There is nothing quite like the magic of a warm, gooey cookie to make the holiday season feel complete. These Christmas S’mores Cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the nostalgic comfort of a campfire classic with a vibrant, joyful twist. Imagine a chewy brown sugar base loaded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, toasted mini marshmallows, and a festive explosion of red and green sprinkles.

Whether you are hosting a festive gift exchange, preparing a platter for Santa, or simply looking for the best holiday cookie recipe to share with family, these cookies deliver on every level. They offer a perfect textural symphony: a crisp golden edge, a soft doughy center, and the unmistakable pull of gooey melted marshmallows.

Ingredients and Their Essential Roles

To achieve the perfect bake, every ingredient must play its part. Here is what you will need for these gourmet holiday cookies:

• Unsalted Butter (Softened): The foundation of flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control sodium levels perfectly, ensuring a rich, tender crumb.
• Granulated & Light Brown Sugar: This duo creates the “perfect chew.” The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture, while white sugar ensures crispy golden edges.
• Large Egg (Room Temp): The primary binding agent, providing structure for a thick, bakery-style texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A high-quality extract enhances the chocolate and acts as the aromatic backbone of the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure. Use the spoon-and-level method to ensure cookies aren’t dry or cakey.
• Baking Soda & Salt: These provide the necessary lift and balance the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These provide pockets of rich cocoa. Semi-sweet balances the high sugar content of the inclusions perfectly.
• Mini Marshmallows: The star! These melt into the dough to create chewy, caramelized pockets.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Festive red and green jimmies add the visual pop that makes these the perfect Christmas dessert.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: Beat the softened butter and sugars for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until just combined to maintain the air incorporated during creaming.
3. Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt on low speed until just a few streaks of flour remain.
4. The Festive Mix-Ins: Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and holiday sprinkles by hand using a spatula.
5. Chill the Dough: For the best flavor development, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
6. Scoop and Bake: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place dough balls on parchment and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Christmas S’mores Cookies warm with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming mug of dark hot chocolate. For a decadent twist, use two cookies to create a festive ice cream sandwich with vanilla bean ice cream.

Why This Recipe Wins

This is more than just a recipe; it is a foolproof holiday tradition. By balancing the richness of butter with the airy sweetness of marshmallows, we’ve created a highly shareable dessert that looks as good as it tastes. These cookies are simple to make, require no fancy equipment, and deliver professional bakery quality every time.