The Ultimate Gooey S’mores Cookies Recipe: Your Favorite Campfire Treat, Perfected for Indoors

Imagine the irresistible charm of a crackling campfire s’more, but transformed into a convenient, delightful cookie you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. These homemade s’mores cookies are a revelation, capturing every beloved element of that classic outdoor treat. Each bite delivers a perfect symphony of textures and flavors: the satisfying crunch of a graham cracker base, a chewy, marshmallow-filled chocolate chip cookie, and melty pieces of Hershey’s milk chocolate. As devoted fans of chocolate chip cookies and the humble graham cracker, we promise this recipe will not disappoint!

Our love for s’mores runs deep, and our collection of recipes is proof of that dedication! From oven s’mores to a decadent S’mores Cake, rich S’mores Brownies, and even quick microwave s’mores, we’ve explored every delicious iteration. If you’re looking for another cookie variation, be sure to try our delightful S’mores Sandwich Cookies or the unique Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup S’mores Skillet for an extra twist. But for the purest, most authentic s’mores cookie experience, you’ve landed on the right recipe.

Why This S’mores Cookie Recipe is a Must-Try

Our goal was to create a s’mores cookie that delivers on every promise of the original campfire treat, without the need for a fire pit. Here’s why this particular recipe stands out from the rest:

• Authentic Graham Cracker Foundation: Unlike recipes that simply mix graham cracker crumbs into the dough, our method bakes the cookie directly on a whole graham cracker square. This ensures you get that distinct, satisfying crunch and unmistakable graham cracker flavor in every single bite, creating a true foundation for the s’mores experience.
• Perfectly Gooey Marshmallow & Chocolate Balance: The mini marshmallows melt just enough to become wonderfully gooey and stretchy, providing that signature pull without overpowering the rich chocolate chip cookie base. Paired with melty Hershey’s chocolate pieces, the combination is pure bliss.
• Effortless Indoor Enjoyment: This recipe transforms a classic outdoor activity into an easy, mess-free indoor cookie. No smoke, no sticky fingers from toasted marshmallows over a fire – just pure s’mores magic, available year-round from the comfort of your kitchen.
• A Tested and Perfected Method: We’ve experimented extensively with various s’mores cookie concepts. Past attempts using graham cracker crumbs often left the cookies lacking in both crunch and authentic flavor. This recipe, however, guarantees that all essential elements of your beloved campfire s’more — the crisp graham cracker, the sweet gooey marshmallow, and the rich chocolate — are prominent and perfectly balanced, making it truly taste like a s’more in cookie form.

Essential Ingredients for Your S’mores Cookies

Crafting the perfect s’mores cookie starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Graham Crackers, Mini Marshmallows, Hershey’s Chocolate Bar: These are the iconic trio that define s’mores. We recommend using classic honey graham crackers for their distinct flavor. Mini marshmallows are key for melting perfectly within the cookie dough without creating too much moisture. And for that authentic s’mores taste, genuine Hershey’s milk chocolate bars, broken into pieces, are essential.
• Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon in the cookie dough adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements the other flavors beautifully. It’s not overly pronounced but provides a comforting hint of spice, elevating the overall cookie profile.
• Unsalted Butter: We opt for unsalted butter to have full control over the salt content in the recipe. Crucially, your butter should be at room temperature, allowing it to cream seamlessly with the sugars, which is vital for achieving a light and airy cookie texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: While Hershey’s milk chocolate bars provide sweetness, using semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips in the cookie dough offers a delightful contrast. This differing chocolate profile helps to balance the overall sweetness, adding a rich, complex chocolate flavor.
• Remaining Cookie Dough Ingredients: Standard cookie essentials like all-purpose flour provide structure, baking soda and baking powder ensure a perfect rise and chewiness, and both light brown sugar (for moisture and chew) and granulated sugar (for crisp edges) create the ideal base for our s’mores creation. Eggs bind everything together and add richness, while vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Perfect S’mores Cookies

Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of irresistible s’mores cookies:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisking ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to consistent cookie texture.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened unsalted butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air, making the cookies light and tender.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing once the eggs are in.
4. Combine and Add Mix-ins: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial; it helps the dough firm up, prevents excessive spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to deepen.
6. Prepare Baking Sheet: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully lay graham cracker squares along the bottom of the prepared sheet, arranging them close together, almost touching. This recipe yields about 30 cookies. (Full disclosure: I may have sampled some of the delicious dough, so you might see 29 squares in the photo – no apologies, it was worth it! 😉)

7. Scoop and Shape Dough: Scoop the chilled dough into roughly 2-tablespoon sized balls. Using the palm of your hand, gently press each dough ball down to form a flat disk. Place one dough disk in the center of each graham cracker square on the baking sheet.
8. Initial Bake and Add Chocolate: Bake the cookies for 5 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the cookies are still soft, gently press several pieces of the broken Hershey’s chocolate bar onto the top of each cookie. This timing prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures it melts beautifully into the cookie.
9. Final Bake and Cool: Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You’ll notice the cookies might spread and run into each other, fully covering the graham cracker pieces – this is a good sign! Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven. If the cookies have merged, use a knife or spatula to gently cut and separate them. Immediately transfer the hot cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.

Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookies Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality s’mores cookies is easier with a few expert insights:

• Mixer Choice Matters: For the cookie dough, you can absolutely use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer. I personally adore my Kitchen Aid stand mixer for its power and hands-free convenience, but a hand mixer works perfectly well too for creaming butter and sugar effectively.
• Marshmallow Magic – Freeze for Form: This is a game-changer! Freeze 1 cup of the mini marshmallows for at least 30 minutes before incorporating them into your cookie dough. While optional, this step significantly helps the marshmallows hold their shape better during mixing and baking, creating distinct pockets of gooey goodness. You can freeze all of them if you prefer a firmer marshmallow bite, but I enjoy the contrast of some slightly broken, soft mallows throughout the dough.
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour is not just about preventing spread; it allows the dry ingredients to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld beautifully. This results in a richer taste and a more pleasant, chewy texture.
• Know Your Oven: Baking times are always guidelines. Every oven has its quirks, often running hotter or cooler than the set temperature. Watch your cookies closely! They are done when their edges are golden brown and the centers appear mostly set. Pull them out when they reach your desired level of doneness to avoid overbaking.
• Chocolate Selection: While Hershey’s milk chocolate is traditional for s’mores, feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate chips (like dark chocolate) or even chopped chocolate bars for different flavor profiles. Just remember to balance sweetness!
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup incredibly easy – especially with gooey s’mores cookies!
• Storage Secrets: Store your cooled s’mores cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and chewiness. This keeps them delicious for longer!

Storing Your Delicious S’mores Cookies

To keep your indoor s’mores cookies tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze baked cookies (once fully cooled) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked gooeyness.

Looking for more s’mores inspired treats? Turn your s’mores into a crispy sensation with my S’mores Rice Krispie Treats! Or, for a portable snack, try my delightful s’mores snack mix.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About S’mores Cookies

More Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try

If you’ve enjoyed these s’mores cookies, you’re sure to love our other popular cookie recipes:

• Crumbl Sugar Cookie Recipe: Recreate the famous bakery-style soft and thick sugar cookies with this spot-on copycat recipe, complete with delicious frosting.
• Crumbl Oreo Sandwich Cookies: Indulge in rich chocolate cookies filled with a creamy, dreamy Oreo-inspired frosting, just like your favorite Crumbl treat.
• Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookies: A timeless classic! Soft, chewy peanut butter cookies topped with a milk chocolate kiss, perfect for holidays or any day.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies: Quick, easy, and utterly delicious – these no-bake cookies are packed with chocolate, peanut butter, and oats for a satisfying treat without turning on the oven.

This recipe was originally published on July 13, 2020. It was republished on Aug. 10, 2021 to include additional information and photos, and further updated for enhanced clarity, detail, and SEO optimization in [Current Date/Year].