S’mores Brownies Recipe

It’s no secret in our house that anything s’mores flavored is a guaranteed hit, but sometimes building a campfire for a quick dessert felt like a bit much. That’s where these S’mores Brownies came into my life, and let me tell you, they are a game changer! Imagine the gooey, chocolatey goodness of a fudgy brownie, amplified by the toasted marshmallow fluff and the satisfying crunch of graham crackers. The first time I baked these, the aroma alone had everyone gathering in the kitchen, and they disappeared within minutes. My kids declared them the “best brownies ever,” and honestly, I’m inclined to agree. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend gathering, and they capture all the magic of s’mores without needing to light a single match. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy any sweet tooth, you absolutely have to try these S’mores Brownies. You won’t regret it!

Ingredients You’ll Need for S’mores Brownie Bliss

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) , The foundation of our rich brownies, unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness and contributes to a tender, moist texture.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup , Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy brownie.
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup packed , Provides moisture and a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that complements the chocolate and s’mores flavors.
• Large Eggs: 2 , Bind the ingredients together, add richness, and contribute to the fudgy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon , Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the chocolate.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup , Provides structure to the brownies, keeping them from being too dense.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ½ cup , The star of the show, unsweetened cocoa powder delivers intense chocolate flavor. Opt for Dutch-processed for a smoother, less bitter taste.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon , Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the recipe.
• Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon , A leavening agent that provides a slight lift to the brownies, preventing them from being too dense.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup , Adds extra chocolatey goodness and melty pockets of chocolate throughout the brownies.
• Graham Crackers: Approximately 10-12 full sheets , The essential s’mores element! Adds a delightful crunch and that signature graham cracker flavor.
• Marshmallow Fluff: 1 ½ cups , Creates the iconic toasted marshmallow topping, providing a gooey, sweet, and slightly caramelized finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking S’mores Brownies

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This prevents the brownies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper is highly recommended for easy lifting of the brownies out of the pan after baking.
2. Melt the Butter and Sugars: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the butter is completely melted and the sugars are mostly dissolved. Be careful not to overheat the mixture. Alternatively, you can melt the butter and sugars in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly until melted and combined.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar mixture is melted, let it cool slightly for a few minutes. This is important so the heat doesn’t cook the eggs. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly glossy at this stage.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Whisk thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps of cocoa powder and the baking powder is evenly distributed. This step is crucial for a consistent brownie texture.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the brownie batter. You can also use other types of chocolate chips like milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
7. Prepare the Graham Cracker Base: Lightly crush the graham crackers into medium-sized pieces. You don’t want them to be too fine, as you want some texture in the brownies. Reserve about 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs for topping later.
8. Assemble the Brownies: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the crushed graham crackers over the batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the graham cracker layer and spread it smoothly. Sprinkle the remaining graham crackers over the top of the brownie batter, gently pressing them in slightly.
9. Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to dry brownies. The center should still be slightly fudgy.
10. Prepare the Marshmallow Topping: While the brownies are baking, prepare the marshmallow fluff topping. You can use store-bought marshmallow fluff or make your own. If you prefer a more intensely toasted marshmallow flavor, you can broil the marshmallow topping for a short time after spreading it on the brownies (see next step for instructions).
11. Add Marshmallow Fluff and Toast (Optional): Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately spread the marshmallow fluff evenly over the hot brownies. For a toasted marshmallow topping, place the brownies back under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching very closely, until the marshmallow is lightly golden brown and toasted. Be extremely careful when broiling, as marshmallow can burn quickly. If you prefer a softer, less toasted marshmallow, you can skip the broiling step.
12. Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Cooling completely is essential for clean cuts and for the brownies to set properly. For easier cutting, you can chill the brownies in the refrigerator for an hour or two after they have cooled to room temperature. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts for S’mores Brownies (per serving)

(Estimated, may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used)

• Serving Size: 1 brownie square (approximately 1/16th of a 9×13 inch pan)
• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g

(Note: These are estimated values. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.)

