S’mores Cookie Bars

Imagine the nostalgic taste of a campfire treat without the mess of an open flame. S’mores Cookie Bars bring together a buttery graham cracker crust, chewy cookie dough, gooey marshmallows, and melted chocolate in every single bite. These bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in when you are craving something sweet and comforting.

What makes these bars so special is the texture. You get the crunch of the graham crackers mixed directly into the dough, topped with a layer of toasted marshmallows that stay soft even after cooling. They are much easier to serve than traditional s’mores and just as delicious.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 310 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 180mg

Why Make This S’mores Cookie Bars

These bars are the perfect solution for when you want a s’more but don’t have access to a fire pit. By baking them in a pan, you create a sturdy dessert that is easy to transport to school events or office parties. The graham cracker crumbs are mixed right into the dough, ensuring that signature honey-wheat flavor is in every mouthful.

Another reason to love this recipe is how customizable it is. You can use milk chocolate for a classic taste or dark chocolate for something more sophisticated. Plus, kids love helping to press the dough and sprinkle the marshmallows, making it a fun family activity.

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Creating these bars is a simple process of layering. You will start by making a specialized cookie dough, layering it with chocolate and marshmallows, and finishing with a golden-brown top. It is a foolproof method that results in a professional-looking dessert every time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 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 semi-sweet chocolate chips or broken chocolate bars

Directions

Step 1: Oven and Pan 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 so you can easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until well combined and smooth, 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 these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Layering the Base

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan in an even layer. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to flatten it out completely.

Step 6: Adding the S’mores Filling

Spread the chocolate chips (or chocolate bar pieces) evenly over the bottom layer of dough. Follow this by spreading the mini marshmallows over the chocolate layer, pressing them down slightly so they stay in place.

Step 7: Adding the Top Layer

Take the remaining dough and flatten small pieces of it between your palms. Place these flattened pieces over the marshmallow layer. It is okay if there are small gaps; the dough will spread and the marshmallows will puff up during baking.

Step 8: Baking the Bars

Place the pan in the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the marshmallows should look toasted and melty. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

For the best experience, wait until the bars are at room temperature so the chocolate sets slightly, allowing for clean cuts. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan and slice into 16 squares. If you prefer them extra gooey, you can serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

How to Store S’mores Cookie Bars

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

To get perfectly clean slices, try chilling the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting. Always use a sharp, slightly greased knife to prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the blade. If you want a more toasted marshmallow look, you can pop the pan under the broiler for the last 30 seconds of baking, but watch them very closely so they don’t burn!

Delicious Variations

Try using peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips for a “fluffernutter” style s’more. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer to balance the sweetness. For a festive twist, use colored marshmallows or crushed candy canes during the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

While you can use fluff, it tends to disappear into the dough more than whole marshmallows. If you use fluff, expect a stickier, more integrated texture rather than distinct gooey pockets.

Q: My dough is too sticky to press down. What should I do?

If the dough is sticking to your hands, lightly flour your fingers or use a piece of plastic wrap between your hand and the dough to press it into the pan.

Q: What kind of chocolate works best?

Milk chocolate provides the most authentic campfire s’mores flavor, but semi-sweet chocolate helps balance the sugar from the marshmallows. Both work beautifully!

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

Yes, but you will need to double the recipe. The baking time may also increase by 5 to 10 minutes depending on your oven.

Q: How do I make my own graham cracker crumbs?

Place graham cracker sheets into a food processor and pulse until fine. Alternatively, put them in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Conclusion

S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful way to enjoy a classic flavor profile in a convenient, shareable format. Whether you are making them for a summer barbecue or a winter treat, these bars bring a bit of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor to your kitchen. Give them a try today and watch them disappear in minutes!

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