There’s something truly special about indulging in a sweet treat that captures the essence of nostalgia, and these S’mores Cookie Bars do just that! With their golden-brown cookie base, gooey chocolatey layers, and delightful bursts of mini marshmallows, each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that reminds me of carefree summer nights by the campfire. I often whip these up for gatherings, cozy nights in, or just because I need a little sweetness in my life.
These bars come together surprisingly fast, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Whether you’re hosting a game night, movie marathon, or just want a comforting snack to enjoy by the fireplace, these S’mores Cookie Bars will shine on any occasion. And trust me, leftovers (if there are any!) hold up well, too, making them a delightful treat to savor throughout the week.
WHY I LOVE S’MORES COOKIE BARS
I absolutely adore these S’mores Cookie Bars for several reasons! They’re incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, hitting that sweet spot between chewy and crispy. The flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows blend beautifully, creating a dessert that feels both sophisticated and playful. Honestly, they’re a true winner at my table, and I never fail to bring them along to share with friends and family!
S’MORES COOKIE BARS INGREDIENTS
The magic of these S’mores Cookie Bars truly lies in the harmonious blend of simple ingredients that work together to create a truly delightful dessert. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Core Ingredients and Their Roles
- 1 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED: This is the foundation for a rich, buttery flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 CUP BROWN SUGAR, PACKED: It adds depth and moisture, contributing to that chewy texture we love.
- 1/2 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR: For a little extra sweetness and that perfect cookie crunch.
- 2 LARGE EGGS: These help bind everything together and add to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT: This elevates the overall flavor, giving it a comforting aroma that’s hard to resist.
- 2 1/2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: Essential for structure, providing the canvas on which all those delicious layers sit.
- 1 TEASPOON BAKING SODA: A key leavening agent that ensures our bars puff up just right.
- 1/2 TEASPOON SALT: It’s the secret ingredient that balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- 1 CUP GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS: These are the stars! They invoke the traditional S’mores flavor and add a lovely crunch.
- 1 CUP CHOCOLATE CHIPS: These choco-laden gems offer that melty, gooey goodness we can’t resist.
- 1 CUP MINI MARSHMALLOWS: Little whimsy bursts of sweetness that celebrate the S’mores theme!
- Extra chocolate chips and marshmallows for topping: (optional, but highly encouraged!) These make your bars oh-so-pretty and extra indulgent.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? Feel free to mix things up a bit!
- Butter: You can use coconut oil instead for a dairy-free version, though it won’t be quite as rich.
- Brown sugar: Try using maple syrup for a different flavor profile, though you might need to adjust the liquid ratio.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs can work in a pinch, but the flavor will be less sweet and crunchy.
- Chocolate chips: Swap in white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a fun twist!
For a thicker bar, consider chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before spreading it into the pan. This helps in achieving that crispy edge while keeping the center melty and gooey!
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer (or a whisk, if feeling strong!)
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper (for easier cleanup!)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack (optional, but helps in cutting neat bars)
HOW TO MAKE S’MORES COOKIE BARS
Let’s dive into creating these wonderfully indulgent S’mores Cookie Bars. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, so follow along, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time. We’re aiming for cookie bars that are gooey in the center and perfectly golden on top.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bars out after baking!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving that tender texture; it should take about 2-3 minutes. You want that fluffy goodness to really incorporate air and sweetness!
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugars are perfectly combined, add in your large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then toss in the vanilla extract. It adds a lovely richness—trust me, you’ll smell it wafting through your kitchen!
Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and graham cracker crumbs until combined. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly, ensuring we have a soft, puffy bar.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients slowly, mixing until just blended. Be careful not to overmix here; we want our bars to be tender, not tough!
Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Marshmallows
Next, gently fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. You want those lovely bites scattered throughout! This is where the gooey magic happens, and trust me, it’s going to melt beautifully during baking.
Spread and Bake
Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Next, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips and marshmallows on top for that gorgeous finish before layering the remaining cookie dough over it. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. The aroma wafting from the oven is pure bliss!
Cool and Cut
Once your bars are out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, using the parchment, lift them out and transfer to a cooling rack. Once fully cooled, cut into squares, and get ready to enjoy!
HOW TO STORE S’MORES COOKIE BARS
These S’mores Cookie Bars are delightful even as leftovers! Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer for 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for a gooey experience!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and fluffier cookies.
- Don’t overbake! Pull them out when the edges are golden; they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving—complete indulgence!
- Aim for even spreading of dough to ensure uniform cooking and an inviting look.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert!
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort combo.
- Garnish with extra marshmallows and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a fun presentation.
- Enjoy alongside fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, to balance the sweetness.
- Perfect for sharing at parties—cut into smaller squares and present on a lovely platter!
These S’mores Cookie Bars are not just a recipe; they’re a sweet experience waiting to happen! Happy baking!
