Get ready to dive into the world of sweet flavors! Chocolate chip s’mores cookies are a perfect blend of gooey chocolate, soft marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, this guide will walk you through each step, making it easy to create these irresistible treats. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t be able to stop! Let's get baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers captures the essence of s'mores in a delightful cookie form.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 cookies, making it ideal for gatherings, parties, or just to enjoy with friends and family.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts, swap out chocolate types, or adjust the marshmallow amount to suit your taste!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Additional chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for topping
These ingredients come together to make delicious Chocolate Chip S’mores Cookies. Each one plays a key role. The unsalted butter gives the cookies their rich flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel taste. Granulated sugar helps with sweetness and texture.
Using room temperature eggs ensures that they mix smoothly with the butter and sugars. Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the flavor. All-purpose flour provides structure. Baking soda helps the cookies rise. Salt balances the sweet flavors.
The star ingredients are the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs. Together, they create a s’mores experience in every bite. You can add extra chocolate chips and marshmallows on top for a fun finish.
Gather these ingredients to start making your own irresistible treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep your cookies from sticking.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat these together until the mix is light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This adds a nice flavor to your cookies.
Combining Dry Ingredients and Forming Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once well combined, gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Blend just until you no longer see dry flour.
Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of mini marshmallows, and 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs. Be careful not to overmix. You want to spread the ingredients evenly.
Shaping and Baking Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out dough balls and place them on the lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches between each ball. This allows room for spreading.
For an extra treat, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top of each ball.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and the centers should look slightly soft.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
For a fun presentation, arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board. Drizzle melted chocolate over them and add scattered mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces around. This makes a great display!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Perfect Cookies
To make perfect Chocolate Chip S’mores Cookies, focus on your ingredients. Use room-temperature butter and eggs. This helps the dough mix well. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step adds air and makes cookies soft. Measure your flour correctly; too much can make cookies dry. Use a scoop to form even cookie balls. This ensures even baking and size.
Important Mixing Techniques
Mixing matters a lot in baking. Combine wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls first. This helps avoid lumps. When adding dry to wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing makes cookies tough. Gently fold in chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs. This keeps the mix light and fluffy. Remember, some chunks should show for texture.
Storing Cookies for Freshness
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy. If you want to freeze them, allow cookies to cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape and enhances the flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal leavening. Old baking soda can result in flat cookies.
- Experiment with Chocolate: Try using a mix of chocolate chips, like dark and milk chocolate, for a more complex flavor profile.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly. Remove them while they’re slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
Variations
Adding Other Types of Chocolate
You can switch up the chocolate in these cookies. Try using milk chocolate or dark chocolate. You can even mix different types for a unique flavor. Adding white chocolate chips gives a nice contrast too. Use your favorite chocolate to make these cookies truly yours. This small change can make a big difference in taste.
Alternative Marshmallow Options
If you want to try something new, consider different marshmallow types. You can use flavored marshmallows like strawberry or caramel. These add a fun twist to the classic s’mores taste. Mini marshmallows are great for texture, but you can also use large ones chopped into bits. Just make sure they melt well in the oven.
Gluten-Free Version of S’mores Cookies
To make these cookies gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well and taste great. Check that your chocolate chips and graham crackers are also gluten-free. You can find gluten-free graham cracker crumbs at most stores. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worry.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Cookies
To keep your Chocolate Chip S’mores Cookies fresh, follow these tips:
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool all the way before storing them.
- Use Airtight Containers: Place cookies in a sealed container to keep them soft.
- Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking, put parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
- Keep in a Cool Place: Store cookies in a cool, dry spot away from heat.
Freezing Cookies for Later Use
Freezing is a great way to save cookies for later. Here’s how:
- Flash Freeze First: Place cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Transfer to Bags: Once frozen, move them to a zip-top freezer bag.
- Label the Bag: Write the date and name of the cookies on the bag.
- Bake from Frozen: When ready to bake, no need to thaw. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.
How Long Do Cookies Last?
Chocolate Chip S’mores Cookies can last a while with proper care:
- Room Temperature: They stay fresh for about 3-5 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: They can last up to a week if stored in the fridge.
- Freezer: In the freezer, they can last up to 3 months and still taste great!
Keeping these tips in mind will help you enjoy your cookies at their best!
FAQs
Can I use different types of flour?
Yes, you can use other flours. Almond flour or oat flour work well. Just know that these flours may change the texture. For best results, mix them with all-purpose flour.
What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use applesauce or mashed banana. About 1/4 cup equals one egg. Flaxseed meal mixed with water also works. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit, and use it as an egg.
How to prevent cookies from spreading too much?
To stop cookies from spreading, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep their shape. Also, make sure your butter is soft but not melted. Use a cookie scoop to form even balls.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can make them vegan. Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use the egg substitutes mentioned earlier. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it all vegan-friendly.
Making these cookies is fun and easy. We covered all the key steps, from mixing ingredients to baking perfectly. I shared tips for keeping your cookies fresh and gave ideas for tasty variations. Remember, you can get creative with ingredients or modify the recipe to fit your needs. By following these simple instructions, you’ll bake delicious s'mores cookies everyone will love. Enjoy the sweet reward of your hard work!
