S’mores Cookie Bars

Imagine the nostalgic taste of a campfire treat without the need for an open flame. S’mores Cookie Bars bring together the perfect crunch of graham crackers, the richness of chocolate, and the gooey goodness of toasted marshmallows. These bars are chewy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying for any dessert lover.

Whether you are hosting a summer potluck or looking for a cozy winter treat, these bars are the perfect solution. They offer all the flavors of a traditional s’more in a convenient, portable form that is much less messy to eat. Your friends and family will surely ask for the recipe after just one bite.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 285 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 175mg

Why Make This S’mores Cookie Bars

These bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser because they combine three distinct layers into one delicious bite. You get the buttery graham cracker crust, a soft cookie layer, and a topping of melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows. It is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic flavor profile without needing a bonfire.

This recipe is also incredibly easy to scale up for large parties. Unlike individual s’mores that have to be made one by one, you can bake an entire batch at once. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly dessert that looks and tastes gourmet.

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Creating these bars is a straightforward process that involves layering. You will start by preparing a quick graham cracker base, followed by a simple cookie dough, and finished with the classic toppings. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for the crust)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the cookie dough)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or Hershey’s bar pieces)
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 2 graham cracker sheets, broken into small pieces for topping

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

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 to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Create the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and the 1/2 cup of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set it aside.

Step 3: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of softened butter and the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Layer the Cookie Dough

Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the par-baked graham cracker crust. Using a spatula or clean, damp fingers, gently spread the dough into an even layer. It is okay if some of the crust mixes in slightly, but try to keep the layers distinct.

Step 5: Add the S’mores Toppings

Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the cookie dough layer. Next, spread the mini marshmallows and the broken graham cracker pieces over the top. Press down very lightly so the toppings adhere to the dough.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the marshmallows should be toasted and puffy. If you prefer more charred marshmallows, you can broil them for the last 1 minute of baking, watching very closely to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

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. Slice into 16 squares and enjoy.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

These bars are best served slightly warm so the marshmallows and chocolate remain soft and gooey. You can also serve them at room temperature for a firmer, easier-to-handle snack. For an extra indulgent dessert, serve a warm bar 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 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy them warm later, simply pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the marshmallows and melt the chocolate.

Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

For the best results, use a heavy-duty pan to ensure even baking. To prevent the marshmallows from sticking to your knife when cutting, lightly grease the blade with butter or non-stick spray. Always wait until the bars are fully cooled before slicing if you want clean, sharp edges. If you find the cookie dough is too sticky to spread, wetting your fingers slightly with water will help you pat it down without it sticking to your skin.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize these bars to suit your taste. Try using dark chocolate chips for a less sweet, more intense flavor, or use milk chocolate bars to mimic the original Hershey’s s’more experience. For a salty-sweet twist, add a handful of crushed pretzels to the topping. You can also swap the cookie dough layer for a peanut butter cookie dough to make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought cookie dough for the middle layer?

Yes, you can use a tube of refrigerated chocolate chip or sugar cookie dough. Simply press it over the crust and proceed with the toppings as directed.

Q: How do I stop the marshmallows from burning?

Watch the bars closely during the last 5 minutes of baking. If the marshmallows are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and topping.

Q: Can I freeze S’mores Cookie Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Q: Do I have to use mini marshmallows?

While mini marshmallows melt and toast more evenly, you can use large marshmallows. Just cut them into smaller pieces or halves before placing them on the bars.

Conclusion

S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful and nostalgic treat that brings the joy of a campfire right into your kitchen. They are simple to prepare, easy to serve, and always a hit with guests of all ages. Give this recipe a try the next time you need a sweet, gooey, and crunchy dessert that everyone will love!

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