S’mores Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that transports you straight to summer campfires, then these S’mores Cookie Bars are just the ticket! Each bite is a nostalgic mix of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and buttery goodness, all wrapped up in an easy-to-make bar. I love making these for family gatherings or when friends come over. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy movie night or a fun backyard barbecue.

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is to prepare. You can whip them up quickly, making them a go-to dessert even on those busy weeknights when you just want something sweet without the fuss. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious bars baking away in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the combination of chocolate and marshmallows—this treat is a sure crowd-pleaser!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored, making them perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute cravings.
• Endless Customization: Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite ingredients—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these S’mores Cookie Bars is part of the fun! They are all simple and wholesome items that you might already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Base

• 7-8 graham crackers (full sheets/unbroken rectangles)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (gently packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (stir, spoon, & level)
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini vegan marshmallows

For Topping

• 2 regular sized Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (two 1.55oz/43g bars) broken into squares

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Try Different Chocolates: Swap out Hershey’s with your favorite chocolate bar—milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even caramel-filled options work great!
• Add Nuts: For a little crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough.
• Mix in Flavorings: Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut to give your bars a unique twist.
• Use Different Marshmallows: If you’re feeling adventurous, try flavored vegan marshmallows for an exciting change.

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your S’mores Cookie Bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on each side. This will help you lift the bars out of the pan easily once they’re cooled!

Step 3: Layer the Graham Crackers

Place the graham crackers in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared pan. Don’t worry if they don’t fit perfectly; just break them as needed to cover the surface.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy. This step adds air into your mixture which helps create a soft texture in your bars.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this mixture into your butter mixture along with chocolate chips and mini vegan marshmallows. Mix until everything is just combined; don’t overmix!

Step 7: Spread Dough Over Graham Crackers

Evenly distribute your cookie dough over the layer of graham crackers and press it down flat with a spatula. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle more mini vegan marshmallows on top!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean from the center. Keep an eye on it—if it browns too quickly on top but isn’t cooked through yet, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 9: Add Chocolate Topping

Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately place broken pieces of Hershey’s Chocolate Bars on top while still warm. Let cool for about 20-30 minutes before lifting out of the pan to cut into squares.

And there you have it! Your homemade S’mores Cookie Bars are ready to be devoured! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Pro Tips for Making S’mores Cookie Bars

Creating the perfect S’mores Cookie Bars is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love! Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time:

• Use room temperature butter: This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugars, resulting in a smoother batter that bakes evenly.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps your cookie bars soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
• Layer the graham crackers carefully: Ensure the entire bottom of the pan is covered without gaps. This provides a solid foundation and prevents sogginess.
• Watch baking time closely: Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at 25 minutes. You want them golden brown but not dry!
• Cool before cutting: Letting your cookie bars cool completely allows them to set properly, making it much easier to cut into neat squares.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

S’mores Cookie Bars are perfect for sharing and make a delightful addition to any gathering. Here are some fun ideas on how to present these sweet treats!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted semi-sweet chocolate over the top adds an extra touch of indulgence.
• Toasted coconut flakes: Sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for added texture and a hint of tropical flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit platter: Serve with a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas to balance out the sweetness.
• Vanilla non-dairy ice cream: The creamy coolness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm S’mores Cookie Bars, creating a delightful contrast.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on the side can enhance each bite while keeping everything vegan-friendly.
• Chocolate-covered pretzels: The salty crunch from chocolate-covered pretzels creates a delicious sweet-and-salty pairing that complements the cookie bars beautifully.

Enjoy serving up these delectable S’mores Cookie Bars at your next gathering or cozy night in! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These S’mores Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, cut the bars into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm S’mores Cookie Bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual squares for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delicious S’mores Cookie Bars, you’re not alone!

Can I make S’mores Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute regular graham crackers and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives. Many brands offer great options that work perfectly.

How do I know when my S’mores Cookie Bars are done?

Your S’mores Cookie Bars are ready when they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the edges look done but the center is still soft, cover with foil and bake a little longer.

Can I use different types of chocolate in my S’mores Cookie Bars?

Definitely! Feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a unique twist on these classic bars.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for S’mores Cookie Bars brings joy to your kitchen! The combination of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crispy graham crackers is simply irresistible. Enjoy making these delightful treats, and don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family. Happy baking!