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 classic trio of graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and melted chocolate in a convenient handheld snack. These bars are thick, chewy, and packed with all the textures you love from a traditional s’more.

Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a comforting winter dessert, these cookie bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They are much easier to make than individual cookies because you press everything into a single pan. No rolling or chilling required!

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: 285 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 190mg

Why Make This S’mores Cookie Bars

You should make these S’mores Cookie Bars because they offer the perfect balance of salty and sweet. The graham cracker infused dough provides a unique crunch that sets these apart from standard chocolate chip cookies. They are incredibly sturdy, making them the ideal dessert for packing into lunchboxes or bringing to a party.

Another reason to love this recipe is how customizable it is. You can use your favorite brand of chocolate or even swap in marshmallow fluff for an extra gooey center. It is a foolproof way to satisfy your s’mores cravings all year round without ever having to strike a match.

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze. All you need is a few pantry staples and a standard baking pan to create a dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery. Follow these simple steps to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust and melted chocolate center.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8-9 full sheets)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips or broken chocolate bars

Directions

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, 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 fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Layering the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Press one half of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.

Step 6: Adding the S’mores Filling

Spread the chocolate chips evenly over the dough layer. Top the chocolate with a generous layer of mini marshmallows. If you prefer a messier bar, you can add a few dollops of marshmallow fluff here too.

Step 7: Final Topping and Baking

Flatten small pieces of the remaining dough with your hands and place them over the marshmallow and chocolate layer. It is okay if some marshmallows show through. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

These bars are best served at room temperature if you want clean, sharp squares. However, if you cannot wait, serving them warm makes for a messy, delicious treat that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top before serving.

How to Store S’mores Cookie Bars

Store your cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to place parchment paper between the layers so they do not stick together. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before eating.

Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

To get the best results, make sure your graham cracker crumbs are finely ground. You can use a food processor or place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Also, try not to overbake the bars; they will continue to firm up as they cool. If the marshmallows start to brown too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

Delicious Variations

For a salty twist, add a handful of crushed pretzels to the graham cracker layer. You can also swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Peanut butter lovers can add a layer of peanut butter over the dough before adding the chocolate and marshmallows for a “Fluffernutter” style s’mores bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can substitute marshmallow fluff. It will create a much gooier, softer center. Just be aware that it might be a bit harder to spread the top layer of dough over the sticky fluff.

Q: How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?

The secret is patience. Let the bars cool completely, then place the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp, warm knife and wipe it clean between every cut.

Q: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

While homemade dough tastes best, you can use store-bought sugar cookie or chocolate chip cookie dough. Just mix in some graham cracker crumbs to get that authentic s’mores flavor.

Q: Do I have to use an 8×8 pan?

You can use a 9×9 pan, but the bars will be slightly thinner. You may need to reduce the baking time by 3 to 5 minutes. If you want to use a 9×13 pan, you should double the recipe ingredients.

Q: Why did my marshmallows disappear during baking?

Marshmallows tend to melt and “vanish” if they are overbaked or if they aren’t tucked under enough dough. For a toasted look, you can add extra marshmallows on top during the last 2 minutes of baking.

Conclusion

S’mores Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers. They are easy to make, easy to transport, and even easier to eat! Give this recipe a try for your next gathering, and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate.

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