Sweet meets savory in the most unforgettable way with these Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores. Imagine crispy, smoky bacon nestled between freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, gooey roasted marshmallows, and rich, melted chocolate. It’s an irresistible upgrade to the classic campfire treat.
Perfect for backyard BBQs, summer nights by the fire, or just when you’re craving something bold and indulgent, this treat brings a wild twist that will wow both kids and grown-ups alike. It’s playful, indulgent, and guaranteed to disappear in seconds!
Full Recipe:
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12 thick-cut slices bacon
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12 large marshmallows
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12 2-inch squares of chocolate
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12 skewers
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12 tablespoons butter, softened
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3/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup white sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 egg + 1 egg yolk
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 (3.4 oz) box instant French vanilla pudding mix (dry, not prepared)
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).
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Mix in vanilla extract, egg, and additional yolk until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, dry pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until dough forms.
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Fold in chocolate chips. Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Roll dough into 1½-inch balls and place 2-3 inches apart on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Let cookies cool for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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For the bacon: Heat grill to medium-high. Thread bacon onto skewers in an “S” shape. Grill for 8-12 minutes, rotating as needed, until crisp. Let cool and remove from skewers.
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Roast marshmallows over the grill until golden brown.
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Assemble each s’more by flipping one cookie upside down. Layer with chocolate square, roasted marshmallow, grilled bacon, and top with another cookie right-side up. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal (estimated per serving) | Servings: 12
The Ultimate Sweet-and-Savory Mashup: Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores
Dessert lovers are no strangers to indulgence. But every now and then, a recipe emerges that feels like a true moment of culinary rebellion — something so outrageously delicious that it challenges the norms of sweet treats. Enter: Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores. This elevated twist on the classic campfire snack is a multi-sensory experience that brings together soft-baked chocolate chip cookies, smoky grilled bacon, gooey roasted marshmallows, and melted chocolate — a flavor combination that’s equal parts nostalgic and revolutionary.
Where Classic Meets Bold Innovation
Traditional s’mores have always been a hallmark of outdoor gatherings. The ritual of toasting marshmallows over a fire and sandwiching them between graham crackers with a square of chocolate is deeply woven into American food culture. But the Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores elevate this experience by introducing two flavor and texture powerhouses: homemade cookies and crispy bacon.
By replacing graham crackers with chocolate chip cookies, this version retains the familiarity of chocolate and marshmallow while delivering a softer, chewier bite. Add to that the crunch and umami depth of bacon, and you’ve taken this campfire tradition from kid-friendly to gourmet adult indulgence — though kids will love it too!
Why Bacon Belongs in Dessert
There’s been a longstanding debate about the place of bacon in sweet dishes. While some traditionalists balk at the idea, many chefs and home cooks have embraced the sweet-savory marriage with open arms. From bacon donuts to maple bacon cupcakes, the flavor chemistry just works — and this s’mores variation proves it yet again.
The reason bacon works so well in desserts is its unique combination of saltiness, smokiness, and rich fat. When balanced with sweet, creamy elements like chocolate and marshmallows, bacon’s savory notes actually amplify the sweetness, creating a complex, indulgent flavor profile. The texture contrast — chewy cookie, gooey marshmallow, crisp bacon — only adds to the appeal.
The Art of Grilling the Bacon and Marshmallows
This recipe adds another layer of sophistication by calling for grilled bacon and marshmallows. Grilling infuses the bacon with a slightly smoky flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully. It also helps to achieve a caramelized exterior, perfect for offsetting the sugar in the cookies and marshmallows.
Grilling marshmallows, meanwhile, brings out their true character. The fire not only softens the interior but also creates a golden, crackling crust on the outside. That toasted caramel flavor becomes the star once it melds with the chocolate and cookies.
Perfect for BBQs, Picnics, and Backyard Celebrations
One of the best things about this dessert is how well it fits into the rhythm of outdoor meals. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a summer birthday party, or just enjoying a quiet evening by the fire pit, this recipe makes for an unforgettable finish.
Because the cookies can be baked ahead of time, the final assembly is quick and easy — even fun for guests to participate in. Let people roast their own marshmallows, add a strip of bacon, and sandwich everything between two chewy cookies. It becomes an interactive dessert bar that invites creativity and encourages guests to engage with the food.
A Sensory Experience That’s Hard to Beat
When it comes to desserts, flavor is just one part of the story. Texture and aroma play major roles too — and Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’mores score high in all categories. The smell of cookies baking or bacon grilling alone is enough to draw people in. The feel of biting into a gooey marshmallow with crisp edges, backed by crunchy bacon and molten chocolate, is pure pleasure.
This recipe is all about contrasts. Soft vs. crispy. Sweet vs. salty. Warm vs. chewy. It’s a dish that keeps you coming back for another bite because each mouthful delivers a new experience.
Customization Tips for Every Palate
While the original version is nearly perfect as-is, there’s plenty of room for customization to suit different preferences or dietary needs.
Try alternative cookies – If chocolate chip isn’t your thing or you want a fun twist, try using peanut butter cookies, oatmeal cookies, or even snickerdoodles for a cinnamon-kissed version.
Experiment with bacon styles – Candied bacon adds a sweet crunch. Spicy bacon (brushed with a bit of sriracha or cayenne before grilling) adds heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Chocolate options – Swap traditional chocolate squares for dark chocolate, flavored bars (like orange or chili), or even peanut butter cups for a decadent fusion.
Make it vegetarian – For those who don’t eat meat, there are plant-based bacon alternatives available that still offer a crispy texture and smoky flavor.
Gluten-free and allergy-friendly tweaks – Gluten-free cookie dough and nut-free chocolate can make this treat inclusive without sacrificing taste or fun.
How to Serve and Store
While this dessert is definitely best served fresh off the grill (especially to get that just-melted chocolate and warm marshmallow texture), you can prep parts of it ahead of time. Bake and cool the cookies, grill the bacon, and keep both stored in airtight containers until ready to assemble.
If you’re taking them to an event, consider wrapping each one in wax paper and warming them briefly in a toaster oven or on the grill just before serving.
These are also fantastic the next day when chilled — the flavors deepen, and the textures remain pleasantly chewy.
Why This Dessert Captures the Zeitgeist
Food trends in recent years have leaned heavily into the “sweet meets savory” territory. As culinary boundaries expand and the home cook becomes more adventurous, dishes like this one capture the bold, fearless spirit of modern comfort food.
It’s nostalgic, yet forward-thinking. Playful, but surprisingly gourmet. In a world where food often brings people together, the Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’more is a conversation starter, a memory-maker, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion: An Epic Dessert That Redefines S’mores
The Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S’more is more than just a mashup of ingredients — it’s an experience. From the moment you smell the bacon sizzling on the grill to that first warm, sticky bite, it’s clear this is a dessert that hits all the right notes.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer get-together, adding it to your family’s cookout repertoire, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this is a recipe that deserves a place in your dessert arsenal.
It’s comfort food with a twist — and the kind of unforgettable treat that turns a good meal into a great one.