Irresistible S’mores Brownie Cookies: Your Ultimate Gooey, Chocolatey Treat for Any Occasion
Today marks National S’mores Day, a cherished food holiday dedicated to one of America’s most beloved campfire treats! Unlike many last-minute celebrations, I had the delightful opportunity to prepare something truly special for you this time. S’mores, with their perfect trifecta of toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crisp graham cracker, evoke memories of warm summer nights and shared moments. But what if you could capture that magic in a rich, fudgy, and utterly irresistible cookie, without the need for a campfire? Prepare to be amazed by these S’mores Brownie Cookies, a convenient and equally delicious way to enjoy your favorite nostalgic flavors.
Discovering Culinary Magic: A Review of Alice Medrich’s “Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts”
My inspiration for this extraordinary dessert comes from the brilliant new cookbook, Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts: Quicker Smarter Recipes by the acclaimed Alice Medrich. If her name sounds familiar, it’s for good reason. Alice Medrich is a legendary figure in the baking world, having earned more cookbook-of-the-year and best-in-baking-category awards than any other author. This particular volume, her eighth culinary masterpiece, solidifies her reputation as a true dessert visionary. Known affectionately as the “first lady of chocolate,” Medrich consistently delivers recipes that are not only delicious but also remarkably accessible, making them ideal for both aspiring and experienced bakers.
From the moment you open this book, you’re greeted with stunning, mouthwatering photographs that practically leap off the page. Each image is a testament to the delectable creations held within, making it nearly impossible to resist trying every single recipe. The book is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering a vast array of recipes that cater to every palate and occasion. You’ll find everything from luxurious chocolate sauces and delicate blueberry tarts to intriguing dessert chutneys and comforting pound cakes. What truly sets this cookbook apart, however, are the invaluable tips and tricks sprinkled throughout its pages. Whether you’re a complete novice taking your first steps in the kitchen or a seasoned baker looking to refine your skills, Medrich provides expert guidance that simplifies complex techniques and ensures consistent success. I find myself constantly paging through this book, each turn revealing another tempting dessert I absolutely *must* try. It’s a testament to her genius that she makes sophisticated baking feel “sinfully easy” and “smarter” for everyone.
From Brownie Drops to S’mores Sensation: The Recipe’s Evolution
Amidst the culinary treasures of Medrich’s book, her Bittersweet Brownie Drops caught my eye. Their promise of deep, intense chocolate flavor and fudgy texture was exactly what I was looking for. However, with National S’mores Day approaching, I felt compelled to infuse a celebratory S’mores twist into whatever I created. And so, a spark ignited: why not combine the irresistible richness of a brownie cookie with the nostalgic charm of S’mores? It was a match made in dessert heaven, a fusion that promised to deliver the best of both worlds.
My adaptation was delightfully simple yet profoundly effective. The original recipe called for a cup of nuts, a common brownie inclusion. Instead, I replaced them with coarsely broken graham cracker pieces, aiming for that signature S’mores crunch and subtly honeyed flavor. The next crucial addition was, of course, marshmallows. I experimented with adding some to the batter and reserving some for the top, ensuring those beautiful, toasted peaks. The goal was to create a cookie that wasn’t just *inspired* by S’mores but truly *embodied* them, transforming the classic campfire treat into a handheld baked delight. The moment the batter came together, thick and glossy, resembling a rich brownie mixture, I knew I was onto something special. To ensure I didn’t succumb to the temptation of eating the entire batch myself (a real possibility with these!), I promptly sent them off to my husband’s workplace – a sacrifice for the greater good of recipe sharing! The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, confirming these cookies were indeed a magnificent success.
The Ultimate Treat: A Closer Look at These S’mores Brownie Cookies
These S’mores Brownie Cookies are an absolute dream for any chocolate connoisseur. Imagine a dessert that is simultaneously rich, incredibly soft, and wonderfully gooey, delivering that perfect fudgy bite every single time. They truly are a brownie in cookie form, capturing all the desirable characteristics of a classic brownie – intense chocolate flavor, a slightly crinkled top, and a dense, chewy interior – but in a convenient, portable cookie format. Even the raw batter has the unmistakable sheen and consistency of a luxurious brownie mix, hinting at the decadent experience to come.
What elevates these cookies from great to extraordinary is the quality of chocolate you choose. This isn’t a recipe to skimp on ingredients. If you’ve been saving that premium bar of bittersweet chocolate (70% cocoa content is ideal, as specified in the recipe), this is precisely the occasion to use it. The superior flavor profile of high-quality chocolate shines through, providing a profound depth that complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and the wholesome crunch of the graham crackers. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes: the crisp edge giving way to a soft, chewy center, punctuated by pockets of melted marshmallow and fragments of graham cracker, all enveloped in deep, dark chocolate. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience, a perfect marriage of two beloved dessert icons.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These S’mores Brownie Cookies
These S’mores Brownie Cookies aren’t just another dessert recipe; they’re a revelation. Here’s why they’re destined to become a favorite in your household and a go-to for any sweet craving:
- A Taste of Nostalgia: They flawlessly capture all the beloved flavors and textures of a classic S’mores campfire treat, but in a convenient, bake-at-home format. No open flames required!
