Delicious S’mores Cupcakes for Cozy Holidays

Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to three days.

Quick Answer

S’mores Cupcakes combine rich chocolate, graham cracker crust, and marshmallow frosting for a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat.

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the combination of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows—reminding me of summer nights by the campfire. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner here in New York City, I can’t help but draw inspiration from those cherished memories to put a twist on my holiday desserts. Enter S’mores Cupcakes: a whimsical take on the classic treat that brings warmth and comfort to our chilly winter celebrations.

A Cozy Holiday Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the nostalgia of summer s’mores with a cozy, festive twist.
• Rich chocolate and marshmallow flavors create a delightful dessert experience.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing warmth and comfort to winter celebrations.
• Easy step-by-step instructions make baking a breeze, even for beginners.
• The cupcakes stay fresh for days, making them perfect for sharing or gifting.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious S’mores Cupcakes:

For the Cupcake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt

For the Marshmallow Frosting:

• 1 cup marshmallow fluff
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

How to Make S’mores Cupcakes (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to create mouthwatering S’mores Cupcakes that everyone will love!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. The anticipation growing as the oven heats up is part of the fun!

Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

In a mixing bowl, I combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. The mixture resembles wet sand. I press about a tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each muffin liner, using the back of a spoon to pack it tightly.

Step 3: Make the Cupcake Batter

In a separate bowl, I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. The deep, rich aroma of cocoa fills the kitchen. In another bowl, I mix the sugar and vegetable oil before adding the eggs and vanilla. I beat these until well combined, then gradually whisk in the buttermilk.

Step 4: Combine and Fill

I slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet and stir in the mini chocolate chips. I scoop the batter over the graham cracker crusts, filling each liner about two-thirds full.

Step 5: Bake

I bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The sight of them rising is enchanting!

Step 6: Cool Completely

As the cupcakes cool, my kitchen is filled with the sweet scent of chocolate and graham crackers. This is the hard part—waiting!

Step 7: Make the Marshmallow Frosting

For the frosting, I beat together the marshmallow fluff and softened butter until fluffy. Then I gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, whisking until the frosting is glossy and smooth.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once the cupcakes have cooled, I generously pipe the marshmallow frosting on top, creating little peaks reminiscent of toasted marshmallows. If I’m feeling extra, I sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top and drizzle melted chocolate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix just until combined!
• Skipping the Buttermilk: The acidity helps create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a bit of vinegar.
• Not Cooling Cupcakes Before Frosting: Frosting warm cupcakes will melt the frosting. Trust me, patience is key!

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use a cookie scoop for even cupcake portions.
• If you like a toasted marshmallow flavor, consider using a kitchen torch to lightly toast the frosting before serving.
• These cupcakes can be made a day in advance; store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Variations

• Use different flavored frosting, such as chocolate or vanilla.
• Incorporate flavored extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist.
• Add a layer of peanut butter or Nutella in between the graham cracker crust and cupcake batter.

How to Serve

• Serve with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgence.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Top with additional mini marshmallows for an impressive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: These cupcakes can be made a day in advance.
• Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Reheating: If desired, reheat briefly in the microwave, but enjoy them at room temperature for best flavor.
• Freezing: Freeze before frosting. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

Making S’mores Cupcakes reminded me of how simple ingredients can evoke strong memories and feelings. Plus, the joy of sharing these delightful treats with loved ones is truly unparalleled as we gather for the holidays. Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for the chilly days ahead!

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 12 cupcakes · Serving Size: 1 cupcake

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 3g protein · 36g carbs · 12g fat

Amberly Vahn

Delicious S’mores Cupcakes for Cozy Holidays

S’mores Cupcakes combine rich chocolate, graham cracker crust, and marshmallow frosting for a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cupcake

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Graham Cracker Crust

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt

For the Marshmallow Frosting

• 1 cup marshmallow fluff
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Equipment

• Muffin tin 12-cup
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag for frosting

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Press about a tablespoon into the bottom of each muffin liner.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, mix sugar and vegetable oil, add eggs and vanilla, and then whisk in buttermilk.
4. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stir in chocolate chips. Fill each liner with batter about two-thirds full.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool completely before frosting.
7. For frosting, beat marshmallow fluff and softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until glossy.
8. Pipe the marshmallow frosting onto cooled cupcakes, and optionally top with crushed graham crackers and melted chocolate.

Notes

Making S’mores Cupcakes allows simple ingredients to evoke strong memories and feelings. Sharing these delightful treats with loved ones is the true joy of the holidays!

FAQs