S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat that you can enjoy any time of year. These bars combine the rich flavors of chocolate, graham crackers, and gooey marshmallows into a convenient dessert that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or cozy nights in. With their chewy texture and sweet flavor, S’mores Cookie Bars are sure to become your new favorite indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these bars will impress family and friends alike.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as an after-school snack or a dessert for any occasion.
- Gooey Goodness: The combination of melted chocolate and marshmallow creates a deliciously gooey center.
- Make Ahead: Bake them in advance and store for later enjoyment; they stay fresh for days!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to have the right tools on hand. Using the proper equipment will help ensure that your S’mores Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or foil
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool makes it easy to blend the butter and sugar until fluffy, creating a light texture.
- 9×13-inch baking pan: The ideal size for this recipe ensures even baking and easy serving.
- Parchment paper or foil: Lining the pan allows for easy removal of the bars once baked.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1 cup salted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 7-ounce jar marshmallow creme or fluff
- 2 cups milk or semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil or parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after they’ve baked. Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed (or in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment), beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined, ensuring everything is mixed evenly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Incorporate the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt into your mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 5: Layer the Dough
Press half of the dough into the bottom of your prepared pan. Then dollop the marshmallow topping on top of this cookie base. Gently spread it into an even layer using a lightly greased spatula.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the marshmallow layer. Take pieces of the remaining dough and scatter them across the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven until golden brown at the edges but still soft in the center, about 30–32 minutes. Allow cooling completely before using foil or parchment to remove from the pan. Cut into squares and serve!
How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars
S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of temperatures.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- Add a rich chocolate sauce drizzle over the bars for an extra indulgent touch.
Top with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the sweetness.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness and add a burst of flavor.
Enjoy with Milk
- A classic pairing, enjoy these bars with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic experience reminiscent of childhood treats.
How to Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars
To make sure your S’mores Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix the ingredients just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough bars.
- Check for doneness: Ovens can vary; check your bars around 30 minutes. They should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Cool completely before cutting: Letting the bars cool helps them set properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for S’mores Cookie Bars
S’mores Cookie Bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Consider these options when planning your dessert spread.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits or marshmallows allows for interactive dipping fun.
- Mini Marshmallow Skewers: Toast marshmallows on skewers for a fun addition that ties back to the s’mores theme.
- Peanut Butter Cup Bites: These bite-sized treats offer another layer of flavor and richness to your dessert table.
- Caramel Sauce Dip: A sweet caramel dip pairs wonderfully with both cookie bars and fresh fruit, enhancing their flavors.
- Chilled Milkshake: A creamy milkshake can help wash down the sweetness while providing a refreshing contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making S’mores Cookie Bars can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can make it difficult to achieve a fluffy texture. Always use softened butter for the best results.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough bars. Combine ingredients just until mixed for a soft and chewy texture.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure success.
- Baking at the wrong temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the bars too soon can lead to messy results. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container: Keep your S’mores Cookie Bars fresh by placing them in an airtight container.
- Duration: They will stay good for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing S’mores Cookie Bars
- Wrap tightly: For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Duration: They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating S’mores Cookie Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my S’mores Cookie Bars?
You can easily customize your S’mores Cookie Bars by adding nuts, using different types of chocolate chips, or even incorporating peanut butter or caramel for extra flavor.
How do I know when my S’mores Cookie Bars are done?
Look for golden-brown edges while ensuring the center remains soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Are S’mores Cookie Bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free S’mores Cookie Bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
What’s the best way to cut S’mores Cookie Bars?
Use a sharp knife and lightly spray it with cooking spray before cutting for clean edges. Cut while still slightly warm for easier slicing.
Final Thoughts
S’mores Cookie Bars offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults alike. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night at home, these bars are sure to impress! Try making them today with your favorite twist!
S’mores Cookie Bars
S’mores Cookie Bars are an irresistible combination of the classic campfire treat and a convenient dessert that can be enjoyed anytime. These bars blend the rich flavors of chocolate, graham crackers, and gooey marshmallows into a chewy delight that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or cozy nights at home. With their warm, gooey center and sweet crunch, S’mores Cookie Bars are destined to become your go-to indulgence. Easy to make and versatile enough for any occasion, these delectable treats promise to impress family and friends alike.
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil and grease lightly.
- In a bowl, beat together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt with the wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Press half of the dough into the pan. Spread marshmallow creme evenly on top, followed by chocolate chips. Crumble remaining dough over the filling.
- Bake for 30-32 minutes until golden brown at edges but soft in center. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges. For variations, consider adding nuts or different types of chocolate.
