S’mores Cookie Bars

There is something magical about the combination of toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. S’mores are the ultimate nostalgic treat, but you do not always have a campfire handy to make them. These S’mores Cookie Bars bring all those classic flavors into your kitchen with much less mess and no open flame required.

These bars feature a buttery graham cracker cookie dough that serves as both the base and the topping. Inside, you will find layers of gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate that melt together perfectly in the oven. They are thick, chewy, and incredibly satisfying for kids and adults alike. Whether you are hosting a summer potluck or just craving a cozy indoor treat, these bars are the perfect solution.

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: 315 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 190mg

Why Make This S’mores Cookie Bars

You should make these S’mores Cookie Bars because they offer the perfect balance of textures. You get the crunch of the graham cracker, the softness of the cookie dough, and the sticky pull of the marshmallows in every single bite. They are much easier to serve to a crowd than individual s’mores, making them a go-to dessert for parties and bake sales.

Another reason to love this recipe is how pantry-friendly it is. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. Plus, they stay fresh much longer than a traditional s’more, so you can enjoy that campfire flavor for days after baking. They are the ultimate comfort food that brings a bit of outdoor fun inside.

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, then assembly takes just a few minutes before the oven does the rest of the work.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8-9 full sheets)
• 1/2 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 or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.

Step 5: Layer the Base

Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer.

Step 6: Add Fillings

Sprinkle the chocolate chips (or chocolate bar pieces) evenly over the dough base. Top the chocolate with a generous layer of mini marshmallows.

Step 7: Top and Bake

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

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is crucial to allow the marshmallow and chocolate layers to set. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

These bars are fantastic served at room temperature, but if you want that true “melty” experience, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds. Serve them with a tall glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra decadent dessert. They look beautiful arranged on a wooden platter for a rustic, outdoorsy vibe.

How to Store S’mores Cookie Bars

Store your S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent the sticky marshmallows from sticking together. You can also freeze these bars for up to 2 months; just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

For the best results, do not overbake the bars. The marshmallows will puff up significantly in the oven but will settle as they cool. If you overbake, the marshmallows can become hard rather than gooey. Also, using a slightly damp hand can help you press the sticky dough into the pan more easily without it sticking to your skin.

Delicious Variations

Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or add a layer of peanut butter cups for a salty-sweet twist. Some people enjoy adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to cut through the sweetness. You can also mix some crushed walnuts or pecans into the dough for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can use large marshmallows, but it is best to cut them into smaller pieces using kitchen shears so they melt more evenly and create a flatter layer.

Q: Why did my marshmallows disappear during baking?

If marshmallows are overbaked at a high temperature, they can melt completely into the dough. Ensure your oven is calibrated and stick to the recommended baking time.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: Do I have to wait for them to cool before cutting?

It is highly recommended. Cutting them while hot will result in a messy, gooey pile. Waiting allows the structure to firm up so you get clean, pretty squares.

Q: Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

You can, but you will miss out on the graham cracker flavor in the dough itself. If using store-bought dough, try mixing some graham cracker crumbs into it before layering.

Conclusion

S’mores Cookie Bars are the ultimate way to enjoy a classic treat any time of the year. They are simple to prepare, easy to transport, and always a hit at any gathering. With their perfect layers of graham cracker crust, gooey marshmallows, and melty chocolate, they provide all the joy of a campfire without the smoke. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bit of summer in every bite!

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