Introduction to S’mores Cookies
If you're a young professional balancing the demands of career and life, finding moments of joy can be a challenge. Enter S’mores Cookies, the perfect treat to indulge in during a hectic week. These cookies combine the nostalgia of a campfire classic with the convenience of a simple homemade treat. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie filled with melty chocolate, soft marshmallows, and crunchy Graham crackers. It’s like a summer night around the fire, no matter the season!
S’mores Cookies are incredibly approachable; you don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up a batch. With just a few pantry staples and some clever techniques, you can create something that feels gourmet. According to a report from the Baking Industry, over 60% of young adults are experimenting more in their kitchens, and these cookies are a delightful way to start. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at the office, impressing friends at gatherings, or enjoying solo after a long day.
So, grab your apron and let’s jump into the fun world of baking S’mores Cookies—trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients for S’mores Cookies
Creating the perfect S’mores Cookies is all about having the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious treat:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This serves as the base for your cookies, giving them structure and chewiness.
- ½ tsp. baking powder: Helps the cookies rise a bit, ensuring they are nice and soft.
- ½ tsp. baking soda: Adds to the leavening, creating a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon corn starch: This secret ingredient aids in achieving that perfect soft consistency.
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips: Because the chocolate is definitely the star of the show here!
- 10 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature): Richness in flavor is key, and room temperature ensures it incorporates easily.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup light brown sugar: The blend of sugars gives a great depth of flavor and texture.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together while adding moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that warm, comforting aroma!
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
With these ingredients prepped, you’re on your way to baking up some nostalgia-packed S’mores Cookies that are sure to be a hit. If you need a few tips on ingredient selection, check out this guide on how to choose quality baking ingredients.
Preparing S’mores Cookies
Making S’mores Cookies is an exciting kitchen adventure that combines the flavors of a campfire classic with the comfort of a delicious cookie. With just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey treats that will impress friends, family, or just your taste buds. Let’s dive right in!
Gather and prepare your ingredients
Before you get your hands messy, take a moment to gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 10 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Additionally, grab some Graham crackers, a bar of Hershey's chocolate, and mini marshmallows. Remember to chop the Graham crackers and chocolate into small pieces, and halve the marshmallows to prevent them from puffing up too much during baking!
Mix the dry ingredients together
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This step is crucial for achieving the right cookie texture. Make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly combined, as this will help your S’mores Cookies bake perfectly.
Create the cookie dough
In another mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar. You want this mixture to become creamy, which should take about 2 minutes. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well blended!
Add in the fun stuff
Gradually mix in the dry ingredient blend from the previous step, combining on a low speed to avoid overdoing it. Once the dough starts coming together, gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped Graham crackers, and halved marshmallows—this is where the magic happens! The sweet smell of S’mores Cookies will start to fill your kitchen, and it’s impossible not to smile.
Chill the dough
Cover your cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least an hour. Chilling helps solidify the butter, resulting in thicker cookies that won’t spread out too much while baking.
Scoop and shape the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or two tablespoons to portion out the dough. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced about 2 inches apart for even baking.
Bake to perfection
Bake your S’mores Cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. If they puff up too much, don’t worry; that’s just the marshmallows doing their thing! For a neat finish, you can use a cookie cutter to reshape them as soon as they come out of the oven. Enjoy the delightful aroma, and get ready for the best part: devouring these little bites of joy!
Make sure to share with others or keep them all to yourself—we won’t judge. Happy baking!
Variations on S’mores Cookies
Nutty S’mores Cookies
For those who crave a little crunch, try adding chopped nuts to your S’mores Cookies dough. Walnuts or pecans blend perfectly with the chocolate and gooey marshmallows, giving your cookies an irresistible depth of flavor. Just fold in about ½ cup of your favorite nuts when mixing in the chocolate chips and marshmallows. Not only do they enhance the texture, but they also add a delightful nutty aroma that complements the classic S’mores vibe.
