Unforgettable Chocolate Chunk S’mores Cookies: Your New Favorite Indulgence
Prepare to experience a dessert sensation that will redefine your idea of the perfect cookie! Our Chocolate Chunk S’mores Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an extraordinary symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine a rich, deeply chocolatey cookie base – delightfully chewy and satisfying – studded with generous chunks of premium chocolate. Then, picture the satisfying snap and subtle sweetness of graham cracker pieces, perfectly integrated to add that classic S’mores crunch. Finally, each cookie is crowned with golden-brown, toasted marshmallows, melting into a gloriously gooey, irresistibly warm delight. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a nostalgic trip to a campfire under the stars, delivered in a single, heavenly bite. Get ready to bake a batch and discover for yourself why these are truly the best S’mores cookies you’ll ever taste!
Why These S’mores Cookies Will Steal Your Heart
What makes these Chocolate Chunk S’mores Cookies an absolute must-try? It’s the impeccable balance and thoughtful execution of every element. We’ve taken the beloved campfire classic and transformed it into an elevated cookie experience that’s both comforting and gourmet. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Irresistibly Chewy Chocolate Base: Our cookie dough is crafted for maximum chewiness, with a rich cocoa flavor that provides the perfect foundation for the S’mores components. It’s not just a chocolate cookie; it’s *the* chocolate cookie.
- Authentic Graham Cracker Crunch: No S’mores is complete without the iconic graham cracker. Broken pieces are strategically added to give each bite a delightful, textural contrast and a hint of honeyed sweetness.
- Gooey, Toasted Marshmallow Perfection: The crowning glory! Mini marshmallows are added towards the end of baking and briefly broiled to achieve that characteristic toasted, melty, and incredibly gooey S’mores finish.
- Explosions of Chocolate: Beyond the cocoa base, generous chocolate chunks ensure every mouthful is packed with molten, decadent chocolate goodness. A final drizzle of melted chocolate takes these over the top.
- Nostalgia in Every Bite: These cookies capture the essence of a warm campfire S’mores, bringing that joyful, summer-night feeling right into your kitchen, any time of year.
Recipe: Chocolate Chunk S’mores Cookies
Chocolate Chunk S’mores Cookies
I mean, it’s not hard to convince anyone that these are HEAVENLY. S’mores lover or not, you will love these!
Course: Dessert
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 31 minutes
Servings: 14 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) softened, room temperature salted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks)
- 6 (1.5 oz) milk chocolate bars (such as Hershey’s) for drizzle on top
- 3-4 graham crackers, broken into small pieces
- Mini marshmallows (about 5 per cookie)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two cookie sheets by greasing them lightly or lining them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cane sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue to beat for about 1 more minute until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps for an even cookie texture.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into golf-ball-sized portions. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake for about 9 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. The cookies will appear dome-shaped.
- Carefully remove the cookies from the oven. Immediately switch your oven setting to “broil.”
- While the cookies are still warm, gently press 3-4 pieces of broken graham cracker into the top of each cookie. This will slightly flatten the cookies and embed the graham cracker.
- Arrange about 5 mini marshmallows on top of each cookie. It can be a bit tricky to get them to stay in place, so do your best to center them.
- Return the cookie sheets to the oven on the center rack, now under the “broil” setting. Broil for approximately 30 seconds, watching *very* carefully, until the marshmallows puff up and turn a beautiful golden-brown and toasty. Remove immediately. If any marshmallows have fallen off, use a butter knife to gently scoop them back onto the cookie.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the chocolate drizzle: Chop the Hershey’s milk chocolate bars. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Be careful not to burn it.
- Transfer the melted chocolate to a small ziplock bag. Snip a tiny corner off the bag, then drizzle the melted chocolate over each cooled S’mores cookie.
- Allow the chocolate drizzle to set before serving. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookies Every Time
Achieving S’mores cookie perfection is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at true room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly with the sugars, creating a smooth, emulsified batter that traps air for a lighter, chewier cookie.
- Don’t Overmix the Dry Ingredients: Once you add the flour mixture, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cookies.
- Quality Chocolate Matters: For the best flavor, use good quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips or chunks. Dark chocolate chunks can offer a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallows and graham crackers.
- Watch the Broiler Like a Hawk: The broiler works quickly! Marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. Keep a close eye on them during the broiling step, and remove them as soon as they reach your desired golden-brown.
- Mini Marshmallows Are Key: While it might be tempting to use larger marshmallows, mini marshmallows are ideal for S’mores cookies. They melt more evenly, spread beautifully, and are easier to manage on top of each cookie.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, especially with the gooey marshmallows.
- Cooling Time is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. This gives them time to firm up and prevents them from breaking apart, especially with the added weight of the graham crackers and marshmallows.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic S’mores cookie is phenomenal, don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Different Chocolate Types: Experiment with milk chocolate chunks, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile in the cookie dough.
- Flavored Marshmallows: If you can find them, try flavored marshmallows (like vanilla bean or peppermint during holidays) for an interesting twist.
- Spiced Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a touch of espresso powder to your cookie dough to deepen the chocolate flavor and add warmth.
- Nutty Addition: For an extra crunch and flavor, fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut with the chocolate chips.
- Caramel Drizzle: Instead of or in addition to the chocolate drizzle, a salted caramel drizzle can add another layer of indulgence.
- Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder mixed into the dry ingredients won’t make the cookies taste like coffee, but it will intensely enhance the chocolate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
While you can, mini marshmallows are highly recommended. Larger marshmallows tend to melt and spread too much, potentially making them harder to manage on the cookies and creating a bigger mess. Mini marshmallows provide the perfect amount of gooeyness without overwhelming the cookie.
How do I store S’mores cookies?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The marshmallows might lose a bit of their crispness over time, but the cookies will still be delicious. For optimal freshness, enjoy them within the first day or two.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough (before adding graham crackers or marshmallows) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also roll the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
My marshmallows are burning under the broiler. What am I doing wrong?
Broilers are very powerful, and marshmallows can burn quickly. Ensure your oven rack is on the center position, not too close to the broiler element. Also, keep the oven door slightly ajar so you can watch them continuously. It truly only takes 20-30 seconds for them to toast perfectly. Don’t walk away!
Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?
While the chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of decadence and visual appeal, it’s optional. The cookies will still be incredibly delicious without it!
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can still make these cookies! Creaming the butter and sugars will require a bit more effort by hand with a whisk or sturdy spoon, but it’s entirely possible. Just ensure the mixture is light and fluffy before adding the eggs.
Conclusion: Your Ultimate S’mores Experience Awaits
These Chocolate Chunk S’mores Cookies are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to create joy, share warmth, and indulge in pure, unadulterated deliciousness. From the first bite of the chewy chocolate cookie, through the satisfying crunch of graham crackers, to the ethereal melt of toasted marshmallows and a final luxurious chocolate drizzle, every element works in harmony to deliver an unforgettable dessert. Perfect for parties, cozy evenings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to bake the best S’mores cookies ever!