How to Make Smookies (Olympian Simon Biles’ Favorite Cookies!) These Are The Ultimate S’mores and Chocolate Chip Cookie Combo
The 2024 Olympics is going on in Paris right now and we just learned that the most decorated U.S. gymnast, Simon Biles’, favorite cookie is Smookies! One thing is for sure Simon Biles has some great taste when it comes to sweets.
If you're a fan of both s’mores and chocolate chip cookies, get ready for the ultimate treat: Smookies! Combining the best of both worlds, Smookies are the ooey-gooey, melty, chocolatey confections that will elevate your dessert game to new heights. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create these mouthwatering treats and explain why they are the perfect addition to any gathering or indulgent night in.
What Are Smookies?
Smookies are a delightful fusion of s’mores and chocolate chip cookies. Imagine all the goodness of a traditional s’more—graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows—encased in a delicious chocolate chip cookie. They’re the perfect mix of crunchy, gooey, and chewy, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need to make these delectable Smookies:
Chocolate chip cookie dough (store-bought or homemade)
Graham crackers (broken into individual squares)
Hershey’s chocolate bars (3 pieces per Smookie)
Large marshmallows (cut in half if square, or use standard large marshmallows)
Optional Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Recipe
I like to use store-bought cookie dough to save time, but if you prefer to make your cookie dough from scratch, here's a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups semisweet and/or milk chocolate chips
Instructions:
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the salt, vanilla extract, and eggs, one at a time. Beat until well incorporated, about 1 minute.
Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough (Optional): For best results, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is optional but helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Smookies:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your Smookies don't stick and are easy to remove once baked.
Step 2: Scoop the Cookie Dough - Using an ice cream scoop, take a generous portion of your cookie dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. Flatten the ball until you have a nice, even cookie shape.
Step 3: Add the Graham Crackers - Place the flattened cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Then, place a graham cracker square on top of each piece of cookie dough. This will form the bottom layer of your Smookie.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate - Break a Hershey’s chocolate bar into pieces. Place three pieces on top of each graham cracker. The chocolate will melt deliciously in the oven, adding to the gooey goodness of your Smookies.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallows - Take a large marshmallow and cut it in half if you’re using the large square variety. Place each half on top of the chocolate pieces. If you’re using standard large marshmallows, just place one marshmallow on each piece of chocolate.
Step 6: Top with More Cookie Dough - Using the ice cream scoop again, take another portion of cookie dough, roll it into a ball, and flatten it out. Place this flattened dough on top of the marshmallow, pressing down gently to encase all the ingredients.
Step 7: Bake - Place your Smookies in the oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and the marshmallows are gooey and slightly toasted.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy - Allow your Smookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate gooey experience, or store them in an airtight container for later.
Reasons Why You’ll Love Smookies
The Perfect Combination of Textures
Smookies offer a delightful combination of textures: the crunch of the graham cracker, the gooeyness of the melted chocolate and marshmallow, and the chewiness of the chocolate chip cookie. Every bite is a sensory delight.
Nostalgic Flavors
The classic flavors of s’mores—graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows—bring back memories of campfires and summer nights. Combined with the comforting taste of chocolate chip cookies, Smookies are both nostalgic and innovative. You really can’t go wrong with this combo!
Versatility
Smookies are perfect for various occasions. They can be a hit at birthday parties, barbecues, holiday gatherings, or even as a special treat for family movie nights. Their unique presentation and delicious taste make them a crowd-pleaser every time.
Easy to Make
Despite their impressive appearance and taste, Smookies are surprisingly easy to make. Using store-bought cookie dough can simplify the process, but even homemade dough doesn’t require too much effort. The steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently fantastic.
Customizable
You can easily customize Smookies to suit your preferences. Try using different types of chocolate, adding nuts, or experimenting with flavored marshmallows. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create your perfect Smookie.
Creative Flavor Combinations for Smookies
While the classic Smookie recipe is delicious on its own, you can try these creative variations to mix things up:
Peanut Butter Smookies
Add a layer of peanut butter between the graham cracker and the chocolate for a nutty twist. Peanut butter lovers will appreciate the added richness and flavor.
Mint Chocolate Smookies
Use mint-flavored chocolate or add a few drops of mint extract to your cookie dough for a refreshing variation. Mint and chocolate make a delightful combination.
Nutella Smookies
Spread a thin layer of Nutella on the graham cracker before adding the chocolate pieces. Nutella adds a creamy, hazelnut flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Salted Caramel Smookies
Drizzle a bit of salted caramel sauce over the chocolate pieces before adding the marshmallow. The sweet and salty combination creates a decadent treat.
Berry Smookies
Add a few fresh or frozen berries between the layers for a fruity twist. Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries can add a burst of flavor and color.
White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Smookies
Substitute white chocolate for milk chocolate and add some chopped macadamia nuts for a deliciously different take on Smookies. The creamy white chocolate pairs wonderfully with the crunchy nuts.
Coconut Smookies
Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut between the layers or mix it into your cookie dough for a tropical twist. Coconut pairs excellently with chocolate and marshmallows. This is one of my personal favorite combos!
Espresso Smookies
Mix a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into your cookie dough for a subtle coffee flavor. The hint of espresso enhances the chocolate and creates a rich, sophisticated taste. This works best when making your cookies from scratch.
S'mores Blondie Smookies
Use a blondie (white chocolate and brown sugar-based cookie) dough instead of traditional chocolate chip cookie dough. This variation offers a lighter, but equally delicious, flavor profile.
Almond Joy Smookies
Incorporate chopped almonds and shredded coconut into the cookie dough and use dark chocolate pieces to mimic the flavors of an Almond Joy candy bar.
Tips for Perfect Smookies Every Time
To ensure your Smookies turn out perfect every time, here are some additional tips:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients - For the best texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before making your cookie dough. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly.
Chill the Dough - If you’re making your cookie dough from scratch, chilling it for at least an hour before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Evenly Sized Scoops - Using an ice cream scoop helps ensure that your cookie dough portions are evenly sized, which promotes even baking.
Monitor Baking Time - Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your Smookies as they bake. They should be golden brown and the marshmallows slightly toasted when done.
Cooling - Let the Smookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up a bit, making them easier to handle.
Serving and Storing Smookies:
Serving Suggestions
Warm with Ice Cream - Serve warm Smookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
As a Party Treat - Arrange Smookies on a platter for an eye-catching party dessert. They’re sure to disappear quickly!
Gift Idea - Package Smookies in a decorative box or tin as a homemade gift for friends and family. They’ll appreciate the effort and deliciousness.
Storing Smookies:
Room Temperature: Store Smookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave or oven for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Smookies are the ultimate combination of s’mores and chocolate chip cookies, offering a unique and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with creative variations, these gooey, melty, and chewy delights are sure to become a favorite in your household. With their simple preparation and irresistible flavor, Smookies are a must-try for dessert lovers everywhere. Your guest will be impressed and the best part is it doesn’t take much effort on your part. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds in one amazing treat. Happy baking!
Make sure to check out these other fun summer treats!
S’mores Bars
Frozen Banana Chips
Pistachio Eclair Cake
