S’mores Cookie Cups: The Campfire Classic Just Got a Glow-Up
Ever tried making s’mores in your kitchen and ended up with a sticky mess that looked more like a science experiment gone wrong? Yeah, me too. But fear not, because I’ve got the perfect solution: S’mores Cookie Cups. These little bites of heaven bring all the gooey, chocolatey goodness of traditional s’mores without the need for a campfire or a hazmat suit for cleanup.
Why These S’mores Cookie Cups Are a Game-Changer
- No Campfire Needed: Enjoy the classic s’mores flavor without setting anything on fire (except maybe your taste buds).
- Perfectly Portioned: Each cup is a bite-sized delight, making portion control a breeze—if you can stop at just one.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Bring these to your next gathering, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “s’mores.”
- Customizable: Add your own twist with different chocolates or toppings.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 7-8 full sheets)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 large marshmallows, cut in half
- 2 Hershey’s chocolate bars, broken into 24 pieces
🧰 Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used
- Mini muffin pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Non-stick cooking spray
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Form the Cups: Spray the mini muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them into the muffin cups. Press down gently to form a cup shape.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Add Marshmallows: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately place a marshmallow half, cut side down, into each cookie cup. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are soft.
- Add Chocolate: Remove from the oven and press a piece of chocolate into each marshmallow. Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
🍽️ Calories & Nutritional Info (Per Cookie Cup)
- Calories: Approximately 120
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the oven; overbaking can lead to dry cookie cups.
- Not Greasing the Pan: Even if your pan is non-stick, a little cooking spray goes a long way in preventing sticking.
- Adding Marshmallows Too Early: Wait until the cookie cups are partially baked before adding marshmallows to avoid a gooey mess.
🔄 Variations & Customizations
- Nutella Twist: Swap out the Hershey’s chocolate for a dollop of Nutella for a hazelnut flavor.
- Peanut Butter Lovers: Add a teaspoon of peanut butter under the marshmallow for a sweet and salty combo.
- Dark Chocolate Delight: Use dark chocolate pieces instead of milk chocolate for a richer taste.
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! It saves time and still tastes great.
Q: How do I store these cookie cups?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes, freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free graham crackers and flour to make them gluten-free.
Q: What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan?
A: You can use a regular muffin pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
A: Yes, place a few mini marshmallows in each cup as a substitute.
Q: How do I get the marshmallows to brown on top?
A: Use the broiler for a minute or two, but watch closely to prevent burning.
🎉 Final Thoughts
So there you have it—S’mores Cookie Cups that bring all the joy of campfire treats without the hassle. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them on repeat. Happy baking!