Irresistible S’mores Blossom Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to Game Day Deliciousness!
Are you ready for some football action? Or perhaps, more importantly, are you ready for some utterly delicious game day snacks that will steal the show? While big events like the Super Bowl capture the nation’s attention here in the US, sometimes the best part of the day is the incredible food shared amongst friends and family. Even if your favorite team isn’t playing, or you’re simply in it for the commercials and camaraderie, a truly spectacular dessert can make any gathering memorable. And that’s exactly where these S’mores Blossom Cookies come into play.
Forget complicated recipes or desserts that require hours of meticulous work. These S’mores Blossom Cookies are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, yielding a generous batch of four dozen cookies – perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have plenty of delicious leftovers. We’re taking the beloved concept of classic peanut butter blossom cookies, elevating it with the unique taste of cookie butter, and crowning each treat with perfectly toasted marshmallows and a melty chocolate kiss. It’s the iconic campfire treat, reimagined in a bite-sized, bake-at-home format that’s simply irresistible for any occasion, especially your next game day!
Why S’mores Blossom Cookies Are Your New Favorite Treat
Let’s be honest, whether it’s game day, a birthday party, or just a casual get-together, dessert should be easy to eat, shareable, and undeniably delicious. These S’mores Blossom Cookies tick all those boxes and more. Their appeal isn’t just in their delicious flavor profile, but also in their charming appearance. Each cookie features a soft, chewy base (with that distinct cookie butter flavor!), a delightfully gooey toasted marshmallow, and a rich, creamy chocolate kiss on top – a miniature work of art that tastes like pure joy with every bite. The combination of textures and temperatures, from the warm, soft cookie to the melted chocolate, is simply divine.
A Recipe That Vanishes: Proof of Their Unrivaled Popularity
These cookies aren’t just good; they’re legendary for how quickly they vanish! I recently made a batch of nearly four dozen and took them to my parents. By the time I returned home, half were already gone. The remaining half disappeared at work in a single day! I even made them again for a Super Bowl potluck, and once more, they were the first dessert to completely disappear from the table. This isn’t just a testament to their deliciousness but also to their universal appeal. Everyone, from kids to adults, loves the classic combination of graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate, and these cookies deliver that nostalgic experience in a perfectly portable, mess-free form. Prepare to make a second batch, because these S’mores Blossom Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!
Discovering the Magic of Cookie Butter in Baking
For many, “cookie butter” might still be a relatively new concept in their pantry, but it’s an absolute game-changer in the world of baking. Imagine the creamy, spreadable consistency of peanut butter, but with a flavor profile that’s a delightful cross between crunchy graham crackers and warmly spiced gingersnap cookies. This unique, caramelized biscuit taste is precisely what makes it an ideal base for our S’mores Blossom Cookies. It naturally lends that distinct “graham cracker” note that is essential for any S’mores-inspired treat, all without needing to add actual graham crackers to the dough. It simplifies the process while maximizing the authentic S’mores flavor.
Where to Find Cookie Butter for Your Recipes
If you’re wondering where to get your hands on this magical spread, you have a few convenient options:
- Trader Joe’s: They offer their own popular brand, often referred to as “Speculoos Cookie Butter.” It’s a fan favorite for good reason!
- Mainstream Supermarkets (like Walmart): Look for the brand name “Biscoff” typically located in the peanut butter or international foods aisle. Biscoff is perhaps the most well-known brand globally, made from their famous Biscoff Speculoos cookies, which are a European staple.
While there might be slight differences in consistency or spice levels between brands like Trader Joe’s and Biscoff (due to variations in the cookies they’re made from), both will work perfectly for this S’mores Blossom Cookie recipe. Don’t hesitate to grab whichever you find – your taste buds will thank you!
Beyond These Cookies: More Cookie Butter Delights
The versatility of cookie butter extends far beyond these blossom cookies. Once you have a jar, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy it and infuse that unique, spiced flavor into other desserts. For instance, you can use it to create my delicious S’mores Hot Chocolate for a warm, comforting treat perfect for a chilly evening. Or, if you’re in the mood for something decadent and no-bake, whip up a luxurious No-Bake Biscoff Swirl Cheesecake. Its unique flavor adds a special, gourmet touch to so many sweet creations!
No Cookie Butter? No Problem! A Delicious Peanut Butter Alternative
While cookie butter undeniably provides that authentic graham cracker essence crucial for a traditional S’mores experience, don’t let its absence deter you from making these incredible cookies. If you can’t find cookie butter in your local store, or simply prefer another flavor profile, creamy peanut butter makes an excellent and readily available substitute. The cookies won’t have the exact same “graham cracker” note, of course, but they will still be incredibly tasty, offering that beloved peanut butter and chocolate combination, beautifully complemented by the sweet, gooey marshmallow. It’s a fantastic twist on a classic, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delightful blossom cookie masterpiece, even with a slight variation in flavor. You might even discover a new favorite!
