S'mores

The name "S'more" is a linguistic contraction of the phrase "some more," perfectly capturing the addictive nature of the treat. It is famously thought to have been coined in the 1927 Girl Scout handbook, Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. The recipe encouraged young girls to toast marshmallows over a campfire and squeeze them between graham crackers with a piece of chocolate.

For a classic, traditional campfire S'more, standard milk chocolate—specifically a Hershey's milk chocolate bar—is considered the gold standard. Milk chocolate is preferred because its lower melting point allows it to perfectly melt and conform to the hot marshmallow. Its high sugar content also perfectly balances the slightly bitter char of the toasted marshmallow and the earthy graham cracker.

Yes, you can easily make indoor S'mores by using the broiler in your oven, an air fryer, or even a microwave to melt the marshmallows. If using an oven, place the marshmallow on a graham cracker half on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until toasted. To achieve the classic campfire char indoors, many people use a small culinary kitchen torch.

S'mores are distinctly an American invention, originating within the early 20th-century scouting movement in the United States. The combination became popularized in the 1920s alongside the commercial mass production of the marshmallow. Today, they remain a staple treat for American summer camping, Fourth of July celebrations, and outdoor bonfires.