Introduction
There’s something magical about s’mores. The crunch of graham crackers, the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, and the gooey marshmallow center make them an all-time favorite. But what if we took that campfire classic and made it even better? Enter Smookies—a hybrid dessert that fuses s’mores with chocolate chip cookies. Think chewy cookie dough hugging rich chocolate, all nestled between golden graham cracker halves. These cookies are baked perfection with gooey, melty centers that will have everyone asking for seconds.
My recipe story
The first time I made Smookies was during a family camping trip. We were craving s’mores but didn’t have marshmallows on hand. What we did have was refrigerated cookie dough, graham crackers, and chocolate bars. That night, I decided to experiment, and what came out of the oven was nothing short of legendary. Since then, Smookies have become a family tradition for birthdays, sleepovers, and holiday parties. They’re simple, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing—just like the original s’mores, but with a modern twist.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No campfire needed—you can enjoy s’mores flavors straight from the oven.
- Only a handful of simple ingredients required.
- Perfect for kids and adults alike, making them great for family gatherings.
- Endless variations to fit your flavor preferences.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making them a quick and easy dessert option.
Ingredient breakdown
The beauty of Smookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in recreating that nostalgic s’mores flavor while adding the indulgence of warm cookies.
Refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough: Using ready-made dough makes this recipe incredibly quick and fuss-free. It adds that chewy, golden cookie texture that complements the crunch of graham crackers. You can also make your own homemade dough if you prefer.
Graham crackers: These form the base of the Smookies, providing structure and the iconic s’mores flavor. Breaking them into halves ensures a perfect bite-sized sandwich.
Hershey’s milk chocolate bars: Classic s’mores aren’t complete without Hershey’s chocolate. Cutting them in halves makes them fit neatly into each cookie sandwich. Feel free to swap with dark or white chocolate for variety.
Equipment you’ll need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Prepare the baking sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps prevent sticking and ensures your Smookies bake evenly without burning the bottom of the graham crackers.
Step 2: Assemble the graham cracker base
Break your graham crackers into halves and place them evenly across the baking sheet. Each half will serve as the foundation for your cookie-chocolate sandwich.
Step 3: Add the chocolate
Place half a Hershey’s chocolate bar on top of each graham cracker half. This ensures every bite has a gooey, chocolatey center that melts beautifully as the cookies bake.
Step 4: Add the cookie dough
Cut the cookie dough into equal portions, rolling each into a ball before placing it directly on top of the chocolate piece. As the dough bakes, it will spread and cover the chocolate, encasing it in chewy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes. The cookie dough should be golden brown on the edges but still slightly soft in the center. The heat will melt the chocolate perfectly, creating the ooey gooey effect.
Step 6: Cool slightly and enjoy
Allow the Smookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This gives them time to set while keeping the centers warm and gooey.
Variations & substitutions
The classic Smookie recipe is amazing on its own, but you can easily customize it:
- Chocolate options: Try dark chocolate, caramel-filled, or cookies & cream bars.
- Cookie dough swaps: Peanut butter cookie dough, sugar cookie dough, or even brownie batter dough can make unique versions.
- Add marshmallows: For a true s’mores vibe, add a mini marshmallow between the chocolate and cookie dough before baking.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and cookie dough for a celiac-friendly treat.
💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Don’t overbake—the cookies should be slightly soft in the center for the best gooey texture.
- Let them cool slightly before moving to prevent breakage.
- Use room-temperature cookie dough for even spreading.
- If the chocolate hardens too quickly, microwave the cookie briefly before serving.
- For cleaner edges, use a cookie scoop for uniform dough portions.
Storage, freezing & make-ahead
Smookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To revive their gooeyness, microwave for 10–15 seconds before eating.
For freezing, assemble the Smookies up to the baking step and freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the baking time. This make-ahead method is perfect for parties or last-minute desserts.
Serving ideas & pairings
Smookies pair beautifully with a variety of treats and drinks. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a campfire-inspired vibe, pair with hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. They’re also a fun addition to dessert charcuterie boards or lunchbox surprises. For adults, pair them with coffee or even a glass of dessert wine for a gourmet touch.
FAQ
Can I make these with homemade cookie dough?
Yes! Homemade dough works just as well. Just keep portion sizes consistent for even baking.
Do I have to use Hershey’s chocolate?
No, any chocolate bar or chocolate squares will work. Choose your favorite brand and flavor.
Can I add marshmallows?
Absolutely! Mini marshmallows can be layered between the chocolate and cookie dough for extra gooeyness.
How do I prevent the graham crackers from burning?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and keep the baking temperature at 350°F to avoid burning.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, place a few Smookies in an air fryer at 325°F and cook for about 6–7 minutes, checking frequently.
Final thoughts
Smookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts: s’mores and cookies. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking them for a family movie night, a holiday gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Once you try them, Smookies might just become your new go-to dessert tradition.
Print
Smookies (Ooey Gooey Campfire Cookies)
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 Smookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious mashup of s’mores and cookies, these Smookies are gooey, chocolatey, and baked to perfection. Perfect for parties or family nights.
Ingredients
- 30 oz roll refrigerated Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie dough
- 8 sheets graham crackers, broken in half (16 halves)
- 8 Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (1.55 oz each), cut in half
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place graham cracker halves evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add half a Hershey’s chocolate bar on top of each graham cracker.
- Scoop cookie dough into equal portions and place one piece on top of each chocolate.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until cookies are golden and chocolate is melted.
- Let cool 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm and gooey.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American