S’mores Cookie Bars

There is something magical about the combination of toasted marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. S’mores are a classic campfire staple, but you do not need a fire pit to enjoy those nostalgic flavors. These S’mores Cookie Bars bring all that gooey goodness into a convenient, handheld treat that you can bake right in your kitchen.

Whether you are hosting a summer potluck or just craving a cozy dessert on a rainy afternoon, these bars are the perfect solution. They feature a buttery graham cracker cookie base, a thick layer of chocolate, and a cloud-like topping of toasted marshmallows. They are chewy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying for kids and adults alike.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 245 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 145mg

Why Make This S’mores Cookie Bars

These bars are much easier to serve than traditional s’mores because there is no flaming marshmallow or sticky mess to deal with. You can make a large batch all at once in a single baking pan, making them ideal for parties or bake sales. The texture is a delightful mix of a soft cookie and a crunchy graham cracker crust.

Another reason to love this recipe is that it uses simple pantry staples. You likely already have the flour, sugar, and butter on hand. Just grab a box of graham crackers and some marshmallows, and you are ready to go. It is a foolproof recipe that delivers impressive results every single time.

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Creating these decadent bars is a simple layering process that ensures every bite is packed with chocolate and marshmallow. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve cookie bar perfection.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 5-6 full sheets)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or broken Hershey chocolate bars

Directions

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease any exposed pan surfaces with cooking spray.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Layering the Base

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Press one half of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even layer. This will serve as your sturdy bottom crust.

Step 6: Adding the Filling

Spread the chocolate chips or broken chocolate bar pieces evenly over the bottom crust. Top the chocolate layer with the mini marshmallows, spreading them out to the edges.

Step 7: Topping and Baking

Take the remaining dough and flatten small pieces of it with your hands. Place these flattened pieces over the marshmallow layer. It is okay if some marshmallows are still peeking through. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.

Step 8: Cooling and Slicing

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 16 squares and serve.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

For the best experience, serve these bars slightly warm so the chocolate is still soft. They pair perfectly with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. If you want to go all out, serve a warm bar in a bowl topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

How to Store S’mores Cookie Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer them gooey, you can pop a single bar in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds before eating. You can also freeze these bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

To get the best graham cracker crumbs, pulse the crackers in a food processor until they are fine and sandy. If you do not have a food processor, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Also, make sure your butter is truly softened at room temperature, but not melted, to ensure the cookie base has the right texture. Finally, do not overbake! The marshmallows should be puffed and golden, but not completely liquefied.

Delicious Variations

If you want to shake things up, try using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a more traditional taste. You can also add a layer of peanut butter over the graham cracker crust before adding the chocolate. For a salty-sweet twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the bars before they go into the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows?

While you can use fluff, it tends to spread and melt much faster in the oven, which might make the bars a bit more difficult to slice. Mini marshmallows provide a better structure for these bars.

Q: Why did my marshmallows disappear during baking?

Marshmallows can dissolve if they are baked for too long or if the oven is too hot. Be sure to follow the recommended temperature and check the bars at the 20-minute mark.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a 9×13 inch pan?

Yes, but you should double the ingredients to ensure the bars are thick enough. The baking time may also need to be adjusted slightly.

Q: Do I need to refrigerate these bars?

No, these bars are best kept at room temperature. Refrigerating them can cause the cookie base to become too hard and the marshmallows to lose their soft texture.

Q: How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

The secret is to let the bars cool completely. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to prevent the marshmallows and chocolate from sticking and smearing.

Conclusion

S’mores Cookie Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert. They capture everything we love about the traditional campfire snack but in a format that is easy to make, transport, and share. Give this recipe a try for your next gathering, and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!

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