Indulging in a classic treat is a delightful experience, and there’s something whimsical about the campfire favorite, s’mores. The gooey marshmallows, melting chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers are a combination that has captured hearts for generations. But what if you could enjoy all those flavors in cookie form? Enter S’mores Cookie Bars! These bars pack all the nostalgic flavors of traditional s’mores into a chewy, cookie-like treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something sweet, these bars are an easy and satisfying dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore S’mores Cookie Bars, but let’s start with the flavor explosion. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy bar that offers the rich taste of semi-sweet chocolate, the sweetness of mini marshmallows, and the buttery crunch of graham crackers all in one bite. This recipe beautifully balances the textures and flavors, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. Unlike traditional s’mores that require a campfire and a bit of setup, these bars can be whipped up in your kitchen with minimal fuss. They come together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, they don’t require any special equipment—just your trusty mixing bowl and a baking dish.
These bars are incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or even experimenting with different types of chocolate. Want to make them extra decadent? Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or add peanut butter chips for a nutty twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to put your own spin on this beloved treat.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Trying out S’mores Cookie Bars isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s also about creating memories. Baking is a wonderful way to bond with family and friends, and this recipe is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen. They’ll love helping to mix the ingredients and sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top, making it a fun family activity.
Additionally, these cookie bars are great for sharing! Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, a bake sale, or simply sharing with neighbors, they’re sure to impress. The bars are easy to cut into perfect squares, making them a convenient treat for gatherings. Plus, you can enjoy them warm out of the oven or let them cool for a chewy, gooey delight that’s just as tasty.
Lastly, if you’re someone who loves meal prepping or planning ahead, these cookie bars can be made in advance and stored for later. They maintain their flavor and texture for several days, making them a fantastic option for busy weeks. Just store them in an airtight container, and you’ll have a delicious sweet treat ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 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 mini chocolate chips (for topping)
Necessary Utensils
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Detailed Recipe Steps with Practical Tips
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your S’mores Cookie Bars will bake evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and ensures that your bars rise properly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; doing so can result in tough bars. You want to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Graham Cracker Crumbs: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs until they are evenly distributed in the batter. This is what gives the bars their signature s’mores flavor!
- Spread the Batter: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. It’s important to press it down gently to make sure it’s compact; this will help the bars hold together when baked.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top of the batter for an extra layer of chocolate goodness. This step not only enhances the flavor but also makes the bars visually appealing.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut: Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes. If you used parchment paper, lift them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your delicious S’mores Cookie Bars.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best results.
How should I store leftover cookie bars?
Store your S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I substitute for mini marshmallows?
If you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can use larger marshmallows cut into smaller pieces, or even marshmallow fluff for a slightly different texture.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for S’mores Cookie Bars that combines the best of both worlds: the campfire classic and the convenience of cookie bars. With their rich flavors, chewy texture, and delightful gooeyness, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookie bars won’t disappoint. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously sweet treat that brings everyone together!
For more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our Pinterest page for inspiration!
S'mores Cookie Bars
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Whisk
- Rubber Spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Brown Sugar packed
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 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 Mini Chocolate Chips for topping
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown 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 mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed.
- Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Press down gently to make sure it’s compact.
- Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top of the batter for extra chocolate goodness.
- 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 with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper (if used) and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares.
