewy texture even after baking, adding an extra layer of sweetness and fun. If you can only find regular mini marshmallows, those will work perfectly fine on their own.
- Teddy Grahams: These adorable bear-shaped graham crackers are the perfect stand-in for traditional graham crackers. Their smaller size integrates seamlessly into the cookie dough, providing that unmistakable honeyed graham flavor and a pleasant, delicate crunch. Feel free to leave them whole for visual appeal or crush them slightly for a more dispersed graham presence.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Irresistible S’mores Cookies
Creating these delightful s’mores cookies is a straightforward process, ensuring you can enjoy this unique treat with ease. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time:
- Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is vital for a consistent cookie texture. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Cream these ingredients together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably pale. This process incorporates air, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and there are no streaks of unmixed butter or sugar.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and no pockets of flour remain. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. Again, scrape down the bowl to ensure a uniform dough.
- Add S’mores Mix-Ins: Reserve approximately 1/4 cup each of the chocolate chips, Teddy Grahams, and both types of mini marshmallows. These will be pressed onto the cookies after baking for a beautiful, melty finish. Add the remaining chocolate chips, Teddy Grahams, and marshmallows to the cookie dough. Gently fold them in by hand with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Shape the Cookies: Using a small ice cream scoop (about 1¼ inches in diameter) or two spoons, scoop out uniform portions of dough. Gently roll each portion into a smooth ball. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Lightly press down on each dough ball with the palm of your hand until it is about 1 inch thick. This helps create a slightly flatter cookie with crispier edges.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. The centers may still look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking will result in dry cookies, so keep a close eye on them!
- Add Final Touches: Immediately upon removing the cookies from the oven, gently press the reserved chocolate chips, Teddy Grahams, and marshmallows onto the tops of the warm cookies. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate and marshmallows, creating that signature gooey s’mores appearance and texture.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes. This short cooling period helps them firm up before transferring. Then, carefully move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they’re ready to be devoured!
Frequently Asked Questions About S’mores Cookies
Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for freezing. You can freeze either the unbaked cookie dough balls or the fully baked cookies for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or bake the frozen dough directly, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Yes, definitely! Preparing the cookie dough ahead of time is a fantastic option for these s’mores cookies. You can mix the dough the night before and refrigerate it, then scoop and bake the following day. Or, for even longer planning, freeze the scooped cookie dough balls to enjoy freshly baked cookies all season long, whenever the craving strikes.
Mini chocolate chips are highly recommended for optimal melt and distribution. However, you can certainly use chopped milk chocolate bars (like Hershey’s for an authentic s’mores feel), semi-sweet chocolate chips, or even a mix of dark and milk chocolate for varied flavor profiles. Just ensure the pieces are small enough to integrate well into the dough.
While Teddy Grahams are a convenient and tasty choice, you can absolutely substitute them with crushed regular graham crackers. Aim for roughly 1 to 1.5 cups of crushed graham crackers to replace the Teddy Grahams for a similar textural and flavor contribution.
Pro Tips for Baking the Best S’mores Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality s’mores cookies is easy with a few expert tips. Keep these pointers in mind for a truly exceptional batch:
- Avoid Overbaking at All Costs: This is arguably the most crucial tip for soft and chewy cookies. Keep a watchful eye on your cookies and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. The centers may still look slightly underdone, but they will continue to cook and set as they cool on the hot baking sheet. A dry cookie is a sad cookie!
- Chill Your Cookie Dough (If Time Allows): While not strictly essential, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or longer) in the refrigerator can make a significant difference. Chilled dough spreads less in the oven, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Opt for Mini Marshmallows: When it comes to s’mores cookies, mini marshmallows are your best friend. They are much easier to incorporate into the dough and melt more evenly than larger marshmallows, which can become overly sticky and difficult to manage when cut.
- Ensure Marshmallows Are Fresh: For the ultimate gooey texture, use fresh marshmallows. Stale marshmallows tend to be harder and resist softening even after baking, which can compromise the desired melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Over-measuring flour is a common baking mistake that can lead to dry, dense cookies. For best results, spoon your flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, or better yet, use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating a homogeneous dough that bakes more evenly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Proper storage ensures your s’mores cookies remain fresh and delicious, while make-ahead options offer ultimate convenience:
- Storing Baked Cookies: Store these s’mores cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven gooey experience.
- Make-Ahead Dough Tips: The prepared cookie dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. This is perfect for preparing ahead for a party or a busy week.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: For longer storage, scoop the cookie dough into balls and arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to freezer bags. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
- Baking Frozen Cookie Dough: When you’re ready to bake from frozen, simply transfer the desired number of dough balls to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes to ensure it reaches the correct temperature. Bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra minute or two to the total baking time, as needed.
Discover More Irresistible Recipes!
- Peanut Butter S’mores Cups
- Peanut Butter No-Bake S’mores Bars
- S’mores Cookie Bars
- Samoa Rice Krispies
These chocolate chip s’mores cookies are a celebration of flavor and texture, bringing together the best elements of the classic campfire treat into a convenient, delightful cookie form. With soft and chewy centers, gooey melted marshmallow, rich chocolate, and crunchy Teddy Grahams in every bite, they are sure to become a new favorite.
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S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
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15 minutes
10 minutes
25 minutes
Ingredients
Metric
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
S’mores Mix-Ins
- 2 cups mini chocolate chips, (divided)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, (divided)
- 1½ cups Teddy Grahams, (divided, whole or lightly crushed)
- 1 cup mini dehydrated marshmallows, (divided, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until well combined, then set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Cream these together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, typically about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the large eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition, ensuring the egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stop and scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet, being careful not to overmix. Continue to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to prevent any streaks of unmixed butter or flour.
- Reserve about 1/4 cup each of the chocolate chips, Teddy Grahams, and both kinds of mini marshmallows. Set these aside; they will be used for topping the cookies after baking. Add the remaining chocolate chips, Teddy Grahams, and mini marshmallows (both regular and dehydrated if using) to the cookie dough in a large bowl. Gently fold them in by hand with a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a small ice cream scoop (approximately 1¼ inches in diameter), or a spoon, scoop and roll the dough into uniform balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, use the palm of your hand to gently press each dough ball down so it is about 1 inch thick. This shaping encourages a nice, even bake and a slightly flatter cookie.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly soft or underbaked; this is perfectly normal and contributes to their chewiness. Do not overbake.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven immediately. While they are still warm, gently press the reserved marshmallows, Teddy Grahams, and chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookies. The residual heat will help them adhere and slightly melt, creating that signature gooey s’mores topping.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows them to set fully and makes them easier to handle. Enjoy your perfectly crafted S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Notes
Make-Ahead Cookie Dough: The cookie dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container before baking.
Freezing Cookie Dough: For longer storage, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them flat on a sheet tray until solid. Then, transfer to freezer-safe bags and store frozen for up to 3 months.
Baking Frozen Dough: To bake frozen cookie dough, place the dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes to ensure even heating. Bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the total baking time.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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