Get ready for a treat that will make your taste buds sing: S’mores Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies! Imagine soft and chewy cookies bursting with gooey chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step of this heavenly dessert. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a fun gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s get baking and create something irresistible together!
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed tightly
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup chocolate fudge sauce
Key Ingredient Substitutions
If you have allergies or dietary needs, you can adjust some ingredients. For butter, try coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier choice. You can use egg replacements like flax eggs if you want vegan cookies. For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Ingredient Notes and Tips
Using room temperature ingredients is key. It helps the butter cream better with sugars. When the butter and sugars mix well, they trap air, making your cookies light. Cold eggs can also affect the mixing process. Always take them out ahead of time. This small step can make a big difference in your cookie’s texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for perfect baking. Next, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with even baking.
Making the Cookie Dough
To start making the dough, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. I use an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes until it looks light and fluffy.
Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until it blends in.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your creamed butter and sugars. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful! Overmixing will make your cookies tough.
Finally, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs. Mix until evenly spread throughout the dough.
Filling the Cookies
To create the stuffed cookies, take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it into a disc in your palm. In the center, place 3-4 mini marshmallows and a generous drizzle of chocolate fudge sauce.
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling. Make sure it is completely encased. Then roll it into a ball. Repeat this step with the remaining dough and filling.
Baking the Cookies
Place the stuffed cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. This space allows for spreading as they bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for the edges to be golden while the centers should look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep their soft and gooey centers.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the right texture, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix until you see no dry flour. If you mix too much, the cookies can turn tough. This dough needs just the right balance of softness and chewiness. When you add the flour, stop mixing as soon as it blends in. This keeps the cookies nice and tender.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the bottom with parchment paper to soak up any moisture. These cookies taste best within a few days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. After they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag.
To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes them warm and gooey again. You can also warm them in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. The chocolate and marshmallow mix well with both drinks. For a fun presentation, arrange them on a rustic wooden platter. Drizzle extra chocolate fudge sauce over the cookies. Add a few mini marshmallows on top for a tasty look. You can also serve some graham crackers on the side to complete the s’mores vibe.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily switch up the flavors in your S’mores Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. You can also try different chocolates. Use dark chocolate for a rich taste or white chocolate for a sweet twist. Mixing these flavors makes each bite exciting and unique.
Healthier Alternatives
If you want a healthier cookie, try using coconut oil instead of butter. Coconut oil adds a nice flavor and is a good fat choice. You can also use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit. These alternatives can help cut down on calories while keeping the cookies sweet and tasty.
Fun Themes
Get creative with seasonal themes! For Halloween, add orange food coloring to your dough or mini candy corn inside. For Christmas, sprinkle in some peppermint extract or crushed candy canes. These fun themes make the cookies perfect for any celebration. Each season can bring a new twist to this classic treat.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can enjoy them for about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider using the fridge. Just make sure the container seals well to avoid moisture.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze these cookies before or after baking. To freeze before baking, shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. For baked cookies, let them cool first, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months.
Thawing Tips
To thaw frozen cookie dough, leave it in the fridge overnight. If you freeze baked cookies, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. This will make them soft and gooey again!
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use different chocolates in your cookies. Try dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. Each will change the taste a bit. Mix and match chocolate chips for fun flavors. You can also chop up chocolate bars for bigger chunks.
How do I keep the marshmallows from melting too much?
To prevent marshmallows from melting too much, chill your dough before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape. Also, try using larger marshmallows and cut them in half. This way, they stay gooey but don’t spill out.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can make the dough ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you want to store it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
What can I serve with S’mores Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies?
These cookies go great with milk, coffee, or hot cocoa. You can also serve them with graham crackers for a classic s’mores vibe. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a treat.
This blog post covered how to make S’mores Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. We discussed the key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for perfect cookies. Remember, using room temperature ingredients helps the dough mix better. You can switch ingredients for dietary needs or try different flavors for fun. Enjoy these cookies with milk or coffee for a delightful treat. Follow these steps, and your cookies will be a hit! Happy baking!
