Holiday S'mores Cookies with Teddy Grahams Recipe for Festive Treats

Holiday S’mores Cookies with Teddy Grahams combine the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores with a festive twist that’s perfect for winter gatherings and holiday parties. Using Teddy Grahams adds a delightful crunch and a cute, kid-friendly shape, making these cookies both fun to make and irresistible to eat. This recipe balances the gooey marshmallow, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham goodness in a convenient, handheld cookie form.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups Teddy Grahams (original flavor)
1 cup mini marshmallows (preferably fresh, not stale)
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a holiday spice note)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional ground cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Fold in the Teddy Grahams, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows gently with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. The dough will be sticky because of the marshmallows.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. The marshmallows will puff and lightly brown.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set and prevents breakage.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Tips

Substitutions: If you can’t find Teddy Grahams, use regular graham crackers broken into small pieces, but add them after baking to avoid sogginess. For a chocolate alternative, try chocolate Teddy Grahams for a richer flavor.
Marshmallow freshness: Use fresh mini marshmallows rather than stale ones to ensure they melt properly and don’t dry out during baking.
Prevent marshmallow burn: If you notice marshmallows browning too quickly, tent the cookies loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep marshmallows soft, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

These Holiday S’mores Cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or spiced apple cider for a cozy winter treat. They also make a festive addition to cookie platters, gift boxes, or holiday potlucks. For an extra touch, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a snowy effect.

Variations

Peanut Butter S’mores: Add 1/2 cup peanut butter chips and swap half the butter for creamy peanut butter to add a nutty twist.
Mint Chocolate S’mores: Replace semisweet chips with mint chocolate chips and add a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing flavor.
Salted Caramel S’mores: Drizzle cooled cookies with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure Teddy Grahams are gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free graham crackers.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the marshmallows soft, place a slice of fresh bread inside the container, replacing it every day if necessary. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to revive the gooey marshmallow and soften the chocolate. Avoid microwave reheating as it can cause marshmallows to become rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular graham crackers instead of Teddy Grahams?
Yes, you can substitute regular graham crackers broken into small pieces. However, add them after baking or fold them in gently near the end of mixing to prevent sogginess, as they don’t hold up as well as Teddy Grahams during baking.

Why do my marshmallows burn or brown too quickly?
Marshmallows are prone to browning quickly due to their sugar content. To prevent burning, monitor the cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking. If they brown too fast, loosely cover the pan with foil and finish baking to protect the marshmallows.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping to make handling easier.

Why do my cookies spread too much or stay flat?
Overly soft butter or too much sugar can cause spreading. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help cookies keep their shape.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Using large marshmallows is possible but not recommended. They can cause uneven baking and large gooey pockets. If you only have large marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces before folding into the dough.

How do I keep the marshmallows soft after baking?
Marshmallows tend to harden as cookies cool. Storing cookies with a slice of fresh bread in an airtight container helps maintain moisture and keeps marshmallows soft for a couple of days.

With these tips and variations, your Holiday S’mores Cookies with Teddy Grahams will be a festive, crowd-pleasing treat that captures the spirit of the season in every bite!

Holiday S’mores Cookies with Teddy Grahams Recipe for Festive Treats