Ultimate Allergy-Friendly S’mores Cookies: Gluten, Dairy, Egg & Nut-Free Recipe for Everyone!

Forget the campfire, the sticky mess, and the worry of food allergies! The quintessential summer treat, s’mores, has been reimagined into a delightful cookie. Not only are these S’mores cookies incredibly delicious, but they are also completely free of gluten, dairy, egg, and nuts – making them an allergy-friendly delight that everyone can safely enjoy all summer long, and beyond!

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S’mores have always been one of my absolute favorite indulgences. There’s something truly magical about the combination of toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crisp graham cracker. However, with allergic children, enjoying this classic treat can often feel like a complicated affair. I was determined to find a way to make S’mores accessible and enjoyable for both of my boys, ensuring they wouldn’t miss out on this beloved experience. While we had successfully navigated making traditional S’mores over a fire using Schar honeygrams, Enjoy Life chocolate, and allergy-friendly marshmallows, I knew there had to be an easier, less messy solution for when that S’mores craving struck – especially for a busy mom of active boys!

That’s where these incredible allergy-friendly S’mores cookies come in. They capture all the nostalgic flavors of a traditional S’mores, transformed into a convenient, bite-sized cookie. No open flames, no sticky fingers, just pure S’mores bliss in every single bite. They are perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or simply as an easy dessert after dinner, offering a safe and delicious treat for anyone navigating common food allergies.

Crafting the Perfect Allergy-Friendly S’mores Cookie: Key Substitutions

Creating allergy-friendly baked goods often involves clever substitutions that maintain both texture and flavor. For these S’mores cookies, I’ve carefully selected ingredients that deliver on taste while ensuring they are free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, egg, and nuts. Please note, none of the ingredients mentioned here are sponsored; they are genuinely the products I trust and keep stocked in my own kitchen for my family’s needs.

Allergy-Friendly Graham Crackers: The Foundation of Flavor

One of the brilliant aspects of this recipe is that the cookie dough itself incorporates crushed graham crackers. This means the signature, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor of graham crackers is infused throughout the cookie, not just as a topping. For gluten-free graham crackers, our absolute favorite is Schar Honeygrams. They have a fantastic crunch and flavor that truly mimics traditional graham crackers. However, it’s crucial to be aware that Schar products do contain soy and have a “may contain” statement. I’ve personally contacted them (and I always recommend you do the same, as policies can change) and was informed that their “may contain” warning is due to coconut and chestnuts being processed in the same facility. They assured me that thorough cleaning protocols are followed between production runs. We’ve enjoyed them for many years without any issues. If you need a top-8-free alternative, Enjoy Life Vanilla Graham Crunchy Cookies are an excellent choice. They offer a delightful vanilla-graham flavor and are specifically designed to be free from the most common allergens, providing peace of mind for those with more severe sensitivities.

Gluten-Free Flour: Achieving the Right Texture

The choice of gluten-free flour is paramount for achieving the perfect cookie texture. I typically prefer my own homemade gluten-free flour blend, which I’ve meticulously developed to yield excellent baking results. However, if you prefer a convenient store-bought option, Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour is a widely accessible and reliable choice. It’s important to note that many commercial gluten-free flour blends already contain xanthan gum. If your chosen blend includes it, you can safely omit the xanthan gum listed in my recipe to prevent an overly gummy texture. Xanthan gum acts as a binder, mimicking the elasticity of gluten, but too much can lead to an undesirable chewiness.

Butter Substitute: Richness Without Dairy

To replace dairy butter, you need a substitute that provides both flavor and the right fat content for a tender cookie. Since my family can tolerate soy, I find Crisco Buttery Sticks to be an excellent choice. They offer a buttery flavor that is remarkably close to real butter, making them a fantastic option for these cookies. While Earth Balance Buttery Sticks are also a popular choice, I often find them harder to locate and generally more expensive. For those needing a soy-free option, Spectrum Organic All-Vegetable Shortening is a great alternative. It’s soy-free and works well in baking, though it lacks the added “buttery” flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite non-dairy butter substitute, keeping in mind that the fat content and flavor profile can impact the final cookie.

Allergy-Friendly Marshmallows: The S’mores Signature

This is where the magic truly happens for the S’mores experience in a cookie! I firmly believe that the key to perfect marshmallow pockets in these cookies lies with mallow bits. Unlike standard miniature marshmallows, which tend to melt completely and create large, sticky, often unappetizing “snot pockets” (forgive the strong visual, but it’s what they can resemble when used in baking!), mallow bits maintain their shape much better. Their smaller size and firmer texture are perfectly suited for baking, resulting in delightful little bursts of chewy, toasted marshmallow flavor throughout the cookie. However, it’s important to note that most mallow bits contain gelatin, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet. For a truly vegan S’mores cookie, you would need to use miniature marshmallows from a specialized gelatin-free brand like Dandies. Keep in mind that vegan marshmallows tend to melt a bit more than mallow bits, so they might not retain their distinct shape as much. Unfortunately, a soy-free AND vegan marshmallow has been elusive for me to find. If you ever come across one, please let me know – it would be a game-changer!

