Name: Gooey Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Cozy Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 39 min
Ingredients: 2 sticks Butter (Use fridge-cold, unsalted butter); 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar (Coconut sugar can be a delightful alternative); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Light or dark for a softer cookie); 3 Egg Yolks (Adds richness and binds the dough); 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1.25 teaspoons Sea Salt; 0.5 teaspoon Baking Powder (Essential for texture); 0.5 teaspoon Baking Soda; 325 grams All-Purpose Flour (Weigh for best results); 0.75 cup Semisweet/Dark Chocolate Chips (Mix in your favorite types); 0.75 cup Milk Chocolate Chips; 1 cup Mini Marshmallows; 16 Regular Marshmallows (Press inside cookies); 8 whole or 16 half Graham Crackers; 2 bars Hershey's Chocolate Bars (Add right after baking)

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the kitchen, reminiscent of summers spent around campfires. These Gooey Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies bring that joyful nostalgia to your home, combining the rich flavors of chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and buttery graham crackers into a delightful treat. This recipe is not only simple to whip up but also a crowd-pleaser that your friends and family will adore, whether for a backyard gathering or a cozy night in. Plus, the gooey pockets of melted marshmallows offer that irresistible chewiness that keeps you reaching for just one more bite. Are you ready to indulge in this sweet twist on a classic dessert?

Why Will You Love These Cookies?

Nostalgic Experience: These cookies combine the classic flavors of s’mores with a modern twist, evoking fond memories of campfire gatherings.

Gooey Perfection: Each bite bursts with warm, melted marshmallows that create an irresistible chewy texture alongside rich chocolate chips.

Quick and Easy: With a straightforward process, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in no time, making them the perfect last-minute dessert for any occasion!

Versatile Sweetness: Feel free to switch things up with variations like white chocolate or different add-ins, just like my popular White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles.

Crowd-Pleaser: Serve them warm, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds; it’s hard to resist these delightful cookies!

Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• Butter (2 sticks + 5 tablespoons) – Use fridge-cold, unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture control.
• Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) – This adds sweetness; coconut sugar can be a delightful alternative!
• Brown Sugar (1 cup) – Use light or dark for a softer cookie with caramel undertones.
• Egg Yolks (3) – They bring richness and help bind the dough; whole eggs can be used, but texture will vary.
• Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons) – A must for depth of flavor in your Smore’s chocolate chip cookies.
• Sea Salt (1 1/4 teaspoons) – Balances the sweetness beautifully and enhances flavors.
• Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon) & Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon) – Essential leavening agents for perfect cookie texture.
• All-Purpose Flour (325 grams) – This forms the cookie base; weigh your flour for the best results!

For the Mix-Ins
• Semisweet/Dark Chocolate Chips (3/4 cup) – Feel free to mix in your favorite types of chocolate for added flavor!
• Milk Chocolate Chips (3/4 cup) – Classic chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the gooeyness.
• Mini Marshmallows (1 cup) – They create delightful gooey pockets in the cookie.
• Regular Marshmallows (16) – Press these inside for an extra melty surprise!
• Graham Crackers (8 whole or 16 half) – These give a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the cookie.

For Topping
• Hershey’s Chocolate Bars (2 bars) – Add these right after baking for the ultimate s’mores experience!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick after baking. This simple preparation will allow your Gooey Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies to bake evenly, leading to caramelized edges and a delightful chewy center.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat two sticks of cold, cubed unsalted butter along with half a cup of granulated sugar and one cup of brown sugar. Mix at medium speed for about five minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, so take your time to ensure it’s perfectly creamed.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, add three egg yolks to the creamed butter mixture, incorporating them one at a time. Make sure each yolk is fully mixed in before adding the next. Follow this with one and a half teaspoons of vanilla extract, blending well for another minute. The rich flavors from the egg yolks and vanilla will enhance your Gooey Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, contributing to their decadent taste.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together half a teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and one and a quarter teaspoons of sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed for about ten seconds, just until combined. After this, slowly add in 325 grams of all-purpose flour until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.

Step 5: Incorporate Mix-Ins
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to fold in the fun! Add three-quarters of a cup each of semisweet or dark chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips, along with one cup of mini marshmallows. Gently mix on low speed until everything is evenly combined. The chocolate and marshmallows will create those irresistible pockets of gooey goodness in your Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 6: Prepare Graham Crackers
Take your graham crackers and dip them in melted butter, coating them lightly. Arrange these crackers on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they have enough space for spreading. This base will add a delightful crunch to your cookies, perfectly complementing the soft interior of each Gooey Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Step 7: Form Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, take a generous amount of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Push a regular marshmallow into the center, then wrap the dough around it to create a ball. Place the wrapped dough atop each graham cracker on the baking sheet. This will seal in the marshmallow as it melts during baking, ensuring you get that gooey, s’mores-like center.

