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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

S'mores

S'mores are a North American confection made from toasted marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

S'mores are a North American campfire dessert made by sandwiching a toasted marshmallow and chocolate between two graham crackers. The name is a contraction of “some more,” reflecting its addictive simplicity.

What it is

A basic s'more consists of a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate placed between two graham crackers. The heat from the marshmallow softens the chocolate, binding the ingredients together. It is typically prepared over a campfire or other heat source.

Why it matters

S'mores are a cultural icon of outdoor gatherings and summer camping in North America, including Canada. The first printed recipe appeared in a 1927 Girl Scouts handbook under the name “Some More,” and the treat has since become a symbol of casual, shared cooking traditions.

Key details

The dessert is strongly associated with campfires but can also be made indoors. Many variations exist, swapping out chocolate types, crackers, or marshmallows. Its flexibility and simplicity have made it a lasting favourite in both the United States and Canada.

In short

  • S'mores are made from graham crackers, toasted marshmallow, and chocolate.
  • The first printed recipe dates to 1927 in a Girl Scouts publication.
  • The name comes from the phrase “some more.”
  • They are a staple of campfire and outdoor cooking culture in North America.
Canadian angle

S'mores are familiar in Canada as a campfire and summer treat, especially in outdoor recreation and family camping culture.

Quick questions

What are s'mores made of?
Traditional s'mores use graham crackers, toasted marshmallow, and chocolate.
Where did s'mores come from?
The earliest widely cited printed recipe appeared in a 1927 Girl Scouts publication, Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.
Why are they called s'mores?
The name is commonly understood as a contraction of “Some More,” the original recipe name used in early Girl Scouts material.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S'more
    Supports: Basic composition, preparation, and campfire association
  2. National Geographichttps://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/the-gooey-story-of-smores
    Supports: Early history and 1927 Girl Scouts recipe reference
  3. Colorado State Universityhttps://source.colostate.edu/a-brief-history-of-the-smore-americas-favorite-campfire-snack/
    Supports: 1927 recipe, later naming history, and popularity
  4. Food Republichttps://www.foodrepublic.com/1624242/smores-origin-history-girl-scouts/
    Supports: 1927 Girl Scouts publication and attribution to Loretta Scott Crew
  5. Wikipedia (French)https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/S'more
    Supports: Recognition in Canada and use as a dessert in North American contexts