GINGER S'MORES

Ginger S'mores image

I've spent a few years now perfecting this recipe to get a soft, flavorful cookie while balancing the marshmallow and chocolate so they don't overpower the cookie. I think I finally got it! Recently I added orange zest-it really complements the other flavors. -Lynsay Benson, Minnetonka, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons molasses
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk chocolate chips
FILLING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
2/3 cup marshmallow creme
1/2 tablespoon 2% milk

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugars until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and molasses. In another bowl, whisk flour, pudding mix, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, allspice and pepper; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Divide dough in half and shape each portion into a disk; cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm enough to roll., Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 1 3/4-in. square-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on parchment-lined baking sheets., Bake until set, 12-14 minutes. Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Spread 1 teaspoon melted chocolate on the bottoms of half the cookies. Let stand until set., Meanwhile, beat filling ingredients until blended. Spread 1 tablespoon over chocolate; cover with remaining cookies. Store in refrigerator in airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 294 calories, Fat 13g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 187mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.