Are you craving a deliciously gooey treat that combines the classic flavors of a campfire favorite with the convenience of cookie bars? Look no further than these indulgent S’mores Cookie Bars! Perfect for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night in, these bars bring the nostalgia of summer camping trips right to your kitchen. Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie loaded with melty chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers—it’s a taste sensation that will transport you straight to the great outdoors. Whether you’re a fan of classic s’mores or just love cookies, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore these S’mores Cookie Bars, starting with their incredible flavor profile. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the richness of chocolate complemented by the light, airy texture of marshmallows and the subtle crunch of graham crackers. This recipe is not only delicious but also remarkably easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in under an hour. The versatility of these bars makes them ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Another great aspect of this recipe is the adaptability it offers. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. Want to make it gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Prefer dark chocolate? Go ahead and swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless! Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a perfect go-to dessert option whenever a craving strikes.
Lastly, the visual appeal of S’mores Cookie Bars is undeniable. With their golden-brown edges, gooey chocolate puddles, and fluffy marshmallow topping, they are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the taste buds. Your friends and family will be begging for the recipe, and you’ll be proud to share these delightful bars that are sure to impress!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about making these S’mores Cookie Bars, let me give you a few compelling reasons to dive in. First and foremost, they are incredibly straightforward to prepare. Unlike traditional s’mores that require roasting marshmallows over a fire, this recipe allows you to enjoy the same flavors in a fraction of the time. With just a few simple steps and minimal equipment, you can create a delicious dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Secondly, these cookie bars are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a potluck, or a cozy movie night with friends, everyone will be reaching for seconds. The combination of textures—from the chewy cookie base to the gooey marshmallows and crunchy graham cracker bits—ensures that every bite is a delightful experience. Plus, they are perfect for sharing, making them a great choice for social events.
Lastly, S’mores Cookie Bars are a fantastic way to introduce kids to baking. This recipe is simple enough for young bakers to help with, allowing them to mix, fold, and sprinkle ingredients while learning fundamental baking skills. The end result is a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy, making it a fun family activity that fosters creativity and teamwork.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup additional chocolate chips, for topping
- 1/2 cup additional mini marshmallows, for topping
Utensils
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Detailed Recipe Steps with Practical Tips
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your baking pan.
- Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookie bars later. Using parchment paper can help prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream the 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 process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The air incorporated into the mixture will help give your cookie bars a soft texture.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds depth to the flavor of the cookie bars.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour, leading to consistent baking results.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.
- Incorporate chocolate and marshmallows: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Spread the cookie dough: Spread the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the additional chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top of the cookie dough. This will give your S’mores Cookie Bars an extra layer of gooey goodness.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool and cut: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time helps them set, making them easier to cut into squares. Once cooled, slice them into squares and serve!
FAQ
1. Can I make S’mores Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these cookie bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
2. Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips according to your taste preference.
3. Are S’mores Cookie Bars gluten-free?
To make these cookie bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as graham cracker crumbs, are also gluten-free.
4. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows. Just cut them into smaller pieces to distribute them evenly throughout the batter and on top of the cookie bars.
5. How should I store leftover S’mores Cookie Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they last longer, consider refrigerating them to prolong freshness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, offering the perfect blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them at home, these bars are sure to impress. With their simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily whip up a batch and savor the delightful taste of summer anytime. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering S’mores Cookie Bars!
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
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
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Mini marshmallows
- 1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup Additional chocolate chips for topping
- 1/2 cup Additional 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.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed.
- Spread the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle the additional chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top of the cookie dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious S'mores Cookie Bars!
