Large Gourmet S’mores Cookies

This hearty s'mores cookie recipe transforms the classic campfire treat into a decadent, bakery-style dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without building a fire. The oversized cookies feature all the beloved s'mores elements golden graham crackers, melty chocolate, and gooey marshmallows baked into a rich cookie base.

I first made these cookies for my nephew's birthday party as an alternative to traditional s'mores, and they were such a hit that several parents asked for the recipe before leaving. The cookies disappeared faster than any dessert I've ever served at a gathering.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: allows you to control the saltiness while providing richness look for European-style butter for extra creaminess
• Light brown sugar: creates a deeper caramel flavor and chewy texture than white sugar alone
• Granulated sugar: helps create those slightly crisp edges that contrast beautifully with the soft center
• Vanilla extract: enhances all the flavors use pure extract rather than imitation for best results
• Hershey's milk chocolate bars: provide that authentic s'mores flavor with their distinctive melt and sweetness
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: add dimension to the sweetness profile premium brands like Ghirardelli offer superior melt quality
• Mini marshmallows: deliver classic s'mores gooeyness fresh packages work best as older marshmallows can become hard
• Graham crackers: contribute that honey-cinnamon flavor and distinctive crunch that defines a true s'mores experience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare baking sheets:

Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The parchment also helps control spreading during baking.

Cream wet ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This incorporates air and creates the foundation for a perfect cookie texture.

Mix dry ingredients:

Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl until evenly distributed. This prevents clumping and ensures the leavening agent is properly dispersed throughout the dough.

Combine mixtures:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies instead of tender ones.

Add mix-ins:

Gently fold in the chopped Hershey's bars, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces. Use a light hand to maintain chunks of graham crackers and prevent the marshmallows from breaking down too much.

Portion the dough:

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions about 4.6 ounces each using a kitchen scale for consistency. Shape into balls and place on the prepared cookie sheets with ample space between each.

Chill the dough:

Refrigerate the portioned cookies for one hour. This crucial step prevents excessive spreading and intensifies the flavors as the ingredients meld together.

Bake the cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake according to your preference with or without additional toppings. The cookies should have golden edges but still look slightly underdone in the center, as they will continue cooking on the hot sheet.

Cool properly:

Allow the cookies to cool completely on the parchment paper after sliding it onto the counter. This prevents breaking the delicate, warm cookies and allows the structure to set properly.

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The mini marshmallows are my favorite part of this recipe, but they require careful attention. The first time I made these cookies, I used standard-sized marshmallows cut into quarters and they created magnificent gooey pockets throughout the cookies. My family now refers to these as "memory cookies" because they bring back all our favorite summer campfire moments.

Storage Solutions

These s'mores cookies maintain their quality for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To preserve their texture, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture levels perfect for the cookies without making them soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. The best approach is to individually wrap each cookie in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about an hour for that freshly baked taste.

Mix-in Variations

While the classic s'mores flavor combination is hard to beat, this cookie base welcomes creative adaptations. Try replacing the Hershey's bars with dark chocolate chunks for a more sophisticated flavor profile. White chocolate and dried cranberries create a festive holiday version. For a peanut butter s'mores experience, incorporate Reese's cups instead of Hershey's bars. You can also experiment with different graham cracker varieties like chocolate or cinnamon sugar to customize the flavor. Just maintain the same total volume of mix-ins to preserve the cookie's structure.

Troubleshooting Tips

Marshmallow management can be tricky in these cookies. If your marshmallows disappear completely during baking, try freezing them for 30 minutes before folding into the dough. This gives them staying power during the baking process. For cookies that spread too much, the dough likely wasn't chilled enough additional refrigeration time can help. If your cookies come out too cakey rather than chewy, you might be using too much flour try weighing your flour rather than using cup measurements for precision. Remember that these cookies will look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven this is intentional for achieving the perfect chewy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the marshmallows from melting too much?

Chill the dough before baking, and if using extra toppings, add them partway through baking for better texture.

→ Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute Hershey's bars with milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate to suit your taste.

→ How do I store the cookies?

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I make smaller cookie portions?

Yes, simply divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust the baking time accordingly.

→ Are the toppings necessary?

No, the cookies are delicious without the added toppings, but they enhance the presentation and flavor.