Nothing beats the nostalgic taste of campfire memories baked right into a cookie. This S'mores Cookie Recipe brings all those summer evening vibes straight to your kitchen, combining the classic trio of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers in one irresistible treat. These gooey campfire cookies are perfect for when you're craving that smoky sweetness but don't have a fire pit handy.
What makes this S'mores Cookie Recipe truly special is how it captures that authentic campfire flavor while staying soft and chewy for days. Whether you're planning a summer party or just want to surprise the kids with something magical, this irresistible dessert packed with chocolate and marshmallows delivers pure joy in every bite. The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients and a few pro tips that'll make your S'mores Cookie Recipe the talk of every gathering.
Why This S'mores Cookie Recipe Creates Pure Magic
This isn't just another cookie recipe; it's a gateway to childhood memories and summer adventures. The beauty of this S'mores Cookie Recipe lies in its ability to transform simple pantry ingredients into something that tastes like a campfire experience. The graham cracker pieces add that signature crunch, while mini marshmallows create pockets of gooey sweetness that melt perfectly during baking.
What sets this summer s'mores dessert apart is the technique of partially baking the cookies first, then adding the marshmallows for the final few minutes. This ensures your S'mores Cookie Recipe produces cookies with perfectly toasted marshmallows that don't completely disappear into the dough. The chocolate chips stay melty and rich, creating that authentic s'mores flavor profile that makes these chewy chocolate chip s'mores cookies absolutely irresistible.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar, packed
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
S'mores Add-Ins
- Additional chocolate chips for topping
- Milk chocolate chips (Hershey's work perfectly)
- Mini marshmallows
- Graham crackers, broken into small pieces
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Cookie Dough Foundation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
Fold in the S'mores Magic
- Gently fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and graham cracker pieces.
- Mix just until evenly distributed; don't overmix the dough.
- Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Leave 2 inches between each cookie for proper spreading.
Initial Baking Phase
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Bake cookies for 8 minutes; they should look set around the edges but soft in the center.
- Remove from oven and immediately press a few mini marshmallows and extra chocolate chips into each cookie.
- Return to oven for 2-3 more minutes until marshmallows are lightly golden.
Expert Cooking Tips
- Temperature Control is Key Room temperature ingredients mix better and create a smoother dough texture. Take your eggs and butter out about an hour before baking, or soften butter quickly by cutting it into small cubes.
- Graham Cracker Preparation Break graham crackers by hand rather than crushing them completely. You want varied piece sizes; some smaller crumbs for flavor and larger chunks for texture. Store-bought graham cracker crumbs work too, but hand-broken pieces give better results.
- Marshmallow Timing The two-stage baking process is crucial for perfect marshmallows. Adding them too early causes them to disappear completely, while the method in this S'mores Cookie Recipe ensures they stay visible and gooey.
- Dough Consistency Your dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it's too dry, add a tablespoon of milk. If too wet, add a bit more flour. The perfect dough will hold together when squeezed but won't stick aggressively to your hands.
- Storage for Maximum Freshness Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread to maintain softness. The bread slice prevents the cookies from becoming too crispy while preserving that perfect chewy texture.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free Version Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn't contain it. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Vegan S'mores Cookies Substitute butter with vegan butter (like Earth Balance), use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg), and choose vegan marshmallows and chocolate chips. The cookies will be slightly less rich but equally tasty.
Flavor Variations
- Double Chocolate S'mores Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate cookie base. This creates an even richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the marshmallows and graham crackers.
- Peanut Butter Twist Add ½ cup creamy peanut butter to the butter mixture. Reduce regular butter to ¾ cup. This creates amazing peanut butter s'mores cookies that taste like campfire meets candy bar.
- Seasonal Variations During fall, add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough. For holidays, use colored marshmallows or add a handful of crushed peppermint candies along with the chocolate chips.
Equipment Recommendations
- Essential Tools A stand mixer makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, though a hand mixer works perfectly fine. Use heavy-duty baking sheets that won't warp in the oven; this ensures even baking for your S'mores Cookie Recipe.
