Name: Smores Cookie Cups: Easy Recipe & Baking Tips
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 43 min
Yield: 12 cookie cups
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full graham cracker sheets); ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 (10.5 ounce) bag mini marshmallows; 6 Hershey's milk chocolate bars, broken into squares

Smores cookie cups: the miniature marvel that perfectly captures the essence of a campfire treat in a delightful, bite-sized package! Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly cookie base, giving way to a gooey, melted chocolate center, all crowned with a perfectly toasted marshmallow. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about them!

The inspiration for these little gems, of course, comes from the classic American s'more. While the exact origins are debated, s'mores gained immense popularity in the early 20th century, appearing in Girl Scout handbooks as early as 1927. The name "s'more" is believed to be a contraction of "some more," reflecting the universal desire for, well, some more of this irresistible combination.

What makes smores cookie cups so universally loved? It's the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The crisp cookie provides a satisfying crunch, the melted chocolate offers a rich, decadent sweetness, and the toasted marshmallow delivers that signature smoky, gooey goodness. Plus, they're incredibly convenient! No campfire required, and they're portion-controlled (if you can resist eating more than one, that is!). Get ready to experience a taste of nostalgia with every single bite!

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the S'mores Filling:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full graham cracker sheets)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 (10.5 ounce) bag mini marshmallows
6 Hershey's milk chocolate bars, broken into squares

Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust:

Before we even think about the cookie dough, let's get the graham cracker crust ready. This adds that authentic s'mores flavor and a delightful textural contrast to the soft cookie.

Crush the Graham Crackers: The first step is to crush those graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can do this in a food processor for the quickest and most even results. Pulse them until they're uniformly crumbly. Alternatively, you can place the graham crackers in a large zip-top bag, seal it tightly, and use a rolling pin to crush them. Make sure there aren't any large chunks remaining.
Combine with Melted Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand. This is what will hold the crust together.
Press into Muffin Tin: Now, grab your muffin tin (a standard 12-cup muffin tin works perfectly). Spoon about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly press the mixture into an even layer. Make sure to press it firmly so it forms a solid base. We don't want it crumbling apart later!
Bake the Crust (Optional): For a sturdier crust, you can pre-bake it. Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help the crust set and prevent it from becoming soggy. If you skip this step, the crust will still be delicious, just a bit softer. Let the crusts cool slightly while you prepare the cookie dough.

Making the Cookie Dough:

Now for the star of the show – the cookie dough! This is a classic chocolate chip cookie dough recipe that's perfectly suited for holding all that gooey s'mores goodness.

Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie. Don't rush it!
Beat in Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

Assembling the S'mores Cookie Cups:

This is where the magic happens! We're going to combine the cookie dough, graham cracker crust, marshmallows, and chocolate to create the ultimate s'mores cookie cup.

Place Cookie Dough in Muffin Cups: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough into each muffin cup, on top of the graham cracker crust. Gently press the dough down to create an even layer. Leave a little space at the top for the marshmallows to expand.
Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle a generous layer of mini marshmallows over the cookie dough in each muffin cup. You want to cover the entire surface of the dough with marshmallows. Don't be shy!
Add Chocolate Squares: Place 2-3 squares of Hershey's milk chocolate on top of the marshmallows in each muffin cup. The amount of chocolate you use will depend on the size of your chocolate squares and your personal preference.

Baking the S'mores Cookie Cups:

Time to bake these beauties! The baking time is crucial to ensure the cookies are cooked through and the marshmallows are perfectly toasted.

Bake in Preheated Oven: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly puffed. Keep a close eye on them, as the marshmallows can burn quickly.
Cool Slightly: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cookie cups cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes. This allows them to set slightly and makes them easier to remove.
Remove from Muffin Tin: Carefully remove the cookie cups from the muffin tin. You may need to use a knife or spatula to loosen them around the edges.
Cool Completely (Optional): Let the cookie cups cool completely on a wire rack before serving. However, they are best enjoyed warm, when the marshmallows are still gooey and the chocolate is melted.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your s'mores cookie cups? Here are a few ideas:

Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate.
Peanut Butter: Add a dollop of peanut butter to the cookie dough or on top of the graham cracker crust for a peanut butter s'mores twist.
Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallows before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the top of the marshmallows before baking for a festive touch.
Different Graham Crackers: Use chocolate graham crackers for an even richer flavor.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the baked cookie cups for a salted caramel flavor.
Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cookie dough to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Nutella: Spread a thin layer of Nutella on top of the graham cracker crust before adding the cookie dough.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover s'mores cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to re-melt the marshmallows and chocolate before serving.

Enjoy!

These s'mores cookie cups are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a fun weekend treat. Enjoy the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy goodness!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These S'mores Cookie Cups are truly a must-try for anyone who loves the classic campfire treat but wants a convenient, less messy, and utterly delightful way to enjoy it. The combination of the buttery, slightly salty cookie base, the gooey melted chocolate, and the perfectly toasted marshmallow on top is simply irresistible. I promise, one bite and you'll be hooked! What makes these cookie cups so special is their versatility. They're perfect for a quick weeknight dessert, a fun weekend baking project with the kids, or even a crowd-pleasing addition to your next party. Imagine serving these warm, gooey cups at a summer barbecue – they're guaranteed to be a hit! Plus, they're so much easier to manage than traditional s'mores, especially when you're dealing with little hands (and sticky fingers!). But the fun doesn't stop there! Feel free to get creative with your S'mores Cookie Cups. For a richer, more decadent flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the marshmallows before baking for a sweet and salty sensation. You could even incorporate different flavored marshmallows, like strawberry or vanilla bean, to add a unique twist. Serving suggestions? Oh, I have plenty! Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Or, pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. For a more sophisticated presentation, drizzle them with a homemade chocolate sauce or a salted caramel sauce. And if you happen to have any leftover (though I highly doubt you will!), they're delicious cold straight from the fridge. Another variation I love is adding a layer of graham cracker crumbs to the bottom of the cookie cup before adding the chocolate. This adds an extra layer of texture and that authentic s'mores flavor. You could also experiment with different types of cookies for the base. Chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, or even oatmeal cookies would all work beautifully. The possibilities are endless! I truly believe that these S'mores Cookie Cups are a game-changer. They're easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. They're the perfect way to satisfy your s'mores craving any time of year, without the need for a campfire. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. I'm confident that you and your loved ones will absolutely adore them. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? Did you add any special ingredients? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can't wait to see your creations and hear all about your s'mores cookie cup adventures! Happy baking!