Are you ready to indulge in a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of s’mores with the convenience of cookie bars? Look no further than these scrumptious S’mores Cookie Bars. Perfect for gatherings, family get-togethers, or simply a sweet craving, these bars are not only delicious but also easy to make. Imagine the creamy chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers all nestled in a soft, chewy cookie base it’s a dessert that will transport you back to summer campfires and cherished memories. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these mouthwatering bars that everyone will love. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These S’mores Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for several reasons. First and foremost, they capture the essence of traditional s’mores, combining the richness of chocolate, the sweetness of marshmallows, and the textured goodness of graham crackers. Unlike making s’mores the old-fashioned way, this recipe allows you to enjoy all those flavors in a convenient bar format that’s easy to share and serve.
Not only are these bars delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, different types of chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an added flavor dimension. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion whether it’s a picnic, a birthday party, or simply an afternoon treat at home. Kids and adults alike will adore them, making them a surefire hit for family gatherings.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal prep time and straightforward baking instructions, you can have these bars ready in no time. They require common pantry items and are ideal for beginner bakers. The joy of pulling a warm, gooey batch of S’mores Cookie Bars from the oven and watching your family dive in is one of the best rewards. Trust me; once you try them, they will become a staple in your dessert rotation!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love the nostalgia of campfire s’mores but want a more accessible way to enjoy them, these S’mores Cookie Bars are your answer. They deliver all the flavors you crave without the hassle of roasting marshmallows over an open flame. You can bake these bars in your kitchen, making them suitable for any weather and any time of year.
Moreover, the texture of these cookie bars is simply irresistible. The soft and chewy base contrasts beautifully with the melty chocolate and fluffy marshmallows, creating a delightful mouthfeel. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that will leave you wanting more. Plus, they are great for meal prep bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week!
This recipe is also a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They will love mixing the ingredients and helping to layer the marshmallows and chocolate chips. It’s a fun way to create lasting memories while teaching them valuable cooking skills. Not to mention, they will undoubtedly enjoy the fruits of their labor when it’s time to taste the finished product!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Extra chocolate chips and marshmallows for topping
Recommended Tools or Utensils
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper (optional)
Gathering these ingredients and tools will set you up for success in making your S’mores Cookie Bars. Having everything prepared beforehand will streamline the baking process and ensure that you don’t miss any steps!
Detailed Recipe Steps
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan or, for a hassle-free cleanup, line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, making your bars soft and chewy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that added depth of flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and prevents clumping.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
- Fold in Graham Cracker Crumbs and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread in Pan: Spread half of the cookie dough mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly. This will serve as the base layer for your bars.
- Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the cookie layer, followed by the remaining cookie dough. Carefully spread it out to cover the marshmallows.
- Add Toppings: For extra gooeyness, top the bars with additional chocolate chips and mini marshmallows before baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. If you used parchment paper, lift the bars out and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious S’mores Cookie Bars with family and friends!
Remember, patience is key when cooling these bars. Cutting them too soon can result in a gooey mess, although that might not be the worst thing!
FAQs
Can you make S’mores Cookie Bars without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan version of S’mores Cookie Bars. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg.
How long do S’mores Cookie Bars last?
When stored in an airtight container, S’mores Cookie Bars can last for up to a week at room temperature. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze S’mores Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze S’mores Cookie Bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before enjoying.
What’s the best way to cut cookie bars?
To cut S’mores Cookie Bars cleanly, use a sharp knife and make sure the bars are completely cooled. If they are still warm, they may crumble. For cleaner cuts, you can also try warming the knife slightly with hot water before cutting.
Can I use different types of chocolate in S’mores Cookie Bars?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate in your S’mores Cookie Bars. Each will give a unique flavor to the bars.
Conclusion
In summary, these S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of s’mores with the ease of cookie bars. With their gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker crust, they are a hit for all ages. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience, or share this recipe with friends and family. Happy baking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our [Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts](https://www.oviarecipes.com/pumpkin-spice-cheesecake-doughnuts/) or [Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce](https://www.oviarecipes.com/cheesy-pasta-bake-with-pumpkin-tomato-sauce-vegetarian/).
Looking for other sweet ideas? Explore our [Ovia Recipes Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/oviarecipes1/) page for more inspiration!
S'mores Cookie Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Pan
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows
- 1/2 cup Extra Chocolate Chips For topping
- 1/2 cup Extra Mini Marshmallows For topping
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Spread half of the cookie dough mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the cookie layer, followed by the remaining cookie dough. Spread it out gently to cover the marshmallows.
- Top with additional chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for extra gooeyness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
- Enjoy your delicious S'mores Cookie Bars with family and friends!
