Golden Graham Gooey S’mores Cracker Cookies: Your New Favorite Easy S’mores Cracker Cookies Recipe
There’s something undeniably magical about a s’more. That perfect trifecta of crunchy graham cracker, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallow evokes memories of campfires and starlit nights. But what if you could capture that same beloved experience, without the need for a roaring fire or a trip outdoors? Enter the Golden Graham Gooey S’mores Cracker Cookies – an utterly delightful and incredibly easy s’mores cracker cookies recipe that brings all the nostalgic flavor right into your kitchen. These cookie bars transform the classic treat into a convenient, irresistible dessert, perfect for any occasion or just because.
Why You’ll Love These Golden Graham Gooey S’mores Cracker Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about recreating a classic; it’s about elevating it with incredible convenience and a symphony of textures and flavors. You’ll love these s’mores cracker cookies because they are:
- Effortlessly Delicious: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these extraordinary treats. They’re a perfect solution for sudden dessert cravings.
- A Texture Lover’s Dream: Experience the buttery, firm crunch of the graham cracker crust, followed by the smooth, rich melt of chocolate, all crowned with a fluffy, stretchy, and perfectly golden marshmallow layer.
- No Campfire Needed: Get all the smoky-sweet goodness of s’mores right from your oven. No sticky fingers from open flames, just pure, unadulterated enjoyment.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a potluck, a party, or a cozy night in, these bars are guaranteed to disappear quickly. They appeal to both kids and adults alike.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with readily available pantry staples, making them an accessible baking project for anyone.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of these s’mores cracker cookies lies in their simplicity, using a handful of ingredients to create maximum impact.
Core Ingredients:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundation of our crust. Using pre-crushed crumbs saves time, but you can easily make your own by pulsing full graham cracker sheets in a food processor.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts and binds the crust ingredients, contributing to its rich flavor. Using unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the crust, enhancing its depth of flavor.
- Sea Salt: A pinch elevates all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and making the chocolate and marshmallow taste even better.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate Bars: The gooey heart of these bars. Semi-sweet offers a balanced sweetness, but feel free to experiment.
- Mini Marshmallows: These puff up beautifully and toast evenly, creating that signature gooey, golden top layer.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Chocolate: For a richer, less sweet experience, substitute dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate bars. If you prefer a sweeter profile, milk chocolate can also be used, though it will be very sweet.
- Crust Flavor: While graham crackers are classic, you could experiment with other crumb bases like digestive biscuits or even chocolate wafers for a different twist.
- Marshmallows: While mini marshmallows are recommended for even coverage and melting, you could carefully arrange larger marshmallows (cut into smaller pieces if needed) for a different aesthetic. Just be mindful of oven time to prevent burning.
How to Make Golden Graham Gooey S’mores Cracker Cookies
Creating these delectable bars is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. The key to a perfect batch of this easy s’mores cracker cookies recipe lies in following the sequence and allowing proper cooling time.
- Prepare Your Pan & Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s an overhang on two sides. This overhang acts as a convenient “sling” to lift the finished bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Craft the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly until all the crumbs are uniformly moistened. This ensures a cohesive and flavorful crust.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact, solid base. Bake this crust for 7-9 minutes, or until you see the edges turn lightly golden brown. This crucial step helps set the crust and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Melt the Chocolate: Remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle your chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over the warm, pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven for just 1-2 minutes. The goal here is merely to soften the chocolate, not fully melt it.
- Spread and Top: Take the pan out of the oven once more. Gently spread the softened chocolate with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer across the crust. Immediately and generously top this chocolate layer with mini marshmallows, ensuring they completely cover the chocolate.
- Toast the Marshmallows: Place the pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes. Watch carefully! The marshmallows will puff up, turn a beautiful golden brown, and become delightfully gooey. Remove them as soon as they reach your desired toastiness to prevent burning.
- Cool Completely: This step is vital for clean, neat cuts. Allow the S’mores Cracker Cookies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. The chocolate needs time to set and firm up.
- Cut and Serve: Once cooled and firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Cut into 12 squares or your preferred shapes. Serve and savor your homemade s’mores cracker cookies!
Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect s’mores cracker cookie is easy with a few expert pointers:
- Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: Don’t skip lining the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. This makes lifting the finished, cooled bars out of the pan incredibly easy and prevents any sticking.
- Compact Crust is Key: Press the graham cracker mixture very firmly into the pan. A compact crust will hold together better and provide that satisfying snap when you bite into it.
- Don’t Overbake the Marshmallows: Marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. Keep a close eye on them during the last baking stage. A golden-brown hue is what you’re aiming for.
- Cool Completely for Clean Cuts: Patience is a virtue here! While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, allowing the bars to cool completely (at least 2-3 hours, or even chilling for 30 minutes) ensures the chocolate layer sets, resulting in clean, precise squares.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of gourmet flavor, consider sprinkling a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate layer before adding the marshmallows. This enhances the chocolate’s richness and provides a delightful contrast. You could also drizzle a little extra melted chocolate on top after cooling.
Serving Suggestions
These Golden Graham Gooey S’mores Cracker Cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:
- Classic Pairing: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
- Dessert Platter Star: Cut into smaller bites and arrange on a dessert platter with other treats. For another delightful cookie option, consider our recipe for Lemon Glazed Shortbread Cookies.
- A La Mode: A warm s’mores cracker cookie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is an indulgent delight, the cold ice cream a perfect counterpoint to the warm goo.
- Coffee or Tea Companion: Enjoy a square with your favorite hot beverage for a comforting afternoon snack.
For those who enjoy exploring other delicious cookie recipes, we highly recommend checking out the Cherry Almond Cookies recipe on Fork Haven™.
Storage & Reheating
To best enjoy your Golden Graham Gooey S’mores Cracker Cookies:
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. While they are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh, they will retain their deliciousness.
- Reheating: To bring back some of that irresistible gooey magic, briefly microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the marshmallows can become rubbery.
FAQ
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended for balance, you can use dark chocolate for a less sweet, more intense flavor, or milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier result. Just be aware that different chocolates melt at slightly different rates.
Q: Why do I need to bake the crust first?
A: Pre-baking the graham cracker crust helps it set, preventing it from becoming soggy once the chocolate and marshmallows are added. It also enhances the flavor and crispness of the crust.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance. However, the marshmallows are at their freshest and gooey-est right after baking and cooling. If making ahead, a quick reheat in the microwave can revive some of that gooey texture.
Q: What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
A: You can use larger marshmallows, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller pieces (quarters or halves) to ensure they cover the chocolate evenly and toast properly without burning on the edges.
Conclusion
The Golden Graham Gooey S’mores Cracker Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They capture the essence of a beloved campfire classic, transforming it into an accessible, quick, and utterly satisfying treat. With a mere 30 minutes of total time, you can indulge in layers of buttery graham cracker, rich melted chocolate, and perfectly toasted, gooey marshmallows. This easy s’mores cracker cookies recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and smart techniques can create truly extraordinary results. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and prepare to delight your taste buds with these irresistible cookie bars.
Golden Graham Gooey S’mores Cracker Cookies
Imagine the ultimate campfire treat transformed into a delightful, easy-to-make cookie bar. These S’mores Cracker Cookies feature a buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust, a luscious layer of melted chocolate, and a crown of perfectly toasted, gooey marshmallows. No campfire needed to capture that nostalgic smoky sweetness and satisfying crunch. Perfect for a quick dessert fix, party trays, or simply satisfying that sudden craving for something truly extraordinary and effortlessly delicious.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and sea salt. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a compact crust.
- Bake the graham cracker crust for 7-9 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges. This helps set the crust and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over the warm crust. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes, just long enough for the chocolate to soften.
- Remove the pan again. Spread the softened chocolate gently with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even layer. Immediately top with a generous layer of mini marshmallows, making sure they cover the chocolate completely.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed, golden brown, and delightfully gooey. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Let the S'mores Cracker Cookies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. This is crucial for clean cuts, as the chocolate needs to set.
- Once cooled and firm, cut into 12 squares or desired shapes. Serve and enjoy your homemade s'mores cracker cookies!
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle with a little melted chocolate or sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving. If you prefer a less sweet treat, use dark chocolate chips. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh! Reheating briefly in the microwave can bring back some of the gooey magic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg