Anastasia’s S’mores Cookies

Anastasia’s S’mores Cookies are the epitome of indulgence, combining the classic flavors of s’mores with the irresistible appeal of freshly baked cookies. These cookies boast a soft and chewy texture, with the perfect balance of sweet and salty notes. Each bite is a nostalgic journey back to campfire nights and childhood memories. Join us as we embark on a culinary adventure to recreate this beloved treat in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough Base:

• 3/4 cup butter, browned or softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (light brown sugar works too)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

For the Toasted Graham Crackers:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4-5 sheets graham crackers, crushed into small pieces (like the size of peas or smaller)
• 10 regular-sized marshmallows, cut into halves
• Flaky sea salt to finish (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the browned or softened butter, dark brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the semisweet and dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Chill the Dough:
   • Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances the flavor.
4. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Prepare the Toasted Graham Crackers:
   • In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the crushed graham crackers and toast them until golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Assemble the Cookies:
   • Take a tablespoon-sized portion of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a halved marshmallow in the center, then fold the dough around it to encase the marshmallow completely. Roll the cookie dough ball in the toasted graham cracker crumbs until coated.
7. Bake the Cookies:
   • Place the prepared cookie dough balls onto the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the marshmallow is gooey.
8. Finish with Sea Salt:
   • Remove the cookies from the oven and sprinkle them with flaky sea salt for an extra pop of flavor. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve these delectable Anastasia’s S’mores Cookies warm or at room temperature, paired with a glass of cold milk or your favorite hot beverage. Enjoy the gooey marshmallow center and the satisfying crunch of toasted graham crackers in every bite!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Browning the Butter: Taking the extra step to brown the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies, elevating their taste profile. However, if you’re short on time, softened butter works well too.
• Customize the Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or chunks to suit your preferences. Milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even caramel-filled chocolate can be delicious alternatives.
• Add Nutty Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the cookie dough.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
• Use sugar-free chocolate chips sweetened with stevia or erythritol instead of regular chocolate chips.
• Replace the sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to keep the cookies keto-friendly.

Low-Carb Version:

• Follow the keto version instructions above, making sure to adjust the ingredients and portion sizes to fit your low-carb lifestyle.
• Enjoy these low-carb S’mores Cookies in moderation as a special treat, keeping in mind the carb content of the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows? While marshmallow fluff can be used as a substitute, keep in mind that it may alter the texture of the cookies slightly. Marshmallows provide a gooey center that adds to the s’mores experience.

2. How long do these cookies stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat them briefly in the microwave before serving to restore their softness and gooey texture.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? Yes, the cookie dough can be portioned into balls and frozen on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe as directed.

4. Can I make these cookies without eggs? While eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the texture of the cookies, you can experiment with egg substitutes such as mashed banana, applesauce, or commercial egg replacers for a vegan-friendly version of these cookies.

Anastasia’s S’mores Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, bringing together the flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers in a deliciously soft and chewy cookie form. With the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, you can enjoy these irresistible treats guilt-free. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate s’mores experience with Anastasia’s S’mores Cookies!