These cookies are truly irresistible! They’re the perfect balance of rich, gooey chocolate, crunchy graham crackers, and soft, chewy marshmallows — all wrapped up in one perfect cookie. The addition of mini Reese’s cups gives them an extra sweet and creamy twist that elevates them to another level. Whether you’re a huge s’mores fan or just looking for a unique twist on your standard cookie, these cookies are sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – The butter serves as the base for the cookie dough, adding richness and helping achieve that chewy texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – For the sweetness and crisp edges of the cookie.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar – Adds moisture to the dough and a slight caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give structure to the cookies.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile with a touch of warmth.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – The main dry ingredient in this cookie dough.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread in the oven, giving them that nice chewy texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Classic chocolate chips that melt beautifully inside the cookies.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows – The key ingredient for the marshmallow part of the s’mores flavor. Mini marshmallows melt perfectly inside the dough.
- 1/2 cup mini Reese’s cups – Chopped into small pieces. These add a sweet, peanut-buttery twist to the classic s’mores flavor.
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs – This gives the cookie that unmistakable s’mores taste and helps with texture.
- Optional: Extra mini marshmallows for topping – A fun way to make the cookies look even more like a real s’more.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). You want the oven nice and hot when the dough hits the pan to ensure the cookies bake perfectly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This will help ensure the cookies are soft.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed in the dough.
- Add Dry to Wet:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in the Goodies:
- Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, mini Reese’s cups, and graham cracker crumbs. Be sure to fold them in gently to avoid squishing the marshmallows too much. The marshmallows will melt and create pockets of gooey sweetness inside the cookie.
- Shape the Dough:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out dough and roll it into balls. Place each dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave 2 inches of space between each cookie because they will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; when the edges are golden brown, the cookies are done. The centers may look a little soft, but they will set as they cool.
- Optional: Top with Extra Marshmallows:
- For a more marshmallow-y touch, place a few extra mini marshmallows on top of each cookie when you pull them out of the oven. The residual heat will melt them into the cookie, giving it that s’mores-like look.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, allowing the marshmallows and chocolate to firm up a little. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use regular-size Reese’s cups instead of mini ones?
A: Yes! If you’re using full-size Reese’s cups, chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the dough. Using larger pieces might cause your cookies to spread more than desired, so adjust your baking time as needed.
Q: Can I freeze this cookie dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough for later. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a freezer bag. To bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes (no need to thaw).
Q: How can I make these cookies even more “s’mores-y”?
A: You can try adding more graham cracker crumbs to the dough or even s’mores-flavored baking chips for a richer flavor. Some people like to drizzle chocolate syrup over the cookies after baking for an extra chocolatey finish!
Q: What if I don’t like marshmallows in cookies?
A: If you’re not a fan of marshmallows, you can simply leave them out and increase the amount of chocolate chips or Reese’s cups to make up for the volume. The graham cracker crumbs will still give it a s’mores vibe!
Health Benefits (in moderation!):
- Antioxidants from Chocolate: Dark chocolate and cocoa contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The semi-sweet chocolate chips in these cookies provide a little dose of those benefits.
- Graham Crackers for Fiber: The graham cracker crumbs contribute a bit of fiber to your cookies, which can help aid digestion and keep you fuller for longer.
- Mood-Boosting: Chocolate contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine that are thought to enhance mood and give you a little mental boost.
- Energy Boost: While these cookies are sweet and indulgent, the combination of sugar, fat, and protein from the Reese’s cups and chocolate chips gives a quick energy boost when you need it.
These S’mores Cookies with Mini Reese Cups are absolutely irresistible and will satisfy anyone’s craving for something sweet, gooey, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a movie night, game day, or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy on a lazy afternoon, these cookies are the perfect go-to snack. Their chewy texture, chocolatey richness, and hint of marshmallow make them a must-try dessert!