S’mores Cookie Bars Delightful and Easy Recipe

Craving a sweet treat that’s fun and easy to make? Let me introduce you to my S’mores Cookie Bars! These delicious bars blend buttery cookie goodness, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate. They’re perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. I’ll guide you step-by-step through this simple recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends. Get ready to indulge in a new favorite dessert!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers creates a nostalgic taste reminiscent of campfire s’mores.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, these cookie bars come together quickly, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these bars are easy to share with friends and family, making them great for parties or gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or different types of chocolate.
Ingredients
Detailed list of 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 chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup chocolate bars, chopped
To create the perfect S’mores cookie bars, you need simple yet key ingredients. First, use one cup of unsalted butter that is softened. This helps in mixing and gives the bars a rich taste. Next, we need one cup of packed brown sugar. This sugar adds moisture and a nice caramel flavor.
You will also use half a cup of granulated sugar. This sweetness balances the rich butter. Two large eggs are essential for binding the dough. The eggs add structure and moisture. Two teaspoons of vanilla extract give a lovely aroma.
For the dry mix, you need two and a half cups of all-purpose flour. This is the base for your cookie bars. One teaspoon of baking soda helps the bars rise. A half teaspoon of salt enhances the flavors.
Now comes the fun part! Add one cup of chocolate chips. You can choose semi-sweet or milk chocolate. Then, stir in one cup of mini marshmallows for that classic S’mores feel. Lastly, you need one cup of graham cracker crumbs. This adds that crunchy texture we love. Don’t forget half a cup of chopped chocolate bars; they melt beautifully and create pockets of gooey chocolate.
These ingredients come together to create a tasty treat that makes everyone happy. So gather them up, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This helps with easy removal later.
3. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix this for about 3-5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
4. Add 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until it’s combined.
Combining dry ingredients
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft.
Assembling the bars
1. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, 1 cup of mini marshmallows, and 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs. Make sure they are well distributed.
2. Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. This forms the base.
3. Top the base with an even layer of 1/2 cup of chopped chocolate bars. This adds rich chocolate flavor.
4. Spread the remaining cookie dough over the top. Gently press it down. You can sprinkle extra chocolate chips and marshmallows on top for fun.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a set center. The edges may be crispy but will feel chewy.
6. Allow the bars to cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the perfect texture
To get the best texture in your S’mores cookie bars, start with soft butter. Let your butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it mix better with the sugars. If you forget, you can cut it into small pieces and microwave it for just a few seconds. This will soften it, but be careful not to melt it.
Next, mix your dough gently. Overmixing can make the bars tough. Once you add the flour, stir until you see no more dry spots. It’s okay if the dough looks a bit lumpy. Those lumps will bake into a soft, chewy texture.
Enhancing flavor
Choosing the right chocolate chips can make a big difference. I love semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced taste. You can also try milk chocolate for a sweeter treat. If you want a fun twist, add dark chocolate chips. They add a rich depth to your bars.
Using fresh ingredients is key too. Fresh eggs and good-quality butter improve the taste. Always check your baking soda and flour for freshness. Old ingredients can dull the flavor and affect how your bars rise.
Presentation suggestions
For serving, place the bars on a rustic wooden platter. This gives a warm, inviting look. You can drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra charm. It adds a nice touch and makes them more appealing.
For garnishing, sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs and mini marshmallows on top. This not only looks great but also highlights the S’mores theme. You can even toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch for a fun finish. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation, resulting in a more uniform texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cookie bars instead of light and chewy ones.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to mix and match different types of chocolate or add in your favorite candy bars for a unique twist on flavor.
- Storage Tips: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap.
Variations
Flavor variations
You can change up the flavor of your S’mores cookie bars easily. Here are a few ideas:
– Adding Nuts or Other Toppings: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch. You can also sprinkle toffee bits for a sweet twist. The key is to mix these in with your chocolate chips and marshmallows for even flavor.
– Using Flavored Chocolate: Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate instead of regular chocolate. You can even use mint chocolate for a fresh taste. This small change makes a big difference in flavor.
Dietary modifications
Many people have different diets. Here are some ways to make these bars fit your needs:
– Gluten-Free Options: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. You’ll still get that great texture and taste. Just ensure your graham cracker crumbs are also gluten-free.
– Vegan Substitutes: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs. For the chocolate, pick dairy-free chocolate chips. These changes keep the bars tasty and friendly for a vegan diet.
Creative serving suggestions
Serving your S’mores cookie bars can be fun! Here are two ideas:
– S’mores Cookie Bar Sundae: Cut the cookie bars into small squares. Top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Add some extra mini marshmallows for a fun finish.
– S’mores Cookie Bar Ice Cream Sandwich: Take two cookie bars and place ice cream in the middle. Press gently to create a sandwich. This treat is perfect for hot days and is sure to impress friends.
Storage Info
Best storage practices
To keep your S’mores cookie bars fresh, store them properly. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. You can separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store the container at room temperature for up to five days. This method helps the bars stay soft and tasty.
For longer storage, keep the bars in the fridge. They can last up to a week when chilled. Use a container that seals well. This keeps the bars from drying out.
Freezing instructions
Freezing S’mores cookie bars is easy and effective. To freeze, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag or airtight container. This helps prevent freezer burn. The bars can stay frozen for up to three months.
When you want to enjoy a bar, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For a warm treat, you can reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will make them soft and gooey again.
FAQs
Common questions
How to tell when S’mores cookie bars are done?
You can tell when the S’mores cookie bars are done by checking the edges. They should look golden brown. The center should be set but still soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They stay fresh for a few days at room temperature. Just cover them with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Ingredient substitutes
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
If you need a substitute for graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed digestive biscuits. You can also use oat flour or crushed vanilla wafers. Each option gives a similar texture and flavor.
Alternatives for chocolate chips
You can use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead. If you want a fruity twist, try using peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips. These options add new flavors to your cookie bars.
Serving size and portions
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields about 12 to 16 squares. The actual number depends on how you cut them. For larger servings, cut into 12 pieces; for smaller, cut into 16.
Can I halve or double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily halve or double the recipe. If you halve it, use a smaller baking dish. If you double it, use a larger dish. Just keep an eye on baking time for best results.
In this post, we covered a fun recipe for S’mores cookie bars. I shared all the ingredients you’ll need, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Remember, the right mixing technique and fresh ingredients make a big difference. You can also customize flavors or tweak for dietary needs. Finally, learn how to store these bars for the best taste. Dive into this recipe, and enjoy a tasty treat that everyone will lov

S'mores Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 2/2 granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cup chocolate bars, chopped into pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. Top with an even layer of the chopped chocolate bars.
- Spread the remaining cookie dough over the top, gently pressing it down. You can sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top for added appeal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. The edges may look crispy but will give a chewy texture.
- Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares after cooling.