Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses Recipe

Imagine the ultimate combo of summertime nostalgia and cozy baking coming together in a single decadent bite—yes, that’s Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses! This cookie is all about golden graham-infused dough studded with gooey marshmallows, heaps of chocolate, and topped with that melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s Kiss. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a fun holiday dessert, or just craving campfire flavors without leaving your kitchen, these cookies are the perfect pick-me-up. Every batch truly captures that magical, gooey, chocolatey essence we all remember from s’mores around a crackling fire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of everyday staples transform into such a standout treat! Each ingredient contributes its own wonderful layer—richness from the butter, molasses depth from brown sugar, and of course, those pops of melted marshmallow and velvety chocolate. Let’s break them down so you know just what makes these Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses truly irresistible.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The foundation for any chewy, rich cookie—make sure it’s soft for ultra-creamy mixing.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Brings the classic sweetness and helps the edges get delightfully crisp.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a caramel-like undertone that deepens the flavor.
• Large egg (1): The binder! Gives these cookies their perfect chew and structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates every flavor and makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone—creates that soft but sturdy base for our gooey bites.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures that perfect lift and soft centers.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
• Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup): The ultimate s’mores twist—these make every bite taste like a campfire classic!
• Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Extra chocolate in every single bite. Yes, please!
• Hershey’s Kisses (24): The chocolate “hug” topping—press them in while the cookies are warm for maximum meltiness.
• Mini marshmallows (1/2 cup): Create gooey pockets and truly mimic that iconic s’mores marshmallow magic.

How to Make Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and then line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, this little trick guarantees your cookies come off effortlessly and stay perfectly shaped—no sticky mess, just deliciousness ready to happen!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, pale, and super fluffy—think whipped cream meets cookie dough. This essential step helps create a cookie that’s both chewy and tender.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until everything’s silky and beautifully combined. This duo brings luscious texture, a subtle richness, and that warm homemade smell we all wait for.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and those all-important graham cracker crumbs. Whisking is key—it prevents any bitter pockets and ensures the flavors truly blend, giving you that classic s’mores taste.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients while stirring gently. The goal is just to combine—overmixing can make cookies tough, and we want these Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows

Stir in your chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for little bursts of melty, gooey goodness in every bite. Feel free to sneak a few marshmallows for yourself—chef’s treat!

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop (or a rounded tablespoon), drop your dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing each one about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are still slightly soft. This is the secret to that gooey middle!

Step 8: Top with Hershey’s Kiss

The moment those cookies come out of the oven, gently press a Hershey’s Kiss into each warm center. The chocolate softens just enough to nestle perfectly, making every cookie an irresistible treat.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them firm up a bit before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Try to resist diving in (at least for a minute or two)!

How to Serve Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses

Garnishes

Garnishing these cookies is pure fun! Dust with a little cocoa powder, sprinkle extra crushed graham crackers, or add a drizzle of melted chocolate for a gourmet finish. If you’re in a festive mood, colorful sprinkles or a pinch of flaky sea salt right on top can make each Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kiss stand out on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or fresh berries to add a pop of color and brightness. If you’re hosting, they make a dreamy companion to coffee, or even stacked up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an out-of-this-world s’mores sundae!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses in a glass jar with a ribbon for a gorgeous homemade gift, or arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh strawberries and extra Hershey’s Kisses. For parties, serve them individually in mini cupcake wrappers so each guest gets a special, mess-free treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers, store your Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cookies will stay soft and chewy, and a quick zap in the microwave can bring back those irresistible gooey centers!

Freezing

Want that homemade cookie magic on demand? Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag—just make sure to separate layers with parchment. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, ready to delight any time.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The chocolate and marshmallow will get a wonderful, just-melted texture, recreating that gooey, campfire sensation every single time.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of minis?

Mini marshmallows are ideal for even distribution and gooey pockets in every bite. If you only have the big ones, just chop them into smaller pieces before folding them into the dough.

What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

No worries! Simply pulse whole graham crackers in a food processor or crush them inside a zip-top bag with a rolling pin until you get fine crumbs—it works perfectly for these Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Absolutely! This dough can be made a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking for the best texture.

Are there nut-free alternatives to the recipe?

Yes! This recipe is naturally nut-free as written, so you don’t need to make any swaps—just double-check your chocolate chips and kisses to ensure they’re processed in a nut-free facility if allergies are a concern.

How do I keep my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too melted—softened is perfect. Also, chill your dough for about 20 minutes if your kitchen is particularly warm. This helps the cookies keep their shape and ensures those marshmallow pockets don’t slide all over the pan.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as smitten with these Gooey S’mores Chocolate-Hugged Marshmallow Kisses as I am! They’re everything wonderful about classic s’mores, wrapped up in a cookie that’s just begging to be shared (or not—we won’t judge). Whip up a batch, gather your favorite people, and savor each gooey, chocolatey bite. Happy baking!

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