Step 8: Bake & Scoot
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through to ensure even baking. Once the edges are golden and the centers are soft, use a round cookie cutter to gently scoot the cookies into a perfect shape while they are still warm. This step is essential for achieving that classic cookie look and a soft center for your Gooey Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Serve
After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. While they are still warm, top each cookie with pieces of Hershey’s chocolate bars, allowing it to melt slightly into the gooey marshmallow. Once they cool enough to handle, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors in your homemade Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies.

How to Store and Freeze Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain soft and chewy.

Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Dough Storage: If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just scoop and bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Make Ahead Options

These Gooey Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious homemade dessert but need to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients, then refrigerating the dough in an airtight container. Additionally, you can pre-dip your graham crackers in melted butter and store them separately to keep them crisp. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough, wrap it around the marshmallows, place them on the prepared graham crackers, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have freshly baked cookies with minimal effort, ensuring they remain just as gooey and delightful!

Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to personalize these cookies to match your taste buds and pantry; creativity opens the door to deliciousness!

Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. The extra texture will make every bite even more satisfying!
White Chocolate Swirl: Swap semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter alternative. This variation adds a creamy contrast to the gooey marshmallows!
Peanut Butter Magic: Incorporate 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the dough for a personal twist. This adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs incredibly well with chocolate.
Spice it Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm kick. It brings a delightful warmth to the sweetness that may surprise you!
Graham Cracker Alternatives: Try crushed digestive biscuits instead of graham crackers to change the flavor profile slightly. The hint of buttery richness will be a delightful complement!
Mini Marshmallow Surprise: Instead of regular marshmallows, use full-size and slice them in half for a gooey finish. They will create larger pockets of melted goodness throughout your cookie!
Chewy Coconut Addition: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical touch. This will add a chewy texture and subtle sweetness, reminiscent of your favorite desserts!
Chocolate Chunk Cookies: Substitute traditional chips for coarsely chopped chocolate bars for chunks of melty chocolate. This creates scrumptious pockets of chocolate that will melt as you bake, keeping every bite rich!

For even more delightful variations, consider pairing these cookies with a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience, similar to my popular Strawberry Crunch Cookies.

What to Serve with Gooey Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

The sweetness and gooeyness of these cookies create a delightful experience, especially when paired with complementary flavors and textures.

Cold Glass of Milk: The classic duo; milk balances the cookie’s sweetness and complements the chocolate beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop on top melts into the warm cookie, adding a creamy richness to every bite.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing contrast to the cookie’s decadence, with berries providing tartness and color.
Chocolate Drizzle Over Ice Cream: Elevate your dessert game by drizzling melted chocolate over vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Minty Mojito: A fresh cocktail that contrasts the sweet, rich flavors of the cookies while adding a cool twist.
Toasted Marshmallows: Toast some extra marshmallows on skewers; they enhance the s’mores experience and make a fun activity.
Buffet of Dipping Sauces: Set out chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter sauces for dipping bites of cookies, maximizing flavor profiles.
Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai create a delightful contrast, with each sip elevating the cookie’s sweetness.
Gourmet Coffee: Pair these treats with a rich, brewed coffee to cut through the sweetness and accentuate the chocolate flavors.
S’mores Brownies: For desserts on the same theme, offer s’mores brownies that mimic the flavor profile, creating a cohesive table of treats.

Expert Tips for Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is fridge-cold for the best texture. Warm butter can lead to cookies spreading too much during baking.
Weight Your Flour: For the perfect dough, measure your flour by weight. Using too much can result in dense, non-chewy cookies.
Scoot While Warm: Don’t skip the scooting step! Gently use a round cutter right after baking to shape the cookies for a nice finish.
Baking Batch Size: Only bake a few cookies at a time, as they can spread quite a bit. This helps them bake evenly and maintain their gooey center.
Extra Marshmallow Bonus: Want an extra gooey bite? Add an additional marshmallow inside each cookie for even more s’mores deliciousness!

Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right marshmallows?
Absolutely! For the best gooey texture, opt for mini marshmallows for mixing in the dough, as they melt quickly and create delightful pockets. For the marshmallows to stuff inside the cookie, standard-sized marshmallows work wonderfully—just remember to press them securely inside the dough!

What’s the best way to store these cookies?
To keep your Gooey Smore’s Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure they’re snug in that container to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can! To freeze the dough, scoop the cookie balls onto a baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, extending the baking time by a minute or two.

My cookies came out too flat. What went wrong?
Very often, flat cookies occur due to warm butter or overmixing the dough. Ensure your butter is used cold from the fridge, and mix just until combined. Too much flour can also cause flattening, so measure accurately, ideally by weight—approximately 325 grams for this recipe.

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have guests with gluten or dairy allergies, consider using gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter alternatives. Always inform your guests about the ingredients in the cookies, especially regarding chocolate, which may contain allergens like soy or nuts.