S’mores Brownies With Marshmallow Frosting

So, you’re staring into the abyss of your pantry, a craving for something fudgy, gooey, and utterly delightful gnawing at your soul, but the thought of a multi-step baking marathon makes you want to just order pizza. Been there, my friend. But fear not, for I bring tidings of great joy (and chocolate)! We’re diving headfirst into S’mores Brownies with Marshmallow Frosting, a recipe so ridiculously good, it’s practically a hug in dessert form. Get ready to ditch the campfire and bring the s’mores magic right to your kitchen.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real. We love s’mores, we love brownies, and we *really* love marshmallows. This recipe is like the Avengers of dessert, bringing all the best elements together in one glorious, decadent package. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, if you can melt butter and stir things, you can absolutely nail this. It’s almost idiot-proof, which, let’s be honest, is a major selling point in my book. Plus, the marshmallow frosting? It’s like a cloud of sugary happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Brownies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted (because life is too short for anything less)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (the sweet stuff, obviously)
• 4 large eggs (make sure they’re not from a dinosaur)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that little extra oomph)
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (the foundation of all baked goods)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (the darker, the better for that intense chocolatey vibe)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweet, don’t skip this!)
• 1 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk, your call!)
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (crush ’em up good!)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (these guys are going to get all melty and dreamy)
• For the Marshmallow Frosting:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (let it chill out on the counter for a bit)
• 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff (the secret weapon to fluffy perfection)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted, ideally, to avoid lumps)
• 2-4 tablespoons milk (just enough to get the right consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (more vanilla, always!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is your brownie’s future home, so make it cozy!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. It should look a little glossy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. **Don’t overmix**, or your brownies will be tougher than a week-old baguette.
6. Fold in the chopped chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs. Seriously, just gently fold them in like you’re tucking in a sleepy baby.
7. Scatter the mini marshmallows over the top. Try to get them somewhat evenly distributed, but hey, a few clusters are totally fine.
8. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out.
9. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. We want fudgy, not dried out!
10. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before you even *think* about frosting them. Patience, grasshopper!
11. While the brownies are cooling, whip up that marshmallow frosting! In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and marshmallow fluff until light and fluffy.
12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
13. Once the brownies are cool, frost them generously with your fluffy marshmallow frosting. Go wild!
14. Cut into squares and prepare for extreme happiness. You can even toast the tops with a kitchen torch for that authentic s’mores char, if you’re feeling fancy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. Gentle is the name of the game.
• Not preheating the oven: This is a rookie mistake that guarantees sad, undercooked brownies. Don’t do it.
• Baking too long: Dry brownies are a tragedy. Keep an eye on them and pull them out when they’re still a little moist.
• Trying to frost warm brownies: The frosting will melt into a gooey mess. Let them cool completely!
• Skipping the salt: It’s the unsung hero that balances all that sweetness. Trust me on this one.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? You can totally swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate if you’re feeling a bit wild. And if you’re not a fan of graham crackers, crushed pretzels can add a fun salty-sweet crunch. For the frosting, if you’re all out of marshmallow fluff (gasp!), you could try a meringue-based frosting, but honestly, fluff is where it’s at for that classic s’mores vibe.

FAQ

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. You might need to adjust baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Can I use a box brownie mix?

Oh, you want to take the *really* easy route, do you? 😉 Yes, you can! Prepare your favorite boxed brownie mix according to package directions. Stir in the chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs before baking. Top with the marshmallow frosting once cooled. Still delicious!

How do I store these?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s super hot, the frosting might get a little melty, so a quick stint in the fridge might be a good idea.

Can I make the marshmallow frosting more stable?

If you want a stiffer frosting, add a bit more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

What if I don’t have mini marshmallows for the brownies?

No worries! Regular-sized marshmallows, cut into quarters, will work just fine. Just make sure they’re spread out as evenly as possible.

Can I toast the frosting with a kitchen torch?

YES! This is highly encouraged for maximum s’mores authenticity. Just be careful and keep the torch moving!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – S’mores Brownies with Marshmallow Frosting. A dessert so good, it’ll make you question all your life choices (in the best way possible). They’re perfect for potlucks, movie nights, or just that moment when you need a serious chocolate fix. Now go forth and bake! And seriously, don’t forget to share… unless you want to keep them all to yourself. I wouldn’t judge. You’ve earned this deliciousness!