Preparation Time for S’mores Brownies

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (This includes gathering ingredients, melting butter and sugar, mixing batter, and preparing graham crackers).
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes (Oven time to bake the brownies to fudgy perfection).
• Cooling Time: 1-2 hours (Allowing the brownies to cool completely for best texture and cutting).
• Total Time (Approximate): 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours (Including prep, bake, and cooling time). While the total time may seem a bit longer due to cooling, the active preparation and baking time is under an hour, making this a relatively quick dessert to make.

How to Serve Your Delicious S’mores Brownies

• Warm and Gooey: Serve them slightly warm, fresh out of the oven (after cooling enough to handle). The marshmallow will be extra gooey and the chocolate chips melty. This is the ultimate indulgent experience.
• Chilled and Fudgy: For a denser, fudgier brownie, chill them in the refrigerator before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully when cold, and they become incredibly satisfying.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, or even graham cracker flavored ice cream for an extra s’mores kick. The contrast of warm brownie and cold ice cream is always a winner.
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: Elevate the chocolate intensity by drizzling warm brownies with chocolate sauce or a homemade ganache.
• Sprinkled with Extra Graham Cracker Crumbs: For added texture and visual appeal, sprinkle extra graham cracker crumbs over the top of the brownies before serving.
• Alongside a Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! A cold glass of milk is the perfect complement to the rich, sweet brownies.
• With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Serve with a cup of hot coffee or hot chocolate for a comforting and satisfying dessert, especially on a cool evening.
• As a Party Dessert: S’mores Brownies are perfect for parties and gatherings. Cut them into smaller squares for easy serving and watch them disappear!

Additional Tips for Perfect S’mores Brownies

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough brownies. Mix until just combined, and no streaks of flour remain. A few lumps are okay.
2. Use Good Quality Cocoa Powder: For a rich chocolate flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed for a smoother, less bitter taste.
3. Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: If you prefer less sweet brownies, you can reduce the granulated sugar and brown sugar slightly.
4. Customize the Chocolate Chips: Feel free to use different types of chocolate chips or chunks. Dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips can be used to create different flavor profiles.
5. Add Nuts (Optional): For added texture and flavor, you can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the chocolate chips.
6. Make it Gluten-Free: To make gluten-free s’mores brownies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
7. Line Your Pan with Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper makes it incredibly easy to lift the brownies out of the pan after baking, and also simplifies cleanup.
8. Store Properly for Freshness: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About S’mores Brownies (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

A: Yes, absolutely! S’mores Brownies are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors actually tend to meld and deepen over time.

Q2: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff?

A: While marshmallow fluff is recommended for the classic gooey topping, you can use regular marshmallows. For best results, halve or quarter regular marshmallows and arrange them evenly over the baked brownies. Broil briefly to toast them, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Q3: How do I prevent the marshmallow topping from burning when broiling?

A: Broiling marshmallow fluff requires very close attention. Keep the oven rack positioned further down from the broiler element. Broil for only 1-2 minutes, or even less, and watch constantly. The moment the marshmallow starts to turn golden brown, remove the brownies from the oven. It burns very quickly!

Q4: Can I freeze S’mores Brownies?

A: Yes, you can freeze S’mores Brownies. Allow them to cool completely, then cut them into squares. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q5: My brownies are too dry. What did I do wrong?

A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry brownies. Bake them just until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Also, ensure you are measuring your flour correctly (spoon and level method, or use a kitchen scale). Too much flour can also result in drier brownies.

Q6: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Bake it in a larger pan, such as a 13×18 inch pan. You may need to slightly increase the baking time, so keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Q7: Can I make these brownies without graham crackers?

A: While the graham crackers are a key element of s’mores brownies, you can omit them if you don’t have any on hand or prefer a simpler brownie. They will still be delicious chocolate brownies with a marshmallow topping. However, for the true “s’mores” experience, the graham crackers are highly recommended.

Q8: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

A: There are many fun variations! You could add a layer of caramel sauce under the marshmallow topping, sprinkle sea salt on top for a salted caramel s’mores brownie, use different flavored marshmallows (like toasted coconut or vanilla), or add a swirl of peanut butter to the brownie batter for a peanut butter s’mores brownie twist. Get creative and experiment!

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