Vegan S’mores Cookies
If you’re following a plant-based lifestyle, worry not! You can easily transform this recipe into delicious vegan S’mores Cookies. Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of the egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water makes a great egg replacement). Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips and make sure to choose vegan marshmallows. This way, you can enjoy the nostalgic flavors of S’mores while sticking to your dietary choices.
For more tips on baking vegan treats, check out resources from The Vegan Baking Community or Minimalist Baker.
Cooking Tips and Notes for S’mores Cookies
When crafting your delicious S’mores Cookies, keep a few essential tips in mind for the best results:
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Perfect Your Measurements: Properly measuring flour is crucial! An easy method is to use a kitchen scale; if you don’t have one, fluff the flour, spoon it into your measuring cup, and level it off with a knife.
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Managing the Marshmallows: Those gooey mini marshmallows can cause a bit of chaos. To contain the marshmallow blowout, quickly use a circular cookie cutter or a spatula to reshape your cookies right after they come out of the oven.
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Chill Your Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and results in a perfectly textured cookie.
With these tips, you're on your way to becoming a S’mores Cookies pro! For more cookie inspiration, check out Martha Stewart's baking tips. Happy baking!
Serving suggestions for S’mores Cookies
When it comes to enjoying your delightful S’mores Cookies, the options are endless! For a cozy night in, pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a rich hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. For those summer evenings, consider making ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite flavor between two cookies.
Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of warm cookies for a delightful contrast of flavors. Serve them at gatherings alongside fresh fruit or marshmallow-flavored snacks for a fun twist. Don't forget to check out Good Housekeeping for even more S’mores treats and ideas!
Time breakdown for S’mores Cookies
Preparation time
Get your kitchen ready! The preparation for these delightful S’mores Cookies takes about 30 minutes. This includes chopping up those irresistible ingredients and mixing everything together.
Baking time
Once your dough is ready to go, allow 12-15 minutes for baking. If you enjoy a gooey texture, keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time!
Total time
In total, you're looking at around 1 hour and 45 minutes for the entire process, including chilling the dough. It's definitely worth it for the delicious results you’ll get!
Curious about how to make these delightful cookies even more delicious? Check out this guide on cookie tips!
Nutritional Facts for S’mores Cookies
This delightful treat comes with a charming nutritional profile! Here are the key stats for one of these luscious S’mores Cookies:
- Calories: Each cookie packs around 123 calories, perfect for indulging without too much guilt.
- Protein: You’ll find about 1g of protein, making them a sweet but not especially filling snack.
- Sodium: With 66mg of sodium, they're a relatively low-salt option to satisfy your sweet cravings.
If you're intrigued by cookies that bring back summer camp memories, feel free to dive into the recipe above and enjoy these delightful bites! For further insights on nutrition, check out resources like the USDA FoodData Central or Nutrition.gov.
FAQs about S’mores Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the S’mores Cookies dough in advance. Just wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake, simply scoop out the desired amount and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your S’mores Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Can I substitute ingredients for S’mores Cookies?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your S’mores Cookies. You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version or swap semisweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that ingredient substitutions may slightly alter the texture and taste, but that’s part of the fun in baking!
For more baking tips, check out these resources from King Arthur Baking and America's Test Kitchen.
Conclusion on S’mores Cookies
S’mores Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat. These cookies combine chewy textures and flavors that will surely make them a favorite. Bake a batch for game night or a cozy evening at home; they’re perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Enjoy the nostalgia!
S’mores Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Stand mixer
- Baking Sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups light brown sugar
- 1 piece egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 0.75 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- as needed Graham crackers roughly chopped
- as needed mini marshmallows torn in half
Instructions
Preparation
- Roughly chop the Graham crackers and Hershey's bar, then tear the mini marshmallows in half.
- Combine the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch in a bowl then whisk together and set aside.
- Using a stand or hand mixer, beat butter and sugars in a bowl until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add in egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating on low speed until just combined.
- Reserve a handful of the torn marshmallows and set aside then add the remaining marshmallows, chocolate chips, and Graham crackers to the dough and mix on low until just combined.
- Refrigerate dough for an hour or more.
- Heat oven to 350F. Portion out roughly two tablespoon sized pieces of dough. Roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
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