Ways to enjoy s’mores without a campfire

S’mores crispy treats. This Ali Slagle recipe is a mash-up of two marshmallow-forward desserts: Rice Krispie treats and s’mores. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne. (Mark Weinberg/The New York Times)

By Sharon Attia

S’mores are the dessert equivalent of fireflies and sleeping bags. There’s something so nostalgic (and messy!) about the combination of toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, graham crackers. It’s the ooey-gooey holy trinity of summertime flavors, a sweet memory you can hold in your hands — sticky fingers and all.

But you don’t need a campfire to satisfy that s’mores craving. Here is a desserts that capture their essence, no outdoor flames necessary. Find more recipes at nytcooking.com.

S’mores crispy treats

This smile-inducing mashup of crispy rice treats and s’mores combines the best qualities of both popular sweets. Toasty graham crackers and roasted marshmallows balance the overall sweetness, while melted butter and gooey marshmallows soften the dry graham crackers and brittle chocolate. To make these newfangled sweets, broil the marshmallows until they just start to smoke. Brown the butter to double down on the toastiness, then toss with the marshmallows, graham cereal and chocolate chips, which melt in streaks. After pressing the mixture into a pan, broil the top to get that toasted-over-the-campfire taste.

By Ali Slagle

Yield: 1 (8- or 9-inch) pan (about 16 pieces)

Total time: 15 minutes, plus cooling

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray (or softened butter), for greasing

1 (10- to 12-ounce/283- to 340-gram) bag marshmallows

1/2 cup/113 grams unsalted butter (1 stick)

1 (10- to 12-ounce/283- to 340-gram) box graham cracker cereal (such as Golden Grahams)

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)

1/2 cup/85 grams semisweet chocolate chips

Preparation:

1. Heat the broiler to high and set the rack in the upper third of the oven. Grease a broiler-safe 8- or 9-inch square pan, then add the marshmallows. (They won’t fit in an even layer, and that’s OK.) Broil until deeply browned and smoking, about 1 minute. (Watch closely, as broilers vary.) Stir to expose untoasted sides and broil once again until browned and just starting to smoke. Remove from oven, leaving the broiler on.

2. In a large pot, melt the 1/2 cup butter over medium-high. Stir frequently until the hissing subsides and the butter smells toasted and is speckled brown, 3 to 5 minutes. (Keep watch: This happens quickly.) Turn off the heat, then add the marshmallows (the pan may still be hot), and stir vigorously until melted. Working quickly, add the cereal and salt and stir to combine. Add the chocolate and stir to combine.

3. Immediately scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer. Broil until the top is golden and charred in spots, about 1 minute, watching closely. Let cool completely, then cut into squares or bars. Store, covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Oven s’mores

These easy, everyday s’mores are made in your broiler, no bonfire required. Ready in five minutes, they’re perfect for a speedy, chocolaty dessert. Feel free to swap out different cookies for the graham crackers. Ginger snaps, shortbread, chocolate wafer cookies all work equally well, as do salty crackers like Ritz and Saltines.

By Melissa Clark

Yield: 8 servings

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

16 graham crackers, or other cookies or crackers

4 ounces dark or milk chocolate bars, cut into large pieces

8 large marshmallows

Preparation:

1. Place an oven rack 4 inches away from the broiling element. Heat broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Place graham crackers on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out. Top half with a piece of chocolate and 1 marshmallow.

3. Broil until the marshmallows begin to singe on top and the chocolate melts, 1 to 3 minutes depending on your broiler; watch them carefully so they don’t burn (unless you like them blackened, in which case let them broil until they look perfect to you).

4. Remove from oven and top with remaining graham crackers, pressing down to smush the marshmallows. Serve immediately.