As I pulled my freshly baked Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies from the oven, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminiscent of childhood campfires and sweet summer nights. The delightful combination of gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate enveloped in a perfectly chewy cookie is not just a treat—it's an experience that brings people together. What I love about these cookies, aside from their delightful flavor, is that they are quick to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a fun family dessert or a sweet surprise for friends, this recipe delivers joy in each bite. Ready to impress your taste buds and maybe even the neighbors? Let’s dive into the marshmallow-filled magic of Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: The richness of chocolate combined with the sweet, gooey marshmallows will transport you back to summer memories around the campfire.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you'll have warm cookies ready to share in just about 39 minutes!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These cookies are perfect for gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves with satisfied smiles and maybe even a recipe request!
Customizable Options: Feel free to use dairy-free substitutes or flavored marshmallows for a personal touch that suits your family’s taste.
Texture Wonderland: Experience the contrast of a chewy, soft cookie paired with melty chocolate and marshmallow surprises hidden inside.
Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
If you're ready to whip up some magic in your kitchen, here’s what you’ll need!
For the Cookie Base
- Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks + 5 tablespoons cold from the fridge; can be substituted with margarine for a dairy-free version).
- Granulated Sugar – 100 grams (½ scant cup; coconut sugar can be a lower GI substitute).
- Brown Sugar – 1 cup (adds moisture and rich flavor to your Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies).
- Egg Yolks – 3 (flaxseed meal mixed with water works for a vegan option).
- Vanilla Extract – 1.5 teaspoons (opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste).
- Sea Salt – 1.25 teaspoons (reduce if using salted butter).
- Baking Powder – 0.5 teaspoon (can substitute with baking soda).
- Baking Soda – 0.5 teaspoon.
- All-Purpose Flour – 325 grams (provides the structure for the cookies).
For the Chocolate Delight
- Chocolate Chips – 1.5 cups (¾ cup semisweet or dark plus ¾ cup milk chocolate chips for ultimate decadence).
- Mini Marshmallows – 1 cup (can use flavored variants for an exciting twist).
For the Cookie Assembly
- Regular Marshmallows – 16 (perfect for stuffing inside the cookies).
- Graham Crackers – 8 whole (opt for gluten-free if desired; they add that classic Smore's crunch!).
- Hershey's Chocolate Bars – 2 bars (for topping the cookies and enhancing the chocolatey goodness).
Get ready to bake these delightfully chewy Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies that everyone will love!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This ensures your Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. Set the sheets aside while you whip up that delicious cookie dough, and let the mouthwatering aroma begin!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine cubed cold butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, blend on low speed until the mixture is lumpy. Gradually increase to medium speed and whip for about 5 minutes until the butter-sugar mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a dreamy base for your cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Now, it’s time to incorporate the egg yolks! Add them one at a time, making sure to mix thoroughly between each addition. This step ensures your Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies will have the perfect texture. Follow up by pouring in the vanilla extract, blending until everything is beautifully combined and aromatic.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add this mixture to your butter-sugar blend, mixing briefly to combine. Next, slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as a gentle touch will keep your cookies delightfully chewy.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Marshmallows
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows into the dough using a spatula. This is where the magic happens—those little bursts of sweetness in each bite of your Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies! Make sure everything is evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
Step 6: Prepare the Graham Crackers
Melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Dip each graham cracker briefly in the melted butter, allowing them to soak up all that flavor. Arrange the buttered graham crackers on your baking sheets, creating a sturdy base for the cookies to rest on as they bake.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a ¼ cup scoop, take portions of the cookie dough and shape them into balls. Make an indentation in each ball and place a regular marshmallow inside, carefully covering it with dough. Place each formed cookie onto the prepared graham cracker, setting the stage for a delightful surprise within.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies for 12-14 minutes. Rotate the trays halfway through to ensure even baking. Look for a light golden-brown color as your cue that they are nearly perfect, bringing you that nostalgic campfire feel.
Step 9: Add the Hershey's Chocolate
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately press a piece of Hershey’s chocolate into the center of each warm cookie. This will melt slightly, adding an indulgent touch to your masterpiece. Let the cookies rest for a minute while the chocolate begins to melt beautifully.
Step 10: Cool and Savor
Allow your freshly baked Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies to cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheets. This cooling time will help set the cookies and intensify their flavors. Once cooled slightly, they’re ready to be enjoyed—without a doubt, they’ll be a hit!
