Craving the classic taste of s’mores but without the campfire hassle? Look no further than these incredible S’mores Blondies! Imagine a soft, chewy, and utterly gooey brown sugar cookie base, generously packed with crunchy graham cracker crumbs, rich milk chocolate chips, and irresistibly melty marshmallows. These aren’t just a dessert; they’re a portable celebration of summer, designed to bring all the joy of a campfire treat directly to your kitchen. To elevate the experience, we pile on even more s’mores toppings, ensuring a perfectly toasted marshmallow and chocolatey bite in every single square. Forget the smoke and sticky fingers; stay cool and comfortable indoors while whipping up a batch of these unforgettable sweet treats.
Why S’mores Blondies Are Your New Favorite Summer Dessert
For those of us who prefer comfort over camping, these S’mores Blondies are an absolute game-changer. While a traditional s’more by the campfire can be a delightful, albeit sticky, experience, these blondie bars offer all the nostalgic flavors with none of the fuss. They deliver that iconic combination of graham cracker, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow in a neat, easy-to-eat square. Beyond their incredible taste, these blondies boast remarkable versatility and ease of preparation. You can have a fresh batch ready in under an hour, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings, a quick after-dinner treat, or simply satisfying that sudden s’mores craving.
Compared to scooping individual cookie dough balls, these bars come together with minimal effort, baking into a perfect sheet that’s simple to slice and serve. It’s a truly versatile dessert that appeals to all ages. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and want to explore even deeper flavors, consider infusing your blondie base with brown butter, similar to the technique used in my Brown Butter Blondie Bars. The nutty notes from brown butter would add another layer of complexity to these already stellar S’mores Blondies, taking them from amazing to absolutely extraordinary.
Essential Ingredients for Irresistible S’mores Blondies
Crafting these delectable S’mores Blondies requires only a handful of common pantry staples, alongside the quintessential s’mores components. You won’t need any exotic or hard-to-find items, making this recipe accessible for every home baker. The magic lies in the quality and balance of these simple ingredients, which come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: The foundation of the s’mores flavor, graham cracker crumbs provide a subtly spiced, honey-infused crunch. You have the option to purchase pre-ground crumbs from the baking aisle for ultimate convenience. Alternatively, for a fresher taste and satisfying DIY experience, you can easily crush whole graham crackers yourself. Simply place them in a small zip-top bag and use a meat mallet, the bottom of a drinking glass, or even a rolling pin to break them down. For a finer, more consistent crumb, a mini chopper or food processor works wonders. Don’t forget to reserve some larger pieces for that delightful topping!
- Milk Chocolate Chips: The melting heart of any s’more, milk chocolate chips deliver that classic creamy sweetness. I personally prefer Ghiradelli chocolate chips for their superior melt and rich flavor. Guittard also offers a fantastic milk chocolate chip that’s slightly larger than average, creating more substantial pockets of molten chocolate. If you’re in a pinch, or simply love the authentic taste, a chopped-up Hershey’s bar will work beautifully and perfectly encapsulate that nostalgic s’mores essence. Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate chips for a less sweet, more intense flavor profile, or even a mix of both!
- Marshmallows: The fluffy, gooey cloud that ties everything together. Mini marshmallows are ideal for this recipe as their smaller size ensures they’re evenly disbursed throughout the blondie batter, creating delightful pockets of chewiness. They also toast beautifully when scattered on top, transforming into those perfectly caramelized, golden-brown morsels that are a hallmark of any s’more. For the topping, don’t be shy – a generous sprinkle ensures that toasty marshmallow goodness in every bite, adding both visual appeal and an incredible textural contrast.
- Other Baking Essentials: Beyond the s’mores specific ingredients, you’ll need standard baking staples like butter (preferably unsalted, melted for that signature gooey texture), brown sugar (for its rich molasses flavor and chewiness), a large egg (for binding and moisture), vanilla extract (to enhance all the sweet notes), all-purpose flour (the structural base), salt (to balance the sweetness), and a touch of baking powder (for a slight lift and tender crumb, especially around the edges). These foundational ingredients ensure your blondie base is as perfect as the s’mores additions.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible S’mores Blondies
Making these S’mores Blondies is a straightforward and enjoyable process that even beginner bakers can master. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time, filled with that quintessential s’mores magic.
- Prepare Your Blondie Base: The foundation of these incredible bars is a classic blondie base, simplified for speed and convenience. Begin by melting your butter; allowing it to cool slightly before mixing is key to a perfectly textured blondie. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled melted butter with brown sugar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The brown sugar not only imparts a beautiful caramel flavor but also contributes significantly to the blondies’ signature chewiness. Next, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, adding richness and aromatic depth. Finally, add your dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder – along with the graham cracker crumbs. Gently fold these in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough blondies. The baking powder helps to create a slightly cakey yet tender edge, contrasting beautifully with the gooey center.
- Incorporate the S’mores Mix-ins: This is where the magic truly happens! Once your blondie base is ready, it’s time to fold in the stars of the show. Add the milk chocolate chips and the mini marshmallows to the batter. Gently fold them through until they are evenly distributed. You want every bite to contain a delightful explosion of chocolate and marshmallow. Ensure they are well-integrated but avoid vigorous mixing, which could deflate the batter or break down the marshmallows too much.
- First Bake & Layering the Toppings: Pour the luscious blondie batter into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan (greased and lined with parchment paper for easy removal). Bake the blondies partially for about 10 minutes, or until the top is just set. This initial bake is a crucial step: it allows the base to firm up slightly before you add the additional toppings. By doing this, you prevent the graham cracker pieces and marshmallows on top from becoming excessively dark or burning during the full baking time, ensuring they achieve that perfect golden toast.
