Soft & Chewy S’Mores Cookies

Soft & Chewy S’Mores Cookies are a gooey, chocolatey adaptation of the beloved campfire treat, combining marshmallows, graham crackers, and melted chocolate in a single bite. These cookies deliver a gooey center with a chewy texture, perfect for fans of both cookies and s’mores.

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	37 minutes
Servings	24 cookies
Difficulty	Medium
Cuisine	American

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines because it balances the textures and flavors of s’mores with cookie-baking science. The chewiness comes from the higher fat content in the butter and the cornstarch, while the marshmallows and chocolate create a gooey center. I’ve tested it multiple times, and the result is consistently soft, tender, and packed with s’mores magic.

The key is adding the marshmallows and chocolate after the first bake. This prevents them from melting too quickly and ensures they remain gooey without burning. The Hershey’s bars add a rich, creamy layer that complements the sweetness of the graham crackers.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Butter, salted, softened	1 cup	Unsalted is an alternative, but salted enhances flavor
Light brown sugar, packed	3/4 cup	Dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses flavor
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup	Can swap with coconut sugar for a caramel note
Eggs	2 large	Use room-temperature eggs for better emulsification
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Pure vanilla enhances flavor over imitation
All-purpose flour	2 1/2 cups	Almond flour can be blended in for a nuttier texture
Cornstarch	2 teaspoons	Boosts chewiness and reduces gluten development
Baking soda	1 teaspoon	Not interchangeable with baking powder
Salt	1 teaspoon	Sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor
Mini marshmallows	2 cups, divided	Large marshmallows can be halved
Graham crackers, broken	2 cups, divided	Use gluten-free graham crackers for a substitute
Milk chocolate chips	1/2 cup	Dark chocolate provides a bitter-sweet contrast
Semisweet chocolate chips	1/2 cup	Both can be swapped with chocolate chunks
Hershey’s bars, broken	2	Dark chocolate bars improve richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mixing the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat for 2-3 minutes until creamy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating well until fully incorporated.

Adding Dry Ingredients

1. Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Mix just until combined.
2. Stir in 1 1/2 cups graham cracker pieces, 1 1/2 cups marshmallows, milk chocolate chips, and semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Shaping and Baking

1. Scoop 2-3 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10 minutes until almost done, then remove from oven.

Finishing Touches

1. Press 4-5 additional marshmallows on top of each cookie, along with a few graham cracker pieces and Hershey’s bar chunks.
2. Return to oven and bake for 1-2 minutes until the toppings are golden and the marshmallows are toasted. For extra caramelization, use the broil setting for 30 seconds, watching closely to avoid burning.

Chef Tips for Perfect Results

• Press marshmallows gently into the dough to avoid them slipping off during baking.
• Use a cookie scoop for even-sized portions to ensure uniform baking.
• Chill the dough for 15 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading.
• For a richer flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with cocoa powder.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake 1: Overmixing the dough. Fix: Stop once the ingredients are just combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Mistake 2: Skipping the second bake. Fix: The additional heating is crucial for melting the toppings properly.
• Mistake 3: Using old or stale graham crackers. Fix: Fresh, broken crackers provide the ideal crunch.
• Mistake 4: Overloading the pan. Fix: Leave enough space for cookies to spread without touching.

Variations and Substitutions

Ingredient	Substitution	Impact on Flavor
Marshmallows	Mini marshmallow creme	Adds a denser, more chocolatey goo
Graham crackers	Digestive biscuits	Brings a biscuity texture and slight caramel note
Chocolate chips	Dark chocolate chunks	Increases bitterness and intensity
Hershey’s bars	Peanut butter cups	Introduces a nutty, salty contrast

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair exceptionally well at holiday gatherings, backyard cookouts, or as a dessert after dinner. For a twist, pair with a cup of hot cocoa or chai tea. Store extras in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Storage and Reheating

Method	Duration	Instructions
Room Temperature	4-5 days	Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Freezer	2-3 months	Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating	1-2 minutes	Place in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 cookie)
Calories	185
Protein	2g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	24g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g
Sodium	110mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

Yes, substitute the salted butter with unsalted coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips and graham crackers. Ensure the Hershey’s bars are vegan-friendly or omit them entirely.

How Do I Know When the Cookies Are Done?

The cookies are ready when the edges are slightly golden, and the center appears slightly underbaked. After adding the toppings, the marshmallows will melt and turn golden when baked for 1-2 minutes.

What If My Cookies Are Too Chewy?

Adjust the baking time slightly, or add 1 tablespoon of flour per batch to reduce moisture. Ensure the dough isn’t overly cold when scooped to prevent excess chewiness.

Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month. Let it thaw for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

How Many Cookies Can I Make from One Batch?

This recipe makes approximately 24 medium-sized cookies. Adjust the quantity of dough per cookie if you prefer larger or smaller portions.

Conclusion

Soft & Chewy S’Mores Cookies are the perfect marriage of classic campfire treats and home-baked desserts. With gooey marshmallows, crunchy graham crackers, and rich chocolate, they deliver a nostalgic yet indulgent flavor. Bake a batch today and savor the signature taste of s’mores in every bite.

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