S’mores Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. These bars offer all the nostalgic flavors of traditional s’mores but with a convenient twist. They are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an indulgent treat after a long day. With a soft and chewy cookie base topped with layers of melty chocolate and gooey marshmallows, each bite transports you back to cozy campfire nights. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these S’mores Cookie Bars will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, they require minimal ingredients and effort, making them an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Cookie Bars
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for S’mores Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the best texture in your cookie dough.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor to the cookie bars.
- Granulated Sugar: This helps achieve the right sweetness balance along with browning during baking.
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have ingredient that forms the base of your cookie dough.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures your cookie bars rise perfectly while maintaining chewiness.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors of the other ingredients without making them too salty.
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the ingredients together while adding moisture to the batter.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt beautifully within the bars; feel free to mix in milk chocolate or dark chocolate varieties.
- Mini Marshmallows: These will create that gooey s’mores texture when baked; use fresh ones for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one at a time until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in chocolate chips gently using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Layer Ingredients
Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of mini marshmallows followed by a generous layer of additional chocolate chips before spooning on dollops of remaining dough.
Step 6: Bake
Place your baking dish in preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow cooling before slicing into squares.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful S’mores Cookie Bars as your next favorite treat!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and fresh marshmallows for optimal flavor.
- Chill Dough if Necessary: If your dough feels too soft to handle, chilling it for about half an hour can help firm it up before baking.
- Tweak Your Flavor Profile: Experiment with different types of chocolates or add nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover bars covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Enjoy crafting these scrumptious S’mores Cookie Bars!
How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars
This S’mores Cookie Bars is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances the warm, gooey cookie bars perfectly.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate enhances the rich flavors and adds a touch of elegance.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh berries provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cookie dough up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the S’mores Cookie Bars and keep them covered at room temperature for up to one day before baking.
- Storing: Store any leftover S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual bars on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds. For larger portions, warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5-10 minutes until heated through without drying out.
FAQs for S’mores Cookie Bars
What ingredients do I need for S’mores Cookie Bars?
To create delicious S’mores Cookie Bars, gather essential ingredients that include unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. You’ll also need graham cracker crumbs to establish the iconic s’mores flavor. Additionally, don’t forget mini marshmallows and chocolate chips as they are key components that make these cookie bars irresistible. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, chewy base that is complemented perfectly by the gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate on top. Following this ingredient list ensures your S’mores Cookie Bars turn out flavorful and satisfying.
How long does it take to prepare S’mores Cookie Bars?
Preparing S’mores Cookie Bars typically takes about 15 minutes. This includes the time spent measuring and mixing the ingredients together. Once mixed, you will need to bake them for around 25-30 minutes. After baking, it’s essential to let them cool before cutting into squares—this usually takes an additional 10-15 minutes. Overall, you can expect the entire process from preparation to serving to take about an hour. This quick recipe makes it easy to enjoy homemade treats without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Can I customize my S’mores Cookie Bars recipe?
Absolutely! One of the great aspects of S’mores Cookie Bars is their versatility. You can customize them by adding different types of chocolate such as dark or white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. If you prefer a nutty crunch, consider incorporating chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter. For a fun twist, try adding peanut butter chips or using flavored extracts like almond or coconut for added depth of flavor. Each variation allows you to explore new tastes while still enjoying the classic s’mores experience.
Can I store leftover S’mores Cookie Bars?
Yes! Storing leftover S’mores Cookie Bars is simple and keeps them fresh for later enjoyment. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stored this way at room temperature, they can last for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead; wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Are S’mores Cookie Bars suitable for special diets?
S’mores Cookie Bars can be modified to suit various dietary needs with some adjustments. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour and ensure that your graham cracker crumbs are also gluten-free. To make these bars dairy-free, substitute dairy-free butter and chocolate alternatives while using vegan marshmallows if desired. These modifications allow those with dietary restrictions or preferences to indulge in this classic treat without compromising their health goals or lifestyle choices.
When is the best time to serve S’mores Cookie Bars?
S’mores Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion! They shine during summer gatherings like barbecues or picnics due to their nostalgic flavors reminiscent of campfires and outdoor fun. Their ease of preparation makes them ideal for parties or holidays when you want a quick dessert option that impresses guests. Additionally, they serve as a delightful treat after school or as a comforting snack on chilly evenings when paired with hot cocoa or milk. Enjoying these bars fresh out of the oven is an experience no one should miss!
Conclusion
In summary, S’mores Cookie Bars provide a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them irresistible treats suitable for any occasion. With simple ingredients like graham crackers, chocolate chips, and marshmallows combined into a chewy cookie base, they capture the essence of traditional s’mores in a convenient form. The preparation is quick and straightforward—taking just about an hour from start to finish—which makes these bars perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether served at summer gatherings or enjoyed as an after-school snack, these cookie bars are sure to please everyone’s taste buds while creating fond memories around food shared with loved ones.
Print
Delicious S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minute
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, combining graham crackers, rich chocolate, and gooey marshmallows into a