Irresistible S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies: Your Ultimate No-Campfire Summer Treat
Imagine the cozy warmth of a campfire, the sweet scent of toasted marshmallows, and the rich taste of chocolate melting between crisp graham crackers. What if you could capture that iconic summer feeling in an easy-to-make, utterly delicious cookie? Introducing our S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies – a delightful fusion of fudgy brownies, classic graham crackers, and gooey marshmallows. This isn’t just an easy cookie recipe; it’s a celebration of your favorite summer treat, perfected for indoor baking with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Summer is synonymous with s’mores. While we adore the tradition of gathering around a crackling campfire to roast marshmallows, sometimes a fire isn’t an option, or you simply crave that nostalgic taste from the comfort of your kitchen. These S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies are the perfect solution! They deliver all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional s’mores in a convenient, portable cookie format. You get the rich, chocolatey base of a brownie, the unmistakable crunch of a graham cracker, and the irresistibly gooey sweetness of a perfectly toasted marshmallow, all topped with a square of classic Hershey’s chocolate.
What Makes These S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies So Special?
These S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies are a clever twist on two classic desserts, bringing together the best of both worlds. The foundation is a rich, fudgy brownie cookie, elevated with the iconic s’mores elements. To create these delectable treats, you’ll combine a box of brownie mix with a few pantry staples like flour, eggs, butter, chocolate syrup, and vanilla. Mini chocolate chips are folded into the cookie dough for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness. Once baked to perfection, each warm cookie is nestled onto a graham cracker square, topped with a marshmallow half, and briefly broiled until golden and gooey. A final touch of Hershey’s chocolate melts softly on top, creating an incredible dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Cookie Recipe
- Effortless Convenience: Using a brownie mix as the base significantly cuts down on prep time, making these cookies perfect for busy bakers or spontaneous cravings.
- Classic S’mores Flavor, Anytime: No campfire? No problem! Enjoy the beloved taste of s’mores whenever you desire, right from your oven.
- Irresistible Texture Symphony: Experience the chewy, fudgy brownie cookie, the delicate crunch of graham cracker, and the soft, melty marshmallow – a perfect harmony in every bite.
- Kid-Friendly & Fun: These cookies are a joy to make with children, and even more fun to eat! The assembly process is engaging for little helpers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a birthday party, a potluck, or just a sweet craving, these cookies are always a hit.
Key Ingredients for S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies
Crafting these amazing brownie s’mores cookies requires a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s a closer look at each component and why it’s essential for achieving that perfect s’mores experience:
- Brownie Mix: The star of this semi-homemade recipe! Use a standard 16.3-ounce box of brownie mix. Any brand or variety (fudgy or cakey) will work wonderfully, offering a rich chocolate base for your cookies. This shortcut makes the recipe incredibly quick and easy.
- All-Purpose Flour: Adding a touch of flour to the brownie mix is crucial. It helps to give the cookies the ideal structure and prevents them from spreading too much, ensuring they have a perfect, chewy cookie consistency rather than being too cake-like.
- Large Eggs: Two large eggs act as a binding agent, holding all the ingredients together and adding essential moisture and richness to the cookie dough.
- Melted Unsalted Butter: Butter provides most of the moisture and contributes significantly to the tender texture and delicious flavor of these cookies. Using real butter is highly recommended for the best taste and results. Make sure it’s melted, but not hot, before incorporating it into the mix.
- Chocolate Syrup: A single tablespoon of chocolate syrup might seem small, but it adds an incredible depth of rich chocolate flavor, intensifying the brownie base. While optional, it’s a secret ingredient that truly elevates these cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: High-quality vanilla extract is always a worthwhile investment in baking. It enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Miniature Chocolate Chips: Because who can say no to more chocolate? Folding in miniature chocolate chips ensures a burst of melted chocolate in nearly every bite, adding to the overall decadence. This is an optional but highly recommended addition for serious chocolate lovers.
- Graham Crackers: You can’t have s’mores without graham crackers! For this recipe, break each full graham cracker sheet into 8 smaller squares. These are placed *underneath* the cookies immediately after baking, providing that signature s’mores crunch. Do not bake them with the cookies, as they can burn easily.
- Regular-Sized Marshmallows: You’ll need about 16 regular-sized marshmallows, each cut in half. These marshmallow halves are gently pressed onto the warm cookies and then broiled until they are perfectly golden brown and wonderfully gooey.