Expert Tips for Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is cold when mixing, as it helps achieve that perfect chewy texture in your Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Don't Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy goodness you desire.
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Evenly Distribute Ingredients: When folding in chocolate chips and marshmallows, do so gently to ensure they are evenly spread without overworking the dough.
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Indentation Technique: Make a deep enough indentation in the dough before adding marshmallows. This helps ensure they are well-hidden, creating a delightful surprise inside each cookie.
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Cooling Time: Resist the urge to eat them right out of the oven! Allowing the cookies to cool for 10 minutes helps them set and enhances flavor.
Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own with fun twists and substitutions!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with margarine or coconut oil to ensure everyone can enjoy these treats.
- Flavored Marshmallows: Experiment with different flavored mini marshmallows, like strawberry or caramel, to add a unique touch.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the dough for an unexpected spicy chocolate twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version everyone will love.
- Extra Chocolate: Replace half of the chocolate chips with chocolate chunks or use a mix of dark and white chocolate for added decadence.
- S'mores Flavors: Make S'mores-inspired fillings by adding crushed graham crackers to the dough or sandwiching a piece of a peanut butter cup inside!
- Chunky Cookies: For a more rustic feel, intentionally leave some dough pieces larger for that gourmet look and a bit of extra chew.
How to Store and Freeze Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want them to last a little longer, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week in a sealed container. Just let them come back to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking and preserve their texture.
Reheating: To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
What to Serve with Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulging in these delightful cookies is only the beginning of a cozy culinary experience!
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Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the gooey, chocolatey goodness of the cookies, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
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Fruity Berry Salad: A refreshing mixed berry salad adds a burst of freshness to your dessert table, its tangy notes contrasting beautifully with the sweet richness of the cookies.
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Chocolate Milkshake: For a truly indulgent experience, pair these cookies with a thick chocolate milkshake to amplify the chocolate flavor and bring out your inner child.
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Campfire Hot Chocolate: Recreating the cozy campfire vibe, a steaming mug of rich hot chocolate sprinkled with marshmallows complements the nostalgic essence of your Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Peanut Butter Dip: A creamy peanut butter dip adds a savory twist, enhancing the dessert experience with its nutty flavor that harmonizes with the sweetness of the cookies.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over a plate of cookies offers a delightful contrast of flavors and an extra touch of indulgence that’s hard to resist.
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Milk: Whether you choose classic whole milk or a dairy-free alternative, there's no better pairing than a cold glass of milk to help wash down those sweet bites.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea beautifully complement the flavor profile of your cookies, making for a comforting, cozy pairing that warms the heart.
With these pairings, you’ll create a memorable dessert experience that your family and friends will cherish!
Make Ahead Options
These Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing the delightful flavors! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For even greater convenience, you can shape the cookies and freeze them; just layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; simply add a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll still enjoy warm, gooey cookies that taste just as delicious as freshly made!
Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best marshmallows for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for marshmallows that are fresh and have a soft, fluffy texture. If you want to experiment, flavored marshmallows like strawberry or coconut can add a fun twist to the classic Smore's experience. Avoid any marshmallows with dark spots or a hard exterior, as that indicates they are past their prime.
What's the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you're like me and want to enjoy them a bit longer, pop them in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature for the best-tasting treat!
Can I freeze Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, simply layer them in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes for that delightful fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my cookie dough seems too sticky?
Very! If your cookie dough is too sticky to work with, don’t worry; just add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour gradually while mixing until it reaches a more manageable consistency. Another tip is to chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, making it easier to scoop and shape without a mess.
Are these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Most definitely! You can easily adapt this recipe to meet various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use margarine in place of butter. If you're vegan, substitute the egg yolks with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg yolk). Just be sure to check your marshmallows for gelatin and opt for vegan marshmallows to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
Indulgent Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies for Cozy Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cubed cold butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar, blending until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg yolks one at a time, then pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Combine baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt in a separate bowl, then add to the butter-sugar blend, mixing briefly.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows gently into the dough.
- Melt 5 tablespoons of butter, dip each graham cracker briefly in it, and arrange them on your baking sheets.
- Shape cookie dough into balls, place a regular marshmallow inside, and cover with dough. Place on graham crackers.
- Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, rotating trays halfway through.
- Press a piece of Hershey’s chocolate into the center of each warm cookie immediately after baking.
- Allow the cookies to cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheets.
