There’s something undeniably magical about biting into Super Simple S’mores Brownies – that perfect harmony of fudgy chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers that transports you straight to fireside memories. I’ve been obsessed with creating the perfect Super Simple S’mores Brownies recipe for years, one that captures all those nostalgic flavors but doesn’t require building a campfire or dealing with sticky marshmallow fingers. What makes these Super Simple S’mores Brownies special is how they marry the dense, rich texture of a classic brownie with the iconic elements of s’mores, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. The contrast between the intense chocolate, the caramelized marshmallow top, and the subtle honey notes from the graham crackers creates a multi-dimensional treat that’s impossible to resist. Keep reading to discover how these Super Simple S’mores Brownies will become your new go-to dessert for everything from casual family movie nights to impressive dinner party finales.
Why You’ll Love These Super Simple S’mores Brownies
If you’ve ever struggled with traditional s’mores – the constantly burning marshmallows, the chocolate that never quite melts properly, the crumbling graham crackers – these Super Simple S’mores Brownies solve all those problems in one delicious package. Unlike traditional methods that require precise technique, this recipe is wonderfully forgiving. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll achieve spectacular results with minimal effort.
I remember the first time I brought these Super Simple S’mores Brownies to my nephew’s birthday party. The kids were initially disappointed there wasn’t a bonfire for making traditional s’mores, but their faces lit up when they tasted these brownies. My sister-in-law, who claims she “can’t bake,” called me the next day asking for the recipe and has since made them for countless school functions and family gatherings.
What I love most about these Super Simple S’mores Brownies is their versatility. You can make them as written for a classic experience, or customize them with different chocolate types, mix-ins, or even seasonal twists. They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying a late-night chocolate craving.
Now, let’s get into the details of how to create these irresistible treats that combine the best of two beloved desserts.
Ingredients for Perfect Super Simple S’mores Brownies
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture. Use European-style butter for extra richness if available. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa and creates that characteristic crinkly brownie top. Can reduce to 1¾ cups if you prefer less sweet brownies.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature: Provides structure and richness. Room temperature eggs incorporate better than cold ones. For an egg-free version, try ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor. Pure vanilla extract is preferred over imitation for best flavor.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The foundation of our chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa creates a smoother, less bitter brownie, but natural cocoa works well too.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping brownies dense. For gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness. If using table salt, reduce to ½ teaspoon.
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Creates pockets of melty chocolate throughout. Dark chocolate chips or chunks can be substituted for a more intense chocolate flavor.
For the S’mores Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: Provides the classic s’mores gooeyness. Regular marshmallows cut into quarters also work but won’t distribute as evenly.
- 1 cup graham cracker pieces (about 6-7 crackers): Adds the essential crunch and honey notes. Gluten-free graham crackers work well if needed.
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For additional chocolate pockets on top. Can use milk chocolate for a sweeter experience.
- 2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers: For final garnish and texture.
How to Make Super Simple S’mores Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven for even baking.
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease any exposed sides.
- Pro tip: Crease the parchment paper at the corners for a better fit in the pan.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and microwave in 30-second intervals until just melted (about 1-1½ minutes total).
- Add the sugar to the melted butter and whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until well combined. The mixture should look slightly lighter in color.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. The mixture will become shiny and thicker. This thorough mixing is key to getting that crinkly brownie top!
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – stop when you no longer see dry flour streaks.
- Fold in the chocolate chips. The batter will be thick and fudgy.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly into the corners using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 25 minutes. The brownies won’t be completely done yet, but they should be set around the edges and slightly puffed.
Step 4: Add the S’mores Topping
- Carefully remove the brownies from the oven and evenly sprinkle the mini marshmallows, graham cracker pieces, and the remaining chocolate chips over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
- For extra toastiness, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but don’t take your eyes off them – they can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
- The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the remaining crushed graham crackers.
- Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. The brownies will continue to set as they cool.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between slices.
- Cut into 16-20 squares, depending on your preferred serving size.
The aroma will transform your kitchen into something special as these Super Simple S’mores Brownies bake – a heavenly combination of rich chocolate, toasting marshmallows, and honey-sweet graham crackers that’s sure to draw a crowd.
Delicious Variations for Super Simple S’mores Brownies
1. Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies
Swirl ½ cup of warmed peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking. Add ¼ cup of chopped peanut butter cups along with the marshmallows and graham crackers for a peanut butter cup s’mores experience.
2. Mint Chocolate S’mores Brownies
Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the brownie batter and substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with mint chocolate chips in the batter. Top with Andes mints pieces along with the marshmallows and graham crackers.