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars: The classic choice for s’mores! Break a few Hershey’s bars into individual squares. Placing a square on top of each broiled marshmallow cookie is the perfect finishing touch, allowing the residual heat to melt it slightly into a smooth, creamy layer.
How to Make S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to create these amazing brownie s’mores cookies with this easy-to-follow guide:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
MAKE THE COOKIES
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of brownie mix with the all-purpose flour. Whisk them together until thoroughly blended. This ensures the flour is evenly distributed throughout your cookie base.
2. Add the wet ingredients: the two eggs, melted butter, chocolate syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Use a hand mixer on low speed or a sturdy fork to stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
3. Gently fold in the miniature chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the rich brownie cookie dough. A spatula works best for this step.
4. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out cookie dough balls. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading. Bake for exactly 7 minutes. The cookies may still look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will continue to set as they cool.
5. While the cookies are baking, prepare your toppings: Break your graham crackers into small squares (each full sheet should yield 8 squares). Break your Hershey’s chocolate bars into individual squares, and cut your regular-sized marshmallows in half horizontally.
ADD GRAHAM CRACKERS AND CHOCOLATE BARS
6. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, use a thin spatula to carefully slide a graham cracker square underneath each warm cookie. The heat from the cookie will help it adhere.
7. Place half of a marshmallow (cut side down) on top of each cookie, gently pressing it into the warm brownie base.
8. Turn your oven’s broiler to high. Carefully place the baking sheet with the cookies back into the oven, keeping a very close eye on them. Broil for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and gooey. This step is quick, so do not walk away!
9. Remove the cookies from the oven immediately once the marshmallows reach your desired toastiness.
10. Let the s’mores cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, top each marshmallow with a square of Hershey’s chocolate, allowing it to soften and melt slightly from the residual heat.
11. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some crushed graham cracker crumbs on top of the melted chocolate. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade s’mores sensation!
S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 16.3 oz box of brownie mix
- ¼ cup unbleached flour
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup of miniature chocolate chips
- 4 graham crackers break each into 8 squares
- 16 regular-sized marshmallows
- 3-4 Hershey chocolate bars
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375° and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
MAKE THE COOKIES
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In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix and flour.
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Use a hand mixer or fork to stir in all of the wet ingredients (eggs, melted butter, chocolate syrup, and vanilla).
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Fold in the chocolate chips.
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Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop cookie dough balls and arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2” apart. Bake for 7 minutes.
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While the cookies are baking, break your graham crackers into small squares (each graham cracker should be broken into 8 smaller squares), break your chocolate into pieces, and cut your marshmallows in half.
ADD GRAHAM CRACKERS AND CHOCOLATE BARS
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Remove the cookies from the oven and use a spatula to slide a graham cracker under each cookie.
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Put half of a marshmallow (cut side down) on the top of the cookie and gently press it into the cookie.
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Turn the oven broiler on high and place the cookies back in the oven for around 1 minute – watch them closely because this can take seconds to a little over a minute depending on your broiler.
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Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the marshmallow starts to brown.
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Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before topping with a piece of chocolate bar.
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If you’d like, you can sprinkle some graham cracker crumbs on top.
Nutrition
Pro Tips for Making the Best Brownie S’mores Cookies
To ensure your S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time, keep these invaluable tips in mind:
- Always Preheat Your Oven: This might seem obvious, but a properly preheated oven is crucial for consistent baking results. It ensures your cookies start baking immediately at the correct temperature, leading to an even bake and optimal texture.
- Invest in a Cookie Scoop: For perfectly uniform cookies, a cookie scoop is your best friend. It ensures each cookie is the same size, promoting even baking and a beautiful presentation. Plus, it makes portioning dough much faster and less messy!
- Utilize Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These non-stick surfaces are a game-changer for easy removal, preventing your cookies from sticking to the pan and preserving their perfect shape.
- Do Not Overbake: This is perhaps the most critical tip for fudgy, chewy brownie cookies. When you remove them from the oven after 7 minutes, they will appear slightly underbaked in the center. This is exactly what you want! The cookies will continue to cook and set on the warm baking sheet for a few more minutes, resulting in that ideal chewy texture. Overbaking leads to dry, crumbly cookies.
