Bake Gooey Homemade S'mores Chocolate Chip Cookies: Your Ultimate Indulgence
Imagine the crackle of a campfire, the warmth of toasted marshmallows, and the rich, comforting embrace of chocolate and graham crackers. Now, imagine all of that magic condensed into a soft, chewy, utterly irresistible chocolate chip cookie. This isn't just any cookie; it's a transcendental dessert experience that brings the joy of s'mores right into your kitchen, without the need for a fire pit. Get ready to discover your new favorite treat with this comprehensive
viral chocolate chip s'mores cookies: the ultimate mashup recipe, designed to deliver maximum gooeyness and flavor in every bite.
Why This Chocolate Chip S'mores Recipe Will Be Your New Obsession
The allure of s'mores is undeniable, but the traditional campfire setup isn't always convenient. That's where this incredible
chocolate chip smores recipe comes in. It captures the very essence of that classic treat and elevates it by encasing it within a warm, buttery, homemade chocolate chip cookie. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors: the tender chewiness of the cookie, the satisfying crunch of graham cracker, the pockets of melted chocolate, and, of course, the gloriously gooey, slightly toasted marshmallow that stretches with every pull.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It's more than just a cookie; it's a dessert mash-up that brings together two beloved classics into one harmonious, unbelievably delicious package. Perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or simply when a craving for something truly special strikes, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make, yet yield impressive results that will have everyone reaching for another. If you're looking for a slightly different take, perhaps for a larger crowd, consider our
Simple S'mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for Fall, but for individual perfection, these cookies are unmatched.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect S'mores Cookie
Crafting the perfect s'mores chocolate chip cookie begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Quality matters here, as each component contributes to the final texture and flavor profile that makes this
chocolate chip smores recipe so unforgettable.
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All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookie dough. Make sure it's fresh for the best results.
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Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, ensuring the cookies have a soft rise and spread beautifully.
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Salt: A pinch of kosher salt (or half the amount of table salt) is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors. Don't skip it!
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Unsalted Butter: Real butter is non-negotiable for that rich, tender crumb. Using unsalted allows you to control the exact salt content in your recipe. If you only have salted, simply reduce the added salt by half.
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Sugars – Light Brown and Granulated: The combination is key. Light brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle molasses note, while granulated sugar contributes to spread and crisp edges. Avoid dark brown sugar unless you want a much stronger molasses flavor.
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Large Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness. Ensure it's at room temperature for better emulsification with the butter and sugars.
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Real Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract elevates the overall flavor. Avoid imitation varieties for the best taste.
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Graham Cracker Crumbs: The quintessential s'mores flavor! Store-bought crumbs are convenient, or you can easily make your own by crushing about 6-7 graham crackers in a food processor or a sealed bag with a rolling pin. The finer the crumbs, the more evenly they'll distribute throughout the dough.
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Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet is a classic choice for s'mores, feel free to experiment! Milk chocolate chips offer a sweeter, creamier melt, dark chocolate chips provide a richer contrast, or even a mix of your favorites will work. The goal is about 1 cup total.
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Marshmallow Component: This is where the magic happens.
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Marshmallow Creme: For ultimate gooeyness that distributes evenly throughout the cookie, marshmallow creme (like Jet-Puffed) is fantastic when dolloped inside. It bakes into a wonderfully molten, stretchy layer.
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Mini Marshmallows or Marshmallow Halves: If you prefer distinct pockets of melted marshmallow or want to torch them, mini marshmallows or larger marshmallows cut into smaller pieces can be placed in the center of the cookie dough. Add them during the last few minutes of baking, or after baking, you can lightly torch them with a kitchen torch for that signature browned s'mores look and flavor.
Crafting Your Gooey Homemade S'mores Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your ingredients, let's dive into creating these irresistible treats. This
chocolate chip smores recipe adapts the best techniques to ensure perfect, gooey results every time.
Preparation is Key:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Making the Dough:
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This aeration is crucial for a tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and real vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and S'mores Elements: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Fold in Graham Cracker Crumbs and Chocolate Chips: With a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Assembling Your S'mores Cookies:
- Forming the Cookies: This is where the s'mores magic is tucked inside.
- Take a generous scoop of cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons). Divide it in half.
- Flatten one half into a disc on your palm.
- Place a dollop of marshmallow creme (about 1 teaspoon) or a few mini marshmallows/small piece of chocolate bar in the center of the flattened dough.
- Top with the other half of the cookie dough, carefully pressing and sealing the edges around the marshmallow and chocolate to fully enclose it. Shape into a round ball.
- Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Baking to Perfection:
- Bake: Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft and maybe a little jiggly. This is key for gooey cookies. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the centers to finish setting and prevents them from falling apart.
Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine as these bake!
Tips for the Ultimate Chocolate Chip S'mores Cookie Experience
To ensure your
chocolate chip smores recipe yields truly phenomenal results, consider these extra tips and tricks:
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Don't Overbake! This is the golden rule for gooey cookies. Pull them out when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the center still looks a bit soft. They will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will lead to a dry, less gooey cookie.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly and creates a more uniform dough.
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Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If your kitchen is warm or your dough seems too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes to an hour can prevent excessive spreading and yield thicker cookies.
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Embrace the Marshmallow:
* For extra visual appeal and a truly "toasted" s'mores top, reserve a few mini marshmallows or small pieces of regular marshmallow. During the last 2-3 minutes of baking, gently press them onto the top of the partially baked cookies.
* Alternatively, once the cookies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast any exposed marshmallow on top.
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Chocolate Variety: Don't be afraid to mix and match chocolate chips. A combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate can add layers of flavor. You can also chop up a chocolate bar for varied melt textures.
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Fresh is Best: While these cookies are amazing at room temperature, they are truly divine when slightly warm, allowing the chocolate and marshmallow to be at their goo-iest. Pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat later!
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Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For optimal gooeyness, enjoy them within the first day or two.
Conclusion
There's something inherently nostalgic and comforting about s'mores, and this homemade
chocolate chip smores recipe perfectly encapsulates that feeling within a cookie. It's a simple pleasure, elevated by the magic of a good chocolate chip cookie base and the irresistible gooeyness of melted marshmallow and chocolate. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to bake the most delightfully gooey, s'mores-infused chocolate chip cookies you've ever tasted!
