S’mores Cookie Bars: A Gooey Delight That Brings the Campfire Indoors
Why Make This Recipe
S’mores Cookie Bars bring the nostalgic taste of campfire treats right into your kitchen. Imagine biting into a gooey, chewy cookie infused with rich chocolate and soft marshmallows, all while evoking the warmth of summer nights spent around a crackling fire. This recipe is perfect not only for satisfying your sweet tooth but also for enjoying with family and friends, making every occasion just a bit sweeter.
How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars
To create these delightful bars, you’ll start by laying down a graham cracker foundation, followed by a creamy cookie dough that melds perfectly with melty chocolate and marshmallows. Each step is straightforward, and the final product promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
-
Graham Crackers: Amount: 7–8 full sheets (78–109g)
Role: The graham crackers form the foundation of this dessert, lending a toasty, honeyed crunch that provides structure and perfectly complements the softer layers above. -
Butter: Amount: 1 cup (226g), softened
Role: Butter is the key to a rich and tender cookie dough. Its creamy consistency binds the sugars and flour, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. -
Granulated Sugar: Amount: ¾ cup (150g)
Role: This sugar enhances the sweetness of the bars, ensuring a delightful cookie experience. -
Light Brown Sugar: Amount: ¾ cup (150g), gently packed
Role: The combination of granulated and brown sugars delivers sweetness while contributing to the moist, slightly chewy texture of the cookie layer. Brown sugar, in particular, adds a subtle caramel note. -
Eggs: Amount: 2 large
Role: Eggs are essential for binding the dough and ensuring a soft, tender crumb in the baked bars. -
Vanilla Extract: Amount: 2 teaspoons
Role: Vanilla enhances the sweetness of the dessert, adding warmth and depth to the flavor profile. -
All-Purpose Flour: Amount: 3 cups (360g)
Role: Provides the structure needed for the cookie base and helps it rise perfectly. -
Salt: Amount: ¾ teaspoon
Role: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. -
Baking Soda: Amount: ¾ teaspoon
Role: This ingredient helps the cookie bars rise and achieve the right texture. -
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Amount: ½ cup (135g)
Role: The chocolate chips create gooey, chocolatey pockets of joy in every bite. -
Mini Marshmallows: Amount: 1 cup (45g)
Role: These are essential for adding that classic s’mores taste, delivering melted marshmallow goodness in every square. -
Chocolate Bars: Amount: 2 regular-sized bars (1.55 oz/43g each), broken into squares
Role: Adding these on top of the warm cookie bars lends a creamy milk chocolate layer that completes the s’mores effect.
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Lay the Graham Cracker Base
Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs and spread them evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. Press down firmly to create a solid base.
Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, followed by mixing in the flour, salt, and baking soda. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread the cookie dough mixture evenly over the graham cracker base, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Bar Topping
As soon as you take the bars out of the oven, gently press the broken chocolate bar pieces into the warm cookie layer. Let them melt slightly for that gooey texture.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the s’mores cookie bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out, then cut into squares.
How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars
These cookie bars are best served warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence. For an authentic s’mores experience, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra mini marshmallows.
How to Store S’mores Cookie Bars
To keep your s’mores cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—simply thaw before enjoying!
Tips to Make S’mores Cookie Bars
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your bars in the oven; you want them slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
- Customize with Mix-ins: Experiment by adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips for a unique twist.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, try using peanut butter chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a deliciously nutty flavor. You can also substitute the graham crackers with crushed Oreos for an indulgent cookies and cream variation.
FAQs
Can I use mini graham crackers instead of full sheets?
Yes, mini graham crackers can be used; just adjust the quantity to achieve the same amount of crumbs.
Can I make these bars without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) for a vegan version.
What if I don’t have chocolate bars?
You can use chocolate chips instead of bars, but the melted chocolate bar on top adds a nice texture and flavor contrast, so it’s recommended if possible.
S'mores Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the base
- 7–8 sheets Graham Crackers Crushed to form the foundation of the dessert.
- 1 cup Butter, softened Key for rich and tender dough.
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar Enhances sweetness of the bars.
- ¾ cup Light Brown Sugar, gently packed Adds moisture and a caramel note.
- 2 large Eggs Binds the dough.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor.
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure.
- ¾ teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
- ¾ teaspoon Baking Soda Helps bars rise.
For the filling and topping
- ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Creates gooey pockets of chocolate.
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows Essential for s'mores flavor.
- 2 bars Chocolate Bars, broken into squares To melt on top.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing down firmly.
Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla, followed by mixing in the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
Baking
- Spread the cookie dough mixture evenly over the graham cracker base using a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Press the broken chocolate bar pieces into the warm cookie layer as soon as you take it out of the oven.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting out and slicing into squares.
