Description Smookies are the ultimate indulgent treat that combines the best of cookies and s’mores. Imagine a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie enveloping a layer of melted Hershey’s chocolate and toasted marshmallows, all nestled on a crisp graham cracker base. Perfect for campfire nights or a cozy evening at home, these treats are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a smile to everyone’s face. These are not your average cookies; they are an experience!
Ingredients
- 30-ounce roll refrigerated Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie dough
- 8 sheets graham crackers, broken in half to make 16 graham cracker halves
- 8 bars Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (1.55 oz each), cut in half
- 16 large marshmallows
Preparation
Before you dive into creating these delectable treats, a little preparation can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting everything ready:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Consistent temperature is crucial for even baking and the perfect Smookie texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the Smookies from sticking to the pan. Nobody wants to lose a precious Smookie to a sticky baking sheet! Parchment paper ensures easy removal and clean-up.
Step 3: Slice the Cookie Dough: Unwrap the roll of chocolate chip cookie dough and slice it into approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds. You should get about 16 cookie rounds from the roll. Even slices will ensure even baking.
Step 4: Cut the Marshmallows: Take each marshmallow and cut it in half. Cutting them in half allows for better melting and distribution of the gooey marshmallow goodness.
Instructions
Now that you’ve prepped your ingredients, let’s assemble and bake these amazing Smookies. Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect batch:
Step 1: Lay Down the Graham Cracker Base: Place 6-8 graham cracker halves on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart. Remember, these Smookies are going to be big, and they need their space!
Step 2: Add the Chocolate Layer: Lay a half of a Hershey’s chocolate bar over each graham cracker half. This layer of chocolate will melt into a rich, gooey base.
Step 3: Top with Marshmallows: Place two marshmallow halves, cut side down, over each of the chocolate bars. By placing the cut side down, you’re maximizing the surface area for melting, resulting in a perfectly toasted marshmallow layer.
Step 4: Add the Cookie Dough Lid: Now, carefully place a cookie dough round over each s’more assembly, using the cookie dough as the “lid.” Gently press the cookie dough around the edges to seal it slightly, ensuring that the chocolate and marshmallows stay snug inside.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection: Pop the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 16-19 minutes. For softer, gooier Smookies, bake for 16-17 minutes. If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake for 18-19 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy: Once the Smookies are baked to golden perfection, remove the baking pan from the oven and let them cool on the pan for a few minutes. This allows the chocolate and marshmallows to set slightly. Then, carefully transfer the Smookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Repeat for Second Batch: While the first batch is cooling, prepare the second batch of Smookies with the remaining ingredients. This ensures a continuous flow of delicious treats!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The Perfect Combination: Smookies bring together the beloved flavors of chocolate chip cookies and classic s’mores, creating a delightful fusion that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable: You can easily customize these treats with different types of chocolate, marshmallows, or even add nuts or sprinkles to the cookie dough.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a party, or a cozy night in, Smookies are always a hit.
- Nostalgic: These treats evoke the warm, comforting memories of campfires and happy moments spent with loved ones.
- Texture Contrast: The combination of the crisp graham cracker, gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and soft cookie creates a wonderful textural experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm and Gooey: Serve the Smookies warm for the ultimate gooey, melted experience.
- With a Glass of Milk: Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a Smookie over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Campfire Dessert: Bring them along on your next camping trip for a fun and easy dessert.
- Gift Giving: Package them up in a cute box or bag for a homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
- Party Platter: Arrange them on a platter with other desserts for a festive and fun party spread.
Tips
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the Smookies while they’re baking to prevent them from burning. The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Using good quality chocolate will enhance the flavor of the Smookies.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Add chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt to the cookie dough for extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust Baking Time: Adjust the baking time depending on your oven and desired level of crispiness.
- Let Them Cool: Allow the Smookies to cool slightly before serving to prevent the chocolate and marshmallows from being too melty.
- Storage: Store leftover Smookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat Smookies in the microwave for a few seconds to get them warm and gooey again.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
16-19 minutes
Total Time
31-34 minutes
Nutritional Information
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per Smookie
- Protein: 4-5 grams
- Sodium: 150-200 mg
Conclusion
Smookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience that combines the best of cookies and s’mores into one irresistible treat. With their gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and soft cookie exterior, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a camping trip, or a cozy night at home, Smookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the magic of Smookies!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate bars like caramel or peanut butter cup.
- Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can assemble the Smookies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of minutes to the baking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Q: Can I freeze the Smookies?
- A: While it’s not recommended to freeze them after baking (as the texture might change), you can freeze the assembled Smookies before baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Q: What if I don’t have graham crackers?
- A: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use other types of cookies as a base, such as shortbread cookies or even Ritz crackers for a sweet and salty twist.
- Q: Can I use mini marshmallows instead of cutting the large ones in half?
- A: Yes, you can use mini marshmallows. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of mini marshmallows over the chocolate layer instead of using halved marshmallows. The amount needed will vary to preference.
