There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers that makes Smores a classic treat. But what if you could capture all those gooey, sweet flavors in a cookie? Enter Smores Cookies! These delightful cookies bring together the best elements of a traditional Smores but in a perfectly baked form. With every bite, you’ll experience the wonderful crunch of graham cracker crumbs, the richness of chocolate, and the sweet surprise of melty marshmallows. Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Smores Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They combine familiar flavors that everyone loves, making them perfect for gatherings, parties, or even just a cozy night in. The cookie itself is soft and chewy, while the marshmallows add a delightful texture. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate and graham crackers? These cookies are easy to share, and with their comforting flavors, they create smiles all around.
What Goes In
To make these delicious Smores Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (1.5 oz) Hershey’s chocolate bar, chopped
- 1 heaping cup mini marshmallows
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you dive into the cookie-making process, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix your ingredients thoroughly.
- Baking sheet: To bake your Smores Cookies to perfection.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Spoon or cookie scoop: For portioning the dough onto the baking sheet.
- Oven: Preheated to ensure even baking.
Smores Cookies: From Prep to Plate
Now, let’s get down to the delicious details of making your Smores Cookies.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies will bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolates and Marshmallows
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped Hershey’s chocolate bar, and mini marshmallows. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep those marshmallows intact for gooey bites.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness of your Smores Cookies!
In-Season Flavor Ideas
While the classic Smores flavor is always a hit, you can try these fun variations to mix things up:
- Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin spice to the dough for a fall twist.
- Mint Chocolate: Incorporate mint chocolate chips for a refreshing flavor.
- Peanut Butter: Replace some butter with peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
- White Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate for a creamy taste.
Things That Go Wrong
Even the best bakers can face challenges in the kitchen. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making Smores Cookies:
- Overmixing: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Too much flour: Make sure to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.
- Undercooking: If cookies are underbaked, they may fall apart. Ensure the edges are golden before removing them from the oven.
- Marshmallows burning: If they’re too close to the heat, marshmallows can burn. Keep an eye on them while baking.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you find yourself with leftover Smores Cookies (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Reader Q&A
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of chocolate that you prefer, such as dark chocolate or even white chocolate. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of your Smores Cookies.
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies work as excellent substitutes.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking, and ensure that your graham cracker crumbs are also gluten-free.
How do I make the cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or reducing the baking time slightly. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the texture.
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Bring It to the Table
These Smores Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience that brings back memories of campfires and summer nights. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them on your own, they’re sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in these deliciously gooey cookies. Happy baking!
Smores Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped Hershey's chocolate, and mini marshmallows gently to keep marshmallows intact.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will look slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, add an extra egg yolk or reduce the baking time slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze cookies by separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
