A delicious treat for the whole family reminiscent of happy times spent around the campfire.
Bonfires and Community
My roommates and I had our first bonfire of the season this past weekend. The Portland area is beginning to get some unseasonably warm weather for April and as a result, we’ve begun some of our outdoor festivities typically reserved for summer a little earlier than usual. Our house sits on nearly half an acre which means we can host with plenty of room to sprawl on the back patio.
As we were sitting around the campfire, one of our friends was reflecting on the pandemic and how bonfires got us through Covid. Thinking over this statement more, I realized it had a lot of truth behind it. However, more than just the bonfires, I think the point she was really making was that community got us through Covid.
Community
At the beginning of the pandemic, a handful of friends and I formed a “quaranteam” group. Many of us were feeling starved for community and human interaction. As a result, we organized small groups to go on walks together, enjoy bonfires in our backyards, go stargazing, and host outdoor movie nights. It was this sense of community that helped get us through many rough seasons we were facing in our lives.
Some of us became unemployed. Others struggled with mental health. There were a few of us that had loved ones pass and others who became ill. Whatever we were going through we knew we had a group of people who could listen with grace, speak truth with love into our lives and encourage us to stay strong in our belief in God’s faithfulness.
S’mores
One of the snacks we had at nearly every bonfire was s’mores. S’mores are one of those treats that, in my experience, few people actually indulge in, but are necessary to any successful bonfire.
In celebration of our first bonfire of the season, I decided to make s’mores cookies. Part of the recipe is inspired by a cookie from a bakery in Seattle called Hello Robin. They make a s’mores cookie they fondly call The Mackles’more. It’s comprised of s’more cookie dough placed on top of a graham cracker square. It results in a cookie that is soft and gooey, but also has a pleasing crunch. The dough itself has graham cracker pieces, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. To finish, you place a piece of chocolate on top of each cookie as soon as it comes out of the oven. This allows the chocolate to melt slightly without it becoming messy. The result is a perfect campfire treat, especially for those who may not enjoy a traditional s’more.
I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as I do. I also hope that you are able to engage in community with people who love and encourage you. We are created in the image of a relational God and are not meant to do life alone.
Blessings on your home and table,
~Natalie
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350° and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Break nine of the graham cracker sheets in half and place nine squares evenly apart on each baking sheet.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, cream together butter and sugar on medium-low speed for 3 minutes.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, salt and baking soda. Gently mix into dough on low speed until just incorporated.
- Roughly chop the remaining four graham cracker sheets. Stir these along with the marshmallows and chocolate chips into the cookie dough. Scoop the cookie dough into 1-2" rounds and place on top of a graham cracker square. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. When they come out the oven, gently press a chocolate piece onto the tops of each cookie. Let cool 10 minutes.
Want more cookie recipes? Check out my espresso chocolate chip cookies!
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