S'moreigins: The Gooey and Mysterious Origin of S'mores

As you bite into that quintessential summer treat of gooiness, you may be wondering, “who first thought of making a s’more, and can I shake their hand?” We’re here to shed some light on the origin and history of the messiest of all desserts.

As we all know, the s’more is made by sandwiching a perfectly toasted marshmallow and a square of milk chocolate between two layers of graham cracker. There are many variations to this standard, and there are countless ways to roast (or set fire to) your marshmallow, but the basic recipe remains unchallenged.

But how did the s’more begin and how did it become such an unfailing part of bonfires and campouts across the country?

A Sticky Trail Through History

The exact origins of the s’more are as sticky as the marshmallow itself; but they may have been inspired by two popular 1910’s treats: the Mallomar and the Moonpie. The Mallomar was a graham cracker topped with marshmallow and dipped in chocolate, and was produced by Nabisco beginning in 1913. The MoonPie was a similar snack—two graham crackers with marshmallow filling, all dipped in chocolate–hitting the market in 1917.

Marshmallows themselves have quite a history, evolving from a whipped version of the sap of a white swamp plant (that plant naturally being called althaea officinalis–or march mallow) into the gelatin/sugar/air concoction we know today. By the 1890’s, manufactured marshmallows were part of Americana, and marshmallow roasting get-togethers were quite the fad.

Combine the average American’s familiarity with the roasted-to-perfection marshmallow with the idea of Mallomars and MoonPies as inspiration, and it isn’t a far leap to what we know as S’mores.

Originally called “Some Mores”, the first time we see a written recipe for this treat is by none other than the Girl Scouts. It first appears in the camping and scouting guide called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts, published in 1927. Ingredient number one? 8 sticks.

Today, the three s’mores ingredients are the first thing you see in every grocery store or gas station entrance during the summer, and they’re always on the program for summer bonfire nights. The flavor has even become the unofficial flavor of summer.

As Vogue magazine observed, “In recent years, the sweet s’mores flavor has gone mainstream: There are s’mores-flavored Oreos (as well as S’moreos), M&M’s, ice cream, and even cocktails. It’s probably safe to say that the taste of s’mores is the summer equivalent of fall’s ubiquitous pumpkin spice.” We aren’t complaining; we all just want s’more!

If you’re looking for the best equipment to make your own sticky summer treat, check out firebuggz.com. From fire fishing poles to cone cookers and snackleboxes, you’ll find everything you need for a truly sweet summer right online!

Tasty S'mores Recipes to Enjoy This Summer

S’mores - also known as summertime’s favorite dessert - are delicious and oh so satisfying. S’mores are also foolproof to make and versatile. Have you ever substituted a Reese’s cup for chocolate or shortbread cookies for graham crackers? For even more variations on this summertime classic, check out our list of tasty s’mores recipes to try this summer:

S’mores Dip

Who doesn’t love a good summer dip? Dips are great for sharing with large crowds or summer parties. It’s the perfect addition to any potluck, but it can also jazz up any movie night on the couch. This S’mores dip looks beautiful and tastes just as delicious. Make sure to grab a bite before it’s gone, and, trust us, it’ll be gone quickly!

Lemon Pie S’mores

To get a little more outside the box, try this recipe for Lemon Pie S’mores. This summery concoction will taste exactly like a lemon meringue pie. And it’s a perfect alternative for those few who don’t like chocolate (the very few of you), but who want to get in on some S’mores action. This idea includes a recipe for lemon curd, which you can include in many recipes throughout the week!

Roasted Berry S’mores

This fruity twist on a classic summer treat looks like a gourmet confection. With the addition of vanilla, cardamom, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, this recipe will blow your campground dessert standard out of the water! Try this recipe when you have some fancy friends to impress or an occasion to celebrate.

S’mores Snack Mix

Want a more mobile way of eating s’mores? Try this simple recipe for S’mores Snack Mix. This recipe combines the classic sweetness of the s’mores combo with the saltiness of pretzels. Pack a bag of it in your child’s lunch bag to celebrate the last few days of school. Include a jar of it in your Father’s Day gift. This treat is easily transportable, but be careful - you are going to want to carry this around with you all summer!

Oreo Peanut Butter S’mores

This recipe hits the trifecta of a mind-blowingly delicious dessert. It can easily be made at home or out at the campground. Roast your marshmallow with a Firebuggz Crank-Eez. This colorful and easy-to-use campfire roaster is the perfect tool to help you create the Oreo Peanut Butter S’more. Likewise, the Firebuggz Fire Fishing Pole is a fun and exciting way for your little one or favorite fisherman to roast a marshmallow or hot dog.

For more ideas on s’mores recipes, check out these simple fixes.

• For the adults of a camping group, roast a Bailey’s dipped marshmallow for an extra warm and tasty treat.
• Not only can you incorporate s’mores into new desserts, you can combine it with some simple ingredients to create a s’mores milkshake.
• Use a banana or waffle cone as a new vessel for your s’mores concoction. Just wrap it in foil, and place it on a cooking rack over your campfire.
• Limit the messiness of s’mores by making s’mores in a bag. Start with a mini bag of teddy grahams, add some roasted marshmallows (depending on size) and toss in some melted chocolate chips or fun-sized bars.

These versatile recipes—ranging in taste from delicious to tantalizing—are so satisfying that you are sure to find an occasion to try each one.

Don’t forget to check out all our campfire accessories at Firebuggz.com.