S’mores Skillet Cookie

The S’mores Skillet Cookie is a decadent, gooey dessert that brings together the nostalgic flavors of classic campfire s’mores with the warm, comforting texture of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, this indulgent treat features a crispy outer edge and a soft, molten center, studded with marshmallows, graham crackers, and melty chocolate chunks. It’s perfect for sharing (or not!), ideal for cozy nights, dinner parties, or as a fun family dessert that captures the essence of summer camping—right in your kitchen.

The History of S’mores and the Skillet Cookie

The story of s’mores begins in the early 20th century, rooted in American camping culture. Originally called “Some More,” the name evolved from children begging for another serving of the sweet sandwich made with graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. The first known printed recipe appeared in a Girl Scout publication in 1927, cementing its status as a beloved outdoor treat.

Fast forward to the modern era, and bakers began reimagining the s’mores concept into various desserts—pies, bars, cakes, and even ice cream. Enter the skillet cookie: a single-batch, oven-baked cookie designed to serve multiple people with a dramatic presentation. Combining these two iconic treats, the S’mores Skillet Cookie emerged as a viral sensation on food blogs and social media platforms around the 2010s. Its popularity soared due to its simplicity, visual appeal, and the irresistible combination of textures and flavors baked right in a rustic cast-iron pan.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes This Cookie Irresistible

Unsalted Butter – Provides rich flavor and moisture. Melted butter helps create a chewy texture and ensures even distribution of ingredients.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like depth, while granulated sugar contributes to spread and crispness.
Egg and Vanilla Extract – The egg binds the dough, while vanilla enhances overall sweetness and aroma.
All-Purpose Flour – The structural base of the cookie. Properly measured flour prevents the cookie from becoming too dense or cakey.
Baking Soda and Salt – Baking soda helps the cookie rise slightly and spread evenly; salt balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
Chocolate Chips or Chunks – Semi-sweet or milk chocolate works best, melting into pockets of gooey richness.
Mini Marshmallows – These melt beautifully during baking, creating a fluffy, sticky layer reminiscent of roasted marshmallows over a fire.
Graham Crackers – Crushed graham crackers add crunch and authenticity, echoing the original s’mores sandwich. Some are mixed in, while others are used as topping.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make the Perfect S’mores Skillet Cookie

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and proper browning.
Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Remove from heat and stir in both sugars until smooth and well combined. Allow to cool slightly.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie tender.
Fold in Chocolate and Graham Crackers: Stir in about ¾ of the chocolate chips and half of the crushed graham crackers. Reserve some for topping.
Prepare the Skillet: Lightly grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray or butter. Press a piece of parchment paper into the bottom if desired for easier removal (though it’s typically served straight from the pan).
Transfer Dough to Skillet: Spoon the cookie dough into the skillet, pressing it evenly into the bottom with a spatula.
Top Generously: Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers over the top. For extra indulgence, arrange full graham cracker squares around the edges before baking.
Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still soft and slightly underdone. The marshmallows should puff up and turn golden.
Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the cookie to set slightly while maintaining its gooey interior.
Serve Warm: Serve directly from the skillet with a large spoon. Optional additions: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Tips for the Best S’mores Skillet Cookie

Use Room Temperature Egg: This helps emulsify the batter better and creates a smoother dough.
Don’t Overbake: The cookie will continue to cook slightly from residual heat. Pull it out when the center still looks soft—it sets as it cools.
Cast-Iron Matters: A seasoned cast-iron skillet conducts heat evenly and develops a deliciously crisp crust. If using a different type of skillet, monitor baking time closely.
Marshmallow Magic: For extra toasted flavor, broil the cookie for 1–2 minutes after baking (watch closely to prevent burning).
Dough Consistency: The dough should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too runny, chill it for 15 minutes before baking.
Even Distribution: Spread the dough to the edges of the skillet so it bakes uniformly and maximizes surface area.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of the S’mores Skillet Cookie lies in its versatility. Here are some creative twists to try:

Double Chocolate S’mores: Use chocolate graham crackers and dark chocolate chunks for a richer, more intense flavor.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl ¼ cup of peanut butter into the dough before baking, or add peanut butter cups along with the chocolate.
Salted Caramel S’mores: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before adding marshmallows, or mix in caramel-filled chocolates.
Smoked Marshmallow Version: Use a kitchen torch to lightly char the marshmallows after baking for an authentic campfire taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend and use certified gluten-free graham crackers.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), dairy-free chocolate, and vegan marshmallows.
Fruity Twist: Add dried strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
Mini Skillets: Divide the dough among small cast-iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins for individual servings.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably indulgent, the S’mores Skillet Cookie can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings):

Calories: ~450–550 kcal
Total Fat: 20–28g (mostly from butter and chocolate)
Saturated Fat: 12–15g
Carbohydrates: 60–70g
Sugars: 35–45g (primarily from brown sugar, marshmallows, and chocolate)
Protein: 4–6g
Fiber: 2–3g (from graham crackers and flour)
Sodium: 250–350mg

Health Notes:

This dessert is high in added sugars and saturated fats. Enjoy occasionally rather than regularly.
To reduce sugar content, consider using reduced-sugar chocolate chips and limiting marshmallow quantity.
Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top can enhance flavor, allowing you to potentially reduce overall sugar without sacrificing taste.
Serving with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries can add natural sweetness and nutrients.
Pairing with Greek yogurt instead of ice cream cuts fat and boosts protein.

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
1½ cups (about 60g) mini marshmallows
6 full graham cracker sheets, crushed (about 1 cup finely crushed, plus extra for topping)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with butter or non-stick spray.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
Fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips and ½ cup of crushed graham crackers.
Transfer the dough to the prepared skillet, spreading it evenly to the edges with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips, all the mini marshmallows, and the rest of the crushed graham crackers over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and center is set but still soft.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to toast the marshmallows (watch carefully).
Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze the S’mores Skillet Cookie?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but unbaked dough can be frozen in the skillet (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes to the cooking time.

What size skillet should I use?
A 10-inch cast-iron skillet is ideal. Using a smaller skillet will result in a thicker cookie that may need longer baking; a larger one will yield a thinner cookie.

Why did my cookie turn out cakey?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can lead to a cake-like texture. Measure flour correctly (spoon and level), and mix only until combined.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, but cut them into quarters for more even melting. Mini marshmallows distribute better and melt faster.

How do I store leftovers?
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes to restore warmth and gooeyness.

Can I make this without a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, use a similar-sized oven-safe ceramic or metal dish, though the crust won’t be as crisp. Adjust baking time as needed.

Summary

The S’mores Skillet Cookie is a show-stopping dessert that combines the nostalgic joy of s’mores with the warm, chewy perfection of a giant chocolate chip cookie. Baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet, it’s best served warm with melty marshmallows, crunchy graham cracker bits, and a scoop of ice cream.

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S’mores Skillet Cookie