- Measuring Accuracy Digital kitchen scale provides the most accurate measurements, especially for flour. If using cups, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off rather than scooping directly.
- Cookie Scoops A 2-tablespoon cookie scoop creates uniform cookies that bake evenly. If you don't have one, use a regular spoon but try to keep portions consistent for best results.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Short-Term Storage
- Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially important since marshmallows can be sticky.
Freezing Instructions
- Raw Dough: Scoop dough onto baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
- Baked Cookies: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They'll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Cold dough actually bakes up thicker and chewier, making this S'mores Cookie Recipe even better when planned ahead.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing tip that makes this S'mores Cookie Recipe absolutely perfect: chill your scooped cookie dough for 15 minutes before baking. This simple step prevents excessive spreading and creates cookies with crispy edges and chewy centers. The cold dough hits the hot oven and creates the ideal texture contrast that makes these cookies irresistible.
The second secret involves the marshmallows themselves. Before adding them to the partially baked cookies, toss the mini marshmallows in a tiny bit of flour. This coating helps them hold their shape better during the final baking phase, ensuring your S'mores Cookie Recipe produces picture-perfect results every single time. This technique came from years of trial and error, and it's what separates good s'mores cookies from absolutely spectacular ones.
FAQ
What's the secret to a chewy S'mores cookie?
The key to chewy texture in any S'mores Cookie Recipe is using the right sugar ratio (equal parts brown and white sugar), not overbaking, and letting cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. Brown sugar contains molasses, which keeps cookies soft and chewy.
How do you get the S'mores flavor in a cookie?
Authentic s'mores flavor comes from the holy trinity: milk chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces. The two-stage baking method in this S'mores Cookie Recipe ensures the marshmallows toast lightly, mimicking the campfire experience.
Which cookies are used for smores?
Traditional s'mores use graham crackers as the "cookie," but this S'mores Cookie Recipe transforms that concept into actual cookies by incorporating graham cracker pieces into a soft cookie dough base with chocolate and marshmallows.
Why are smores cookies being discontinued?
Some commercial brands have discontinued s'mores cookies due to production complexities with marshmallows, but homemade versions like this S'mores Cookie Recipe are always available and often taste much better than store-bought options.
Sweet Endings: More Delicious Adventures Await
These gooey campfire cookies prove that the best desserts come from simple ingredients combined with a little creativity. This S'mores Cookie Recipe captures everything we love about summer nights and childhood memories, transforming them into a treat you can enjoy year-round. The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers creates pure magic in every bite.
Whether you're making these easy stuffed cookies for a family gathering or just because you're craving something special, this S'mores Cookie Recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results. Try pairing them with our Funfetti Cheesecake Recipe for the ultimate dessert spread, or complement them with our rich Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe for a dessert table that'll have everyone talking. The beauty of this S'mores Cookie Recipe lies in its versatility and the joy it brings to everyone who tries it.
With love from my kitchen to yours
By Lisa Johnson ✨
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with S'mores Cookie Recipe
S’mores Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Stand mixer or hand mixer For creaming butter & sugar
- 2 Mixing bowls One large, one medium
- 1 Baking sheet (heavy-duty) Lined with parchment paper
- 1 Parchment paper Prevents sticking
- 1 Wire cooling rack For cooling cookies
- 1 2-tablespoon cookie scoop Ensures uniform cookies
- 1 Digital kitchen scale For accurate flour measurement
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Spoon & level for accuracy
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips Hershey’s recommended
- 1 cup mini marshmallows Toss in flour before baking
- 1 cup graham crackers broken into small pieces
- ½ cup chocolate chips extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Add dry mixture gradually until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and graham crackers.
- Scoop dough with a cookie scoop, place on sheet, leaving space between cookies.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then press in marshmallows and extra chocolate chips.
- Return to oven for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Leave a Reply