Before we even dive into the gooey goodness of Insomnia Cookies S’mores, let’s chat about what drinks pair nicely with this delightful treat. A steaming cup of coffee creates a comforting balance, especially if you lean towards dark chocolate.
An iced cold glass of milk will transport you back to childhood, enhancing the sweetness of your s’mores experience. For a refreshing twist, consider a light lemon-lime soda or a homemade iced tea with a splash of lemon. The contrast of flavors and temperatures can elevate your s’mores enjoyment significantly.
I am thrilled to share one of my favorite dessert recipes today—Insomnia Cookies S’mores. Picture this: gooey, melted chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers all melding together, creating a treat that’s nothing short of heavenly.
I first encountered this recipe during a late-night baking spree when I craved something sweet but didn’t want the traditional cookie experience. That’s how these S’mores cookies shoved their way into my recipe lineup, and I promise they’re just as exciting as they sound.
What is Insomnia Cookies S’mores?
If you’ve ever tasted a classic s’more, you know what an experience it is. Now, imagine that delightful combination baked into a cookie! Insomnia Cookies S’mores take that nostalgic flavor and encapsulate it within soft and chewy cookies. Instead of being grilled over an open flame, these cookies blend seamlessly in your oven—fast, easy, and utterly satisfying.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Let’s break it down:
Chocolate: The cocoa powder and chocolate pieces create a rich, bold flavor.
Sweetness: The granulated sugar and marshmallows add a delightful sweetness that balances the cocoa’s intensity.
Nutty undertones: The walnuts add a pleasant crunch and subtle nutty flavor, changing the texture and mouthfeel.
Salty finish: A hint of sea salt enhances all the flavors, making each bite more complex.
They work together like a team of superheroes—each flavor bringing its unique power to the cookie.
Why You’ll Love This?
It’s hard not to love a recipe that combines your childhood favorite with the simplicity of baking at home. Once you take a bite, you’ll find the warmth of nostalgia and the comfort of delicious chocolate chip cookies. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up. You don’t even need specialized skills to create these treats. You will have a cookie that impresses friends and family alike, whether it’s for a cozy night in or an outdoor summer gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1 stick (8 tbsp.) unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 8 oz. milk or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, divided
- 4 graham cracker squares, crumbled into small bits, divided
- 4 oz. roughly chopped walnuts
- 4 oz. diced into 1/4-inch pieces
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. This will not only make cleanup easier but also help prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and sea salt. Whisk them together until they are well coupled. This simple mix ensures that all the flavors spread evenly throughout your dough.
Step 3: Creaming Together Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, take the stick of unsalted butter and the granulated sugar. With an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes, mixing makes a world of difference in the final texture.
Step 4: Adding in Eggs and Vanilla
Now it’s time to add two eggs and the pure vanilla extract. Once incorporated, beat the mixture until fluffy again. The eggs help the cookies rise and provide structure.
Step 5: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix at a low speed to avoid a flour explosion. Once everything is combined, fold in the chopped chocolate, walnuts, and half of the mini marshmallows and graham crackers. The batter should be thick and delicious!
Step 6: Scooping the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each dollop—about 2 inches should do. They’ll spread out during baking.
Step 7: Adding Extra Toppings
Take the remaining mini marshmallows and graham cracker bits, sprinkle them generously on top of each cookie mound. This not only looks fabulous but also enhances that classic s’more experience.
Step 8: Baking Time
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! The edges will settle while the centers look slightly undercooked. That’s how you want them!
Step 9: Cooling Down
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill Your Dough: If you find your cookies spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with Chocolate: Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for depth.
- Try Different Nuts: Pecans or hazelnuts work beautifully in this recipe.
- Don’t Skip the Espresso Powder: It enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. Just trust me!
- Softening Butter Quickly: If you forget to bring your butter to room temperature, grate it! This will soften it within minutes.
Nutrition Information
How Can You Store These Insomnia Cookies S’mores?
You want to maintain that chewy goodness for as long as possible. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last up to a week. For longer storage, put them in the fridge. Just remember to gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds when you want to enjoy them again.
Alternatives for Missing Ingredients
Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and you don’t have all the ingredients. Here are a few alternatives that work great.
- Flour Substitute: Almond flour or coconut flour can be used. Keep in mind that they may change the texture slightly, and you might need to adjust liquid content.
- Butter Replacement: Coconut oil or any soft margarine can easily and quickly replace butter. Slightly melted coconut oil gives a nice flavor too!
- Chocolate Alternative: If you’re out of chocolate bars, use chocolate chips as a handy substitute. Even Nutella can bring a new level of deliciousness to each bite!
Insomnia Cookies S’mores Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1 stick 8 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 8 oz. milk or dark chocolate
- 4 oz. roughly chopped
- 4 oz. diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 cup mini marshmallows divided
- 4 graham cracker squares crumbled into small bits, divided
- 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper. This will not only make cleanup easier but also help prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, espresso powder, and sea salt. Whisk them together until they are well coupled. This simple mix ensures that all the flavors spread evenly throughout your dough.
- In another large bowl, take the stick of unsalted butter and the granulated sugar. With an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes, mixing makes a world of difference in the final texture.
- Now it’s time to add two eggs and the pure vanilla extract. Once incorporated, beat the mixture until fluffy again. The eggs help the cookies rise and provide structure.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix at a low speed to avoid a flour explosion. Once everything is combined, fold in the chopped chocolate, walnuts, and half of the mini marshmallows and graham crackers. The batter should be thick and delicious!
- Use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each dollop—about 2 inches should do. They’ll spread out during baking.
- Take the remaining mini marshmallows and graham cracker bits, sprinkle them generously on top of each cookie mound. This not only looks fabulous but also enhances that classic s’more experience.
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! The edges will settle while the centers look slightly undercooked. That’s how you want them!
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill Your Dough: If you find your cookies spreading too much, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with Chocolate: Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for depth.
- Try Different Nuts: Pecans or hazelnuts work beautifully in this recipe.
- Don’t Skip the Espresso Powder: It enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. Just trust me!
- Softening Butter Quickly: If you forget to bring your butter to room temperature, grate it! This will soften it within minutes.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Keep an eye on the ratios, as some blends require more liquid.
2. How do I make these cookies vegan?
You can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose dairy-free chocolate.
3. What if I want to add more marshmallows?
Feel free! You can fold more into the dough before baking—just be ready for extra gooeyness, and make sure to increase the baking time slightly to accommodate.
4. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. Once cooled, place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper. They will freeze well for a month! Just thaw them before enjoying.
5. How do I know when cookies are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look firm, and the centers seem slightly under-baked. They will continue to cook on the sheet after being pulled from the oven.
Conclusion
So there you have it—a fun and delicious recipe! Insomnia Cookies S’mores aren’t just another cookie; they are a delightful homage to everything we love about s’mores. Each bite is an experience—a memory wrapped in chocolate and marshmallow bliss. Whether you share them at a gathering or indulge alone, they promise to bring a smile to your face. Trust me, once you bake these, they will become your go-to recipe for sweet indulgence. Happy baking!