- Decadent Chocolate Experience: With a significant amount of high-quality bittersweet chocolate, these cookies deliver an intensely rich, fudgy brownie flavor that true chocolate lovers crave. Every bite is a deep dive into cocoa bliss.
- Perfect Texture: They strike the ideal balance between crisp, slightly chewy edges, a soft, incredibly gooey interior, and irresistible pockets of melted, toasted marshmallow. The texture alone is enough to make you swoon.
- Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite their impressive taste and appearance, the recipe is straightforward and accessible. Thanks to Alice Medrich’s “quicker, smarter” approach and my simple S’mores adaptation, even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are an undeniable hit at parties, potlucks, family gatherings, or simply as a special treat for your loved ones. Prepare for requests for the recipe!
- Versatile and Adaptable: While perfect as is, they can easily be customized. Experiment with different types of chocolate (milk or semi-sweet), add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted chocolate kick, or even try different types of crackers for the base.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect S’mores Brownie Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality S’mores Brownie Cookies is simpler than you think with these helpful tips and tricks. Follow these guidelines to ensure your cookies are moist, fudgy, and absolutely irresistible every time:
- Chocolate Quality Truly Matters: As emphasized before, investing in good quality bittersweet chocolate (around 70% cocoa content) makes a significant difference in the flavor depth and richness of your cookies. It provides a more complex and satisfying taste than standard baking chocolate chips. If using a bar, chop it coarsely yourself for better melting and distribution throughout the batter.
- Gentle Melting for Smoothness: Always use a double boiler method (a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water) to melt the butter and chocolate gently. This slow, indirect heat prevents the chocolate from seizing (becoming grainy and stiff) or burning, ensuring you achieve a perfectly smooth, glossy base for your cookie batter. Stir frequently for even melting.
- Avoid Overmixing the Flour: Once you’ve added the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until the dry ingredients are barely incorporated and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher, chewier cookies rather than the desired tender, fudgy texture. Use a spatula for the final fold.
- The Chill Time is Your Secret Weapon: Do not skip the 15-minute refrigeration step for the dough! This brief chill time helps to firm up the dough, making it much easier to scoop. More importantly, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they maintain a thick, desirable shape with that lovely brownie-like texture.
- Strategic Marshmallow Placement: Integrate about two-thirds of the marshmallows into the cookie batter during the last mixing stage. For the remaining marshmallows, gently press 2-3 pieces onto the top of each scooped cookie dough ball just before placing them in the oven. This ensures some marshmallows melt into gooey pockets within the cookie, while others get delightfully toasted and golden on top. You can use mini marshmallows or cut larger ones into smaller pieces.
- Don’t Overbake for Gooey Perfection: Brownie cookies are best when slightly underbaked, as this preserves their signature gooey, fudgy center. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for cookies that are puffed up and have slight cracks on their tops; the centers might still look a little soft – that’s precisely what you want for that perfect brownie-like chew! They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Proper Cooling Process: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5-10 minutes before attempting to transfer them to a wire rack. This critical step allows them to firm up sufficiently, preventing them from breaking apart when moved. Moving them too soon can result in crumbled cookies.
- Storage Best Practices: Store any leftover S’mores Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and fudgy for up to 3-4 days. For an extra special indulgence, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving; this brings back that delightful gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate texture.
S’mores Brownie Cookies
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Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, (70%), coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup +1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 whole large eggs
- 1 cup graham crackers pieces, (roughly break apart crackers into the size of chocolate chips)
- 1 cup marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips or 6 oz coarsely chopped chocolate
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
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In a large heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together over a pan of simmering water (double boiler). Stir frequently until it is melted and smooth.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
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Once the chocolate and butter mixture is melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated. Using a spatula, gently stir in the flour mixture until just combined and the batter comes together, pulling away from the sides of the bowl. Fold in the graham cracker pieces, chocolate chips (or coarsely chopped chocolate), and 2/3 cup of the marshmallows. Mix until evenly distributed. Refrigerate the dough for 15 minutes to firm it up.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving some space between them. Gently press 2 or 3 of the remaining marshmallows onto the top of each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will appear puffed and may start to crack on the top; be careful not to overbake them, as they will continue to set as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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There you have it – a truly magnificent dessert that brings the joy of S’mores and the decadence of brownies together in one spectacular cookie. Whether you’re celebrating National S’mores Day or simply craving a deeply satisfying chocolate treat, these S’mores Brownie Cookies are sure to impress. They’re a testament to how “quicker, smarter recipes” can lead to incredibly indulgent results. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful creation. Happy baking!
** I was sent a copy of this cookbook. All opinions are 100% my own. This post does include affiliate links.