Memorial Day S’mores Brookies Recipe | Gooey Brownie Cookie Bars

What is Memorial Day S’mores Brookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert to steal the show at your summer cookout, potluck, or patriotic party, look no further than Memorial Day S’mores Brookies. This dessert is a fun mashup that brings together three American favorites — fudgy brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and gooey campfire s’mores — all in one irresistible bar.

Each bite of these s’mores brookies is a mix of textures and flavors: the dense, chocolatey brownie base, the chewy cookie layer, and the melty marshmallow topping that’s kissed with toasted golden perfection. The combination creates the perfect bite — rich, nostalgic, and completely indulgent.

If you’ve never heard of a brookie before, it’s simply a brownie + cookie hybrid. When you add the gooey s’mores layer on top, it turns into something truly special — a treat that’s both comforting and exciting, ideal for holidays like Memorial Day or any celebration that calls for a dessert worth remembering.

Origin of the S’mores brookies recipe

To understand where s’mores brookies came from, let’s take a quick trip down dessert memory lane.

The idea of the “s’more” has been around for generations. It’s a classic American campfire treat made with toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and graham crackers. The term “s’more” actually comes from “some more,” because, well, you can never have just one.

The brownie, on the other hand, is one of America’s most iconic baked goods. It first appeared in the early 1900s and quickly became a staple for anyone craving rich, chocolatey comfort.

The brookie — the lovechild of a brownie and cookie — gained popularity in the last decade as bakers began combining their two favorite desserts into one decadent creation. Then came the ultimate evolution: the s’mores brookie, which layers all three classic desserts into a single, mouthwatering treat.

The Memorial Day S’mores Brookies take that idea and add a patriotic twist — decorated with red, white, and blue M&Ms or sprinkles, making it perfect for summer celebrations, BBQs, and family gatherings. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together, both literally and figuratively, around the table.

Ingredients (For a 9×13″ Pan)

Before we jump into the steps, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This recipe makes one full 9×13-inch pan of s’mores brookies, which yields about 12–15 generous servings.

Brownie Layer

• 1 box brownie mix or make homemade brownies (see below)
• Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)

Homemade Brownie Option:

• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cookie Layer

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips

S’mores Topping

• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 2–3 graham crackers (broken into small pieces)
• 1 Hershey bar (or about 6–8 squares of milk chocolate)

Optional Patriotic Version

• Red, white, and blue M&Ms
• Star-shaped marshmallows or patriotic sprinkles
• Melted white chocolate drizzle
• Blue sanding sugar for sparkle

Step-by-Step Directions & Preparation Method: S’mores brookies recipe

Making these Memorial Day S’mores Brookies is as fun as it is easy. Each step builds on the last, creating beautiful dessert layers that come together perfectly in the oven.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray. This will make removing the brookies easier after baking and prevent any sticky disasters.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

If using a boxed brownie mix, prepare it according to package instructions. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan.

For homemade brownies, melt butter in a medium bowl. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix, or your brownies could become dense. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add this dry mix to the wet mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the brownie batter. There’s no need to spread it perfectly — the cookie dough will naturally spread out as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Layers

Bake the combined layers for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownie layer is mostly set. It’s okay if it’s slightly soft in the center — it will continue to cook as you add the topping. Avoid overbaking; you want that rich, gooey texture.

Step 5: Add the S’mores Topping

Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows, graham cracker pieces, and chocolate squares evenly across the top. Return the pan to the oven for another 5 to 8 minutes, or switch to the broiler setting for a minute or two to toast the marshmallows until golden brown. Keep a close eye — marshmallows can burn quickly!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the brookies cool completely before cutting if you want clean squares. If you prefer a warm, gooey dessert, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes, then dig in with a spoon. Each slice will showcase beautiful layers — a fudgy brownie base, a chewy cookie middle, and a gooey toasted marshmallow top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these s’mores brookies at room temperature or slightly warm. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of textures and flavors will make everyone ask for seconds!

Red, White & Blue Version (Optional)

To make your Memorial Day S’mores Brookies even more festive, try this patriotic version. It’s perfect for summer holidays and adds a fun pop of color.

• Stir red, white, and blue M&Ms into the cookie dough before layering.
• Use star-shaped marshmallows or sprinkle patriotic-themed sprinkles over the toasted topping.
• Once cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle blue sanding sugar for sparkle.

This version not only looks festive but also captures the spirit of Memorial Day — deliciously sweet and full of celebration.

Variations of S’mores Brookies

The best part about s’mores brookies is how versatile they are. Here are some fun twists to try:

Storage Instructions

These s’mores brookies are rich and moist, but they keep beautifully if stored properly.

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly in the microwave before serving to soften the marshmallows and chocolate.
• Freezer: While you can freeze them, marshmallows don’t always thaw well. If you freeze, wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before gently reheating.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) About S’mores brookies recipe

Q: Are s’mores brookies hard to make?
A: Not at all! The recipe is beginner-friendly. You’re simply layering brownie batter, cookie dough, and topping it with classic s’mores ingredients.

Q: Can I use store-bought mixes?
A: Absolutely. Using a boxed brownie mix and pre-made cookie dough can save time and still produce delicious results.

Q: How do I make my brookies fudgy instead of cakey?
A: Avoid overbaking. Bake just until set in the middle, then let the residual heat finish cooking.

Q: Can I make them in advance?
A: Yes! These taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store them covered at room temperature overnight.

Q: How do I cut them neatly?
A: Use a sharp knife and clean the blade between each cut. For even cleaner slices, chill the brookies first.

Q: What’s the best way to serve them?
A: Warm with ice cream or room temperature with a cup of coffee — either way, they’re irresistible!

Why You’ll Love These S’mores Brookies

Here’s why this recipe stands out:

1. Three desserts in one: Brownie + cookie + s’mores topping equals dessert heaven.
2. Perfect for celebrations: Ideal for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and summer BBQs.
3. Visually stunning: Those golden marshmallows and layers of chocolate are pure eye candy.
4. Family-friendly: Kids love making and eating them!
5. Easily customizable: Gluten-free, peanut butter, or festive versions are simple to make.

The rich chocolate, buttery cookie dough, and gooey topping make these Memorial Day S’mores Brookies a dessert you’ll come back to every summer.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t overmix your batters — you want tender, fudgy layers, not dense ones.
• Watch your oven closely while toasting the marshmallows. They brown quickly!
• Cool completely if you plan to slice neatly; serve warm for gooey delight.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
• For parties, bake a double batch — they disappear fast!

Conclusion: Memorial Day S’mores Brookies

These Memorial Day S’mores Brookies are everything you love about summer desserts — gooey, rich, fun, and full of nostalgic flavor. Every layer tells a story: the brownie base brings deep chocolate comfort, the cookie layer adds chewy sweetness, and the toasted marshmallows and graham crackers on top bring that irresistible campfire touch.

Whether you’re celebrating with family, hosting a BBQ, or looking for something show-stopping to bring to a potluck, these s’mores brookies will be the dessert everyone remembers. They capture the spirit of the season — warm, festive, and a little messy in the best way possible.

So this Memorial Day, skip the plain brownies or cookies. Instead, make something that truly stands out — Memorial Day S’mores Brookies, the ultimate treat that combines America’s favorite desserts into one unforgettable bite.

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