Egg Substitute: The Binder for Allergy-Friendly Baking

Eggs play a crucial role in binding ingredients and adding moisture to cookies. For this particular recipe, I’ve found that Ener-G Egg Replacer works exceptionally well. This powder, when mixed with water, creates a binder that helps hold the cookie dough together without altering the flavor or texture. There are many egg substitutes available, and some perform better than others depending on the specific baking application. For cookies like these, where structure and a slight chew are desired, Ener-G is a consistent performer. Always follow the package instructions for preparing the egg replacer to ensure optimal results.

Essential Tools for Baking Perfect Allergy-Friendly S’mores Cookies

Having the right tools can make your baking experience much smoother and more enjoyable, especially when working with allergy-friendly recipes that sometimes require a bit more precision. While I often use a hand mixer in my video demonstrations to better showcase the dough’s consistency (the KitchenAid stand mixer, while powerful, can sometimes obscure the view), I personally prefer to use my stand mixer for almost all my baking. It truly makes everything easier, from creaming butter substitutes to mixing in dry ingredients, and I consider it a worthwhile investment for any regular baker.

For consistent cookie sizing, I absolutely swear by OXO cookie scoops. They are incredibly comfortable to use, durable, and have never failed me. I’ve tried several brands over the years, but these are by far the best – mine are four years old and still going strong! Using a scoop ensures that all your cookies are uniform in size, which leads to even baking. Finally, these generic Silpat mats are fantastic. Not only do they make cleanup a breeze, but I’ve also found that they help prevent cookies from spreading too much, ensuring they maintain a lovely shape and bake perfectly evenly every time. They’re a non-stick savior in the kitchen!

Tips for Baking Success with Allergy-Friendly S’mores Cookies

Even with great ingredients and tools, a few simple tips can elevate your allergy-friendly baking:

Read Through the Recipe First: Before you start, take a moment to read the entire recipe. This helps you understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and tools.
Measure Accurately: Especially with gluten-free flours, accurate measurement is crucial. Using a kitchen scale for flour is ideal, but if using cups, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing gluten-free doughs can sometimes lead to a tougher texture.
Chilling the Dough: If your dough seems too soft or sticky, a quick 15-30 minute chill in the refrigerator can make it easier to handle and help prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Watch Your Oven: Every oven is different. Keep a close eye on your cookies, especially towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown at the edges but still slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
Cooling is Key: Don’t rush to move your cookies from the baking sheet. Allowing them to rest on the warm pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them firm up and prevents breakage.

Explore More Allergy-Friendly S’mores Recipes!

If these S’mores cookies have ignited your passion for allergy-friendly S’mores, you’re in luck! There are many creative ways to enjoy these classic flavors without the common allergens. Here are a few more delicious S’mores-inspired recipes from our kitchen that you might love:

S’mores Cookies (+ Video!) (The original version of this recipe!)
S’mores Popcorn
S’mores Parfaits (+ Video!)
S’mores Brownie Bars (+ Video!)

Discover Other Allergy-Friendly Cookie Creations

Baking for an allergy-friendly household can be incredibly rewarding, and there’s a world of delicious cookies waiting to be explored! If these S’mores cookies have gotten you excited about bringing back baking traditions, here are some of our other staple allergy-friendly cookie recipes that are always a hit with my family:

Gluten-free Vegan Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Allergy-friendly Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Allergy-friendly Soft Roll Out Sugar Cookies

No matter your food allergies or dietary restrictions, I sincerely hope these S’mores cookies bring joy and deliciousness to your table. They’ve become a beloved treat in our home, and I’m confident your family will adore them too. Enjoy the taste of summer, free from worries!

Gluten, Dairy, Egg & Nut-free S’mores Cookies

Yield:
12

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Additional Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Forget needing a fire! The quintessential summer treat: s’mores just came together in a cookie. Not only are these s’mores cookies delicious, but they’re free of: gluten, dairy, egg & nuts–making them an allergy-friendly treat you can share all summer long!

Ingredients

6 TBSP butter flavored shortening (see above for brand suggestions)
1/2 cup brown sugar + 3 Tablespoons
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already includes it)
1/4 tsp salt
1 Ener-G egg (prepared according to package directions)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup + 6 Tablespoons gluten free flour (your preferred blend)
1 package of Schar gluten-free honeygrams (three come in a box), crushed
1/3 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
1/3 cups mallow bits (see above for vegan option)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place a Silpat liner or parchment paper on your cookie sheet.
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the brown sugar and shortening and cream until light and fluffy.
Add the baking soda, xanthan gum (if using), salt, prepared Ener-G egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Crush the package of honeygrams into small pieces and stir them into the batter.
Add the flour and incorporate well, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain.
Gently hand mix the mallow bits and dairy-free chocolate chips into the dough.
Scoop out the cookies using a cookie scoop and evenly place them on the already covered baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy, and the middle is still slightly soft-set.
Once the baking sheet is out of the oven, allow the cookies to rest for five minutes more on the warm pan to firm up.
Gently remove them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Eat and store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

For all ingredient substitutions and detailed explanations, please refer to the blog post above.

Adapted from: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe S’Mores Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Nut-Free S’mores Cookies: The Video Recipe