Crafting Your Perfect S’mores Blossom Cookies: Expert Tips and Tricks
Achieving S’mores Blossom Cookie perfection is easier than you think, especially with a few helpful tips that will ensure your cookies come out beautifully every time:
The Importance of Chilling Your Dough
Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour is crucial. This step helps solidify the butter and cookie butter (or peanut butter), which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. A well-chilled dough ensures your blossom cookies maintain their delightful dome shape and chewy, tender texture, making them picture-perfect and delicious. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result.
Rolling for Consistent Success
When shaping the dough into 1-inch balls, try to make them as uniform in size as possible. This ensures that all your cookies bake evenly, resulting in a consistent texture and appearance across the entire batch. Rolling them thoroughly in granulated sugar before baking adds a lovely sparkling crust and a touch of extra sweetness that perfectly complements the rich cookie base, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
Mastering the Marshmallow Toasting Technique
The broiler step for toasting the marshmallows is incredibly quick and dramatic, so pay close attention and do not leave your oven unattended! Marshmallows can go from perfectly golden brown to burnt in a matter of mere seconds. Keep a close eye on them through the oven door, and be prepared to rotate your baking sheets if your oven has hot spots to ensure even browning. Alternatively, if you have a kitchen torch, you can toast the marshmallows individually after the cookies have cooled slightly on the rack. This method gives you even more precise control over the level of toastiness and often yields a more even result.
Choosing Your Chocolate Kisses Wisely
While classic milk chocolate Hershey’s Kisses are traditional for blossom cookies and offer a familiar, comforting sweetness, feel free to experiment! Dark chocolate kisses will provide a more intense, slightly bitter chocolate flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness of the marshmallow. White chocolate kisses could add a creamy, milder touch, or even consider flavored kisses (like caramel, cookies ‘n’ creme, or mint) for an adventurous twist. Just make sure to unwrap all your chosen chocolate kisses before you start the baking process – you’ll want to press them into the warm, toasted marshmallows immediately after they come out of the broiler, so speed is key!
Storage and Ensuring Optimal Freshness
These S’mores Blossom Cookies are undeniably best enjoyed fresh, when the marshmallow is still slightly gooey and the chocolate kiss is perfectly melted. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies (without the chocolate kisses pressed in yet) in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw, then toast marshmallows and add kisses. You can also freeze the dough balls before baking. Just make sure the marshmallows are completely cooled and set before stacking the cookies to prevent them from sticking together, and always store in an airtight container to maintain their delicious texture.
S’mores Blossom Cookies Recipe
4 dozen (approx. 48 cookies)
A simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for S’mores Blossom Cookies, featuring a rich cookie base made with cookie butter, gooey toasted marshmallow, and a classic chocolate kiss. Perfect for any occasion, especially game day or your next party!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup cookie butter* (such as Biscoff or Trader Joe’s Speculoos)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (plus about 1/4 cup for rolling)
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 large marshmallows, cut in half (to make 48 halves)
- 48 chocolate kisses, unwrapped (e.g., Hershey’s Kisses)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter and both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, typically taking about 2-3 minutes. Incorporate the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until just combined. Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or until it is firm enough to handle easily.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 2-4 baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Place some granulated sugar into a small, shallow bowl for rolling. Take small portions of the chilled dough and shape them into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls. Roll each dough ball thoroughly in the granulated sugar, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Place the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are just set. Immediately upon removing from the oven, gently press one marshmallow half, cut-side down, onto the center of each hot cookie. Allow them to sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Continue this process until all of the cookies are baked and topped with marshmallows.
- Once all cookies are baked and have their marshmallow halves, turn your oven broiler on. Arrange the cookies back onto the baking sheets (they don’t need to be lined with parchment again for this quick step). Place the baking sheets under the broiler for a very short period, typically 30-60 seconds, or until the marshmallows are beautifully toasted and golden brown. This happens extremely quickly, so do not leave them unattended – watch them constantly to prevent burning. If your oven has hot spots, you may need to rotate the trays for even toasting. As soon as the marshmallows are toasted to your liking, remove the trays from the oven and immediately press one unwrapped chocolate kiss into the center of each toasted marshmallow. The residual heat will melt the chocolate slightly, creating that signature “blossom” effect. Let the cookies cool completely on the wire rack before serving.
Recipe Notes and Substitutions
*If you are unable to find cookie butter, or prefer an alternative, you can substitute it with an equal amount of creamy peanut butter. While the cookies will not have the distinctive graham cracker-like taste of true S’mores, they will still be incredibly delicious with a classic peanut butter and chocolate flavor combination.
Did you make this recipe? Share Your Creations!
We’d love to see your S’mores Blossom Cookies! Rate the recipe above, leave a comment below with your feedback, and/or share a photo of your delicious results on Instagram using the hashtag #HITKrecipes. Happy baking!