3. Salted Caramel S’mores Brownies
Drizzle ⅓ cup of salted caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking. After the marshmallows are toasted, drizzle with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty twist.
4. Coconut S’mores Brownies
Add ½ cup of toasted coconut flakes to the brownie batter. Sprinkle additional toasted coconut over the marshmallows during the last 2 minutes of baking for a tropical variation.
5. Espresso S’mores Brownies
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder in the vanilla extract before adding to the batter. Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sophisticated, coffee-infused version.
6. Seasonal Berry S’mores Brownies
During summer, scatter ½ cup of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries over the brownie batter before adding the marshmallow topping. The berries add a delightful tartness that balances the sweetness.
Super Simple S’mores Brownies: Campfire Flavor Without the Flame
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the S’mores Topping:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup graham cracker pieces about 6-7 crackers
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- Lightly grease any exposed pan edges.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals.
- Whisk in sugar until fully combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing it evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
Step 4: Add the S’mores Topping
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle marshmallows, graham cracker pieces, and remaining chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 more minutes, until marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra toasting (watch closely to prevent burning).
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers over the top.
- Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Lift brownies from the pan using parchment paper, cut into squares, and enjoy!
Notes
Delicious Variations:
- Peanut Butter S’mores Brownies: Swirl ½ cup warmed peanut butter into the batter before baking.
- Mint Chocolate S’mores Brownies: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter and swap semi-sweet chips for mint chocolate chips.
- Salted Caramel S’mores Brownies: Drizzle ⅓ cup caramel sauce over the brownie batter before baking. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Coconut S’mores Brownies: Add ½ cup toasted coconut to the batter and sprinkle extra on top.
- Espresso S’mores Brownies: Dissolve 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder in the vanilla extract before adding to the batter.
- Seasonal Berry S’mores Brownies: Scatter ½ cup fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries over the brownie batter before adding the marshmallow topping.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Super Simple S’mores Brownies
How do I store leftover brownies?
Store completely cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week, though the graham crackers may soften slightly. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You have two options: 1) Make the brownie batter and refrigerate it in the pan for up to 24 hours before baking, or 2) Bake the brownies without the s’mores topping, then add the topping and finish baking just before serving. Fully baked brownies can also be frozen (without the topping) for up to 3 months.
Why are my brownies too gooey in the middle?
This could be due to underbaking or not allowing them to cool completely. Remember that brownies continue to cook from residual heat after removal from the oven. For fudgier brownies, it’s normal to have some moist crumbs on a toothpick test, but you shouldn’t see wet batter. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free graham crackers. Everything else in the recipe remains the same, though the texture may be slightly different.
How can I make these less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the brownie base to 1½ cups and use dark chocolate chips (60-70% cocoa) instead of semi-sweet. You can also reduce the marshmallows to 1½ cups and increase the graham cracker pieces, which are less sweet than the marshmallows.
My marshmallows didn’t brown evenly. What happened?
Marshmallows brown best when they’re at the same height. Try to distribute them evenly and, if necessary, gently press them into the partially baked brownie surface. For more even browning, rotate the pan halfway through the final baking time. If some areas are browning faster than others, cover those spots with small pieces of foil.
A Sweet Tradition Reimagined
My grandmother was skeptical until she tasted these Super Simple S’mores Brownies and declared them a worthy twist on the classic campfire treat. “I’ve been making s’mores since before you were born,” she told me, “but I’ve never had them quite like this.” Coming from a woman who insisted on using a wire coat hanger for “proper marshmallow toasting,” this was high praise indeed.
What makes these Super Simple S’mores Brownies so special isn’t just their incredible taste, but the way they bring people together. They capture the essence of what makes s’mores so beloved – that communal experience of sharing something sweet and a little messy – but in a form that’s accessible anytime, anywhere, no campfire required.
The texture creates perfect pockets to catch the flavorful ingredients, with each bite offering a different ratio of fudgy brownie, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy graham cracker. This interplay of textures and flavors is what elevates these brownies from a simple chocolate dessert to an experience that evokes memories of summer nights, laughter, and togetherness.
I hope you’ll make these Super Simple S’mores Brownies your own, perhaps trying one of the variations or creating a new one that speaks to your family’s tastes. In our increasingly digital world, there’s something profoundly connecting about baking something with your hands and sharing it with people you care about. These brownies aren’t just a treat for the taste buds – they’re a vehicle for creating those precious moments of connection that we all treasure.
Whether you’re serving them at a backyard gathering, packing them for a picnic, or enjoying them on a cozy night in, these Super Simple S’mores Brownies carry the spirit of campfire traditions into everyday life. And isn’t that what the best recipes do? They take something special and make it accessible, allowing us to create little moments of joy and connection in our everyday lives.