Snickerdoodle Smookies Recipe

If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly blends the warm, cinnamon-sugary goodness of classic snickerdoodles with the melty, gooey delight of s’mores, you’re in for a real treat! This Snickerdoodle Smookies Recipe combines soft-baked cookie magic, toasted marshmallows, and rich chocolate to create a dessert that’s as comforting as a campfire and just as fun to make. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these irresistible treats promise sweet nostalgia in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great recipe starts with a simple yet impactful lineup of ingredients. Here, each component plays a key role— from the creamy butter that ensures tender dough, to the cinnamon-sugar coating that whispers classic snickerdoodle charm, and the marshmallow and chocolate adding that indulgent s’mores twist.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies soft and moist.
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a deeper, caramel-like flavor and moisture to the dough.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding softness and structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates every bite with a warm, fragrant note.
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving the cookies their perfect balance of chew and tenderness.
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar: This secret weapon keeps the snickerdoodles chewy and helps the dough rise just right.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the cream of tartar for that signature snickerdoodle texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Combines with cinnamon to give the cookies a signature crackly, sugary crust.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling): The hallmark spice delivering that quintessential snickerdoodle flavor.
• 12 large marshmallows (cut in half): Creates gooey pockets of warmth, offering delightful s’mores-inspired softness.
• 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips or chocolate squares: Melts into creamy, chocolaty goodness to complete the smookie’s sweet surprise.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Smookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First, warm up your kitchen by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is luxuriously light and fluffy. This creaming process is essential for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract

Next, stir in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. These add moisture and flavor, making every cookie rich and inviting.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

Grab another bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is the backbone of the dough, delivering the perfect snickerdoodle consistency.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to your creamed butter and sugar mix, blending until fully combined but being careful not to overmix. You’re looking for a dough that’s soft yet sturdy enough to hold its shape.

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating and Shape Cookies

In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll each into a ball, and then roll it generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place each coated dough ball on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 7: First Bake

Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This step ensures they stay tender, rather than crispy like traditional cookies.

Step 8: Add Marshmallow and Chocolate Toppings

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, gently press half a marshmallow and a handful of milk chocolate chips or a small square of chocolate into the center of each cookie. This is where the magic truly happens.

Step 9: Final Bake for Gooey Goodness

Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 1 to 2 minutes just until the marshmallows puff up and the chocolate melts beautifully. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, which helps them set up perfectly.

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Smookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of the cookies right after the second bake, or add a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a few mini marshmallows on the plate can make the presentation even more whimsical and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these smookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate to boost their cozy vibe. They also go wonderfully with fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples, adding a refreshing contrast to the sweet, gooey textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party idea, serve your Snickerdoodle Smookies Recipe stacked on a rustic wooden platter with skewers of toasted marshmallows and small bowls of chocolate chips for a DIY s’mores bar. You can also sandwich two smookies together with extra melted chocolate or marshmallow fluff for an irresistible dessert sandwich that will wow guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Snickerdoodle Smookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their softness and gooey centers beautifully for up to three days—perfect for enjoying as a sweet treat throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these tasty cookies longer, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked softness and melty marshmallow allure, pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10–15 seconds. Just a little warm-up and they’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!

FAQs

What makes Snickerdoodle Smookies different from regular snickerdoodles?

While traditional snickerdoodles focus on cinnamon-sugar flavor and a tender texture, Snickerdoodle Smookies combine those qualities with gooey marshmallows and melting chocolate for a fun s’mores-inspired twist that’s soft and indulgent.

Can I use dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer, more intense flavor, while white chocolate brings a creamy sweetness. Any choice will complement the cinnamon and marshmallow beautifully, so feel free to customize.

Is cream of tartar necessary in this recipe?

Yes, cream of tartar is key to achieving the classic snickerdoodle texture and tangy flavor. It reacts with baking soda to give the cookies that perfect chew and slight crisp on the edges.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

To make Snickerdoodle Smookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check that the mix is suitable for baking to maintain texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to cut marshmallows for this recipe?

Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, slice the marshmallows in half horizontally to create flat surfaces that press nicely into the cookies. This helps the marshmallows melt evenly and nestle perfectly with the chocolate.

Final Thoughts

This Snickerdoodle Smookies Recipe truly captures the best of both worlds — classic comfort and a playful s’mores surprise. They are so fun to make, share, and enjoy, whether you’re baking for a casual snack or a special gathering. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for gooey, cinnamon-spiced cookie happiness that never disappoints!

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