- Add a Generous Layer of S’mores Toppings: After the initial bake, remove the pan from the oven. Now comes the fun part! Liberally sprinkle on your reserved graham cracker pieces, extra chocolate chips, and more mini marshmallows. The amount is entirely up to your preference – truly, as many as your heart desires! I personally like to leave a few small “peeks” of the blondie base showing through the toppings, adding visual interest, but a full blanket of s’mores goodness is equally fantastic. This topping layer will melt and toast beautifully during the final bake, creating an irresistible crust of flavor.
- Complete the Baking Process: Return the pan to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. During this final bake, keep a close eye on your blondies. They are ready when the edges are golden brown, the center is set (but still slightly soft), and most importantly, the marshmallows on top are perfectly toasted to a beautiful golden hue. The chocolate chips will be gloriously melted, and the graham cracker pieces will be fragrant and slightly crispy.
- Cool, Cut, and Indulge: This is arguably the hardest part – the waiting! Allow the S’mores Blondies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. Cooling is essential for achieving that ideal chewy and gooey texture; cutting them too soon will result in a crumbly, messy affair. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Slice them into squares, then serve and enjoy these incredibly delicious, campfire-free S’mores Blondies!
Understanding the Deliciousness: What Does a Blondie Taste Like?
If you’re new to the world of blondies, imagine the most delightful parts of a chocolate chip cookie and a brownie, combined into one irresistible bar. Blondies are essentially the “vanilla” cousin to the rich, cocoa-filled brownie. They taste remarkably similar to the buttery, brown sugar cookie dough base of a classic chocolate chip cookie, but with a unique texture achieved through baking them in a square or rectangular pan.
A well-made blondie is a symphony of textures and flavors. It should be wonderfully soft and buttery throughout, often boasting a delightfully gooey, almost fudgy center that melts in your mouth. Around the edges, you’ll find a satisfyingly chewy crust, providing a pleasant contrast. My blondies are specifically crafted using melted butter, which is a key technique that contributes to their dense, rich, and ultra-gooey texture, as opposed to a lighter, fluffier result. This ensures that every bite is packed with substantial, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
The beauty of blondies lies in their incredible versatility. Just like cookies, the possibilities for mix-ins are truly endless! While these S’mores Blondies highlight the classic campfire flavors, you could easily adapt the base with nuts, dried fruits, different types of chocolate, candies, or even swirls of caramel or fruit purees. They are the perfect canvas for culinary creativity, making them a go-to dessert for any occasion.
Tips for Perfect S’mores Blondies Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough blondies.
- Cool Melted Butter: Ensure your butter is melted but has cooled slightly before adding to the sugar. Too hot, and it can scramble the egg or create a greasy texture.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, makes lifting the cooled blondies out incredibly easy for clean cutting.
- Resist the Urge to Overbake: Blondies continue to set as they cool. They might look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them from the oven, but that’s what creates that coveted gooey texture. Look for golden-brown edges and a set top.
- Patience is Key for Cooling: It’s tempting to cut into warm blondies, but waiting until they are completely cool is crucial for clean cuts and the best texture.
- Customize Your Toppings: While the recipe suggests a generous topping of s’mores elements, feel free to adjust to your liking. More chocolate, more marshmallows, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These S’mores Blondies are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a cup of hot coffee or milk. For the ultimate indulgence, serve them slightly warm, allowing the chocolate and marshmallows to be extra melty.
To store your S’mores Blondies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a quick treat.
More Easy Summer Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re searching for more simple yet satisfying summer desserts and treats, explore these other delightful recipes from our kitchen. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying a sweet moment to yourself:
- Mixed Berry Streusel Bars: A delightful combination of sweet berries and a buttery crumb topping, perfect for berry season.
- Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars: Rich, decadent layers of chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans create an irresistible bar.
- Peanut Butter Oreo Cheesecake Bars: A dream come true for peanut butter and Oreo lovers, with a creamy cheesecake twist.
- Caramel Cone Crunch Cookies: Crispy, chewy cookies packed with the satisfying crunch and flavor of waffle cones and caramel.
- Chocolate Sprinkle Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: The ultimate cool-down treat, featuring soft chocolate cookies and a generous coating of colorful sprinkles.
Bake, Share, and Enjoy the Sweetness!
You’re truly going to adore not just the incredible flavor of these S’mores Blondies, but also how remarkably quick and easy they are to prepare. They bring all the nostalgic comfort of a campfire s’more into a convenient, crowd-pleasing bar, making them the ultimate summer dessert or anytime treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these blondies are guaranteed to be a hit.
If you decide to make this recipe, I would absolutely love to see your delicious creations! Please consider posting your photos and tagging me @sweetkitchencravings on Instagram. Your feedback is also incredibly valuable, so please feel free to leave a comment below to share your experience or any delicious variations you tried. Happy blondie baking!
S’mores Blondies
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Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup (45g) graham cracker crumbs (about 3 full crackers), plus 1 graham cracker broken into small pieces for topping
- ½ cup (100g) milk chocolate chips, plus extra (¼ cup) for topping
- ½ cup (32g) mini marshmallows, plus extra (¼ cup) for topping
SHOP INGREDIENTS
Instructions
- Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare other ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8” x 8” square baking pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on all four sides to create a convenient “sling” for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the slightly cooled melted butter and the brown sugar until they are fully combined and smooth.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then, add the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and the ½ cup of graham cracker crumbs. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the ½ cup of milk chocolate chips and ½ cup of mini marshmallows until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the reserved graham cracker pieces, extra marshmallows, and extra chocolate chips generously over the partially baked blondies.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows on top are beautifully toasted to a golden brown, and the edges of the blondies appear set and lightly golden. The center may still look slightly soft, which is perfect for a gooey texture.
- Allow the S’mores Blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. Once fully cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper, cut them into squares, and enjoy this delightful treat!