Campfire S’mores Deep Dish Cookies – Easy Back-to-School Dessert Kids Love!

Introduction

As the back-to-school season approaches, finding desserts that are both easy to make and loved by kids can be a challenge. However, with the Campfire S’mores Deep Dish Cookies, you can bring the campfire experience right into your kitchen. These cookies are a creative twist on the classic s’mores, combining the richness of chocolate, the sweetness of marshmallows, and the crunch of graham crackers in a deep-dish format that’s sure to impress. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make using everyday ingredients, making them the perfect treat for a quick after-school snack or a fun family dessert night.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers creates a delicious and familiar taste experience that kids and adults alike will love.
• The ease of preparation is a significant advantage, as it requires minimal cooking skills and can be ready in under an hour, perfect for busy parents or caregivers.
• Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the presentation and taste of these deep-dish cookies are impressive, making them a great option for potlucks, school events, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips. Press half of the dough into the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: Bake the cookie base for 25-30 minutes or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and top with marshmallows. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are toasted to your liking. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the top. Drizzle with any remaining cookie dough to help hold the graham crackers in place. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Handy Tips

• For an extra gooey treat, don’t overbake the cookie base, and consider broiling the marshmallows for a few seconds after they’ve been toasted for an extra golden brown color.
• If you find that your marshmallows are browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
• Consider using a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows for a more controlled browning experience.

Heat Control

Monitoring the heat and baking time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. The cookie base should be lightly golden, and the marshmallows should be toasted but not burnt. Keep an eye on the dish during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in these deep-dish cookies comes from the graham crackers on top. To ensure they stay crunchy, don’t overmix the dough when adding the graham crackers, and consider sprinkling them on top just before serving if you’re preparing the cookies ahead of time.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Using room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, will help the dough come together more smoothly and ensure a better texture in the finished cookies.
• Don’t overbake. The cookies will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking slightly.
• For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, as mentioned, and consider using a silicone spatula for mixing and scraping the sides of the bowl.

Storage Tips

• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the cooled cookies for up to 2 months and thawing at room temperature when needed.
• When reheating, a few seconds in the microwave can help restore the gooeyness of the marshmallows and chocolate.
• It’s best to store the cookies in a single layer to prevent the graham crackers from getting soggy. If you must stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These deep-dish cookies are perfect for gifting, especially during the back-to-school season. Consider cutting them into bars, wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then placing them in a decorative tin or jar. You could also add a ribbon around the tin or jar with a gift tag that says “S’mores Please” or a similar playful message.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding different types of chocolate chips, like mint or peanut butter, for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with caramel bits for a caramel s’mores version.
• For a fruity twist, add some dried cranberries or cherries to the dough before baking.

Troubleshooting

• If your cookies turn out too hard, it might be because they were overbaked. Try reducing the baking time in your next batch.
• If the marshmallows are too toasted, consider reducing the time under the broiler or using the oven broil function at a lower temperature.
• If you find the graham crackers getting soggy, it might be due to moisture. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing, and consider using a dehumidifier in humid environments.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and graham crackers, which contain gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours and gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but you might need to adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the cookies to ensure they don’t overbake.

Conclusion

Making Campfire S’mores Deep Dish Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience that combines the classic campfire treat with the convenience of a deep-dish cookie. With its easy preparation, impressive presentation, and delicious flavor, this dessert is sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy sharing these treats with family and friends throughout the year.