- Watch Your Broiler Closely: The marshmallow broiling step is very fast. Ovens vary, so what takes 30 seconds in one might take over a minute in another. Stay by the oven and watch continuously to prevent burning. The marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- Cool Slightly Before Adding Chocolate: Allowing the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet helps them set. Adding the chocolate bar to the slightly cooled, but still warm, marshmallow ensures it melts beautifully without becoming a runny mess.
Variations & Customizations for Your S’mores Brownie Cookies
While the classic S’mores Brownie Mix Cookie is perfection, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:
- Different Chocolate: Instead of classic Hershey’s milk chocolate, try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even miniature peanut butter cups for a unique flavor twist.
- Flavored Marshmallows: Experiment with flavored marshmallows if you can find them, like strawberry or chocolate-filled varieties, for an extra layer of taste.
- Add-ins: Fold in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), sprinkles, or even a dash of cinnamon into the cookie dough for more texture and flavor.
- Mini S’mores: Use mini marshmallows and mini graham cracker squares for bite-sized s’mores treats perfect for parties.
How to Store Brownie S’mores Cookies
These delightful S’mores Brownie Cookies are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but they also store well. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their deliciousness for up to 1 week. For the best gooey marshmallow experience after storage, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds can bring them back to life!
Troubleshooting Common Cookie Issues
Even with an easy recipe, baking can sometimes present challenges. Here are solutions to common cookie problems:
WHY DO MY COOKIES BURN ON THE BOTTOM BUT AREN’T DONE IN THE MIDDLE?
This is a common frustration and usually points to your baking equipment. If you’re using dark-colored cookie sheets, they tend to absorb and retain more heat, causing the bottoms of your baked goods to cook faster and potentially burn before the centers are fully done. The same issue can arise from using too much cooking spray. To prevent this, I highly recommend using lighter-colored, non-stick baking pans, which often eliminate the need for cooking spray altogether. Even better, consider switching to silicone baking mats. They provide excellent non-stick properties, ensure even heat distribution, and make it incredibly easy to remove cookies from the tray without any sticking or scraping.
WHY ARE MY COOKIES FLAT?
Flat cookies can be caused by a few factors:
- Melted Butter Too Warm: If your butter is too hot when added, it can make the dough too soft, leading to excessive spreading. Ensure it’s just melted and cooled slightly.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher dough that spreads more. Mix until just combined.
- Not Enough Flour: Precision in measuring flour is important. If you used too little, the dough might not have enough structure.
- Old Leavening Agents: Make sure your baking powder/soda (if using a recipe from scratch, less likely with brownie mix) isn’t expired.
WHY ARE MY COOKIES DRY OR CRUMBLY?
This is almost always a sign of overbaking. Keep an eye on the cooking time and remember the “do not overbake” tip mentioned above. Cookies continue to set as they cool, so removing them when they look slightly underdone is key to achieving a moist, chewy interior.
Can You Freeze S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies?
Yes, these s’mores brownie cookies are freezer-friendly, both as dough and baked! Freezing is a fantastic way to prepare ahead or enjoy fresh-baked cookies whenever a craving strikes.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: Roll the cookie dough into individual balls using your cookie scoop. Place these dough balls on a baking sheet, ensuring they are barely far enough apart that they aren’t touching. Freeze for 1-2 hours, or until the dough is completely solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Baking from Frozen Dough: When you’re ready to bake, you can either let the frozen dough balls come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, or bake them straight from the freezer. If baking directly from frozen, you may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes to the original baking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the fully assembled S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies. Once they have completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving to re-soften the marshmallow and chocolate.
More Delicious S’mores-Inspired Recipes to Try:
If you’re a true s’mores enthusiast, you’ll love exploring these other creative ways to enjoy the classic flavor combination:
- 4-Ingredient S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies
- S’mores Oatmeal Cookies
- S’mores Popcorn
- S’mores Poke Cake
- Fudge Striped Cookie S’mores
- Chocolate Chip S’mores Cookies
- S’mores Cookie Sandwiches
- S’mores Cookies
- Baked S’mores Bars
- Graham Cracker S’mores Cookies
- S’mores Fudge
- No-Bake S’mores Bars
- S’mores Cheesecake
- S’mores Brownies
These S’mores Brownie Mix Cookies offer a delightful journey into the heart of summer, no campfire required. With the convenience of a brownie mix and the irresistible combination of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, this is truly an easy cookie recipe that promises to be a beloved summer treat. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply indulging on your own, these cookies are a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary joy. Go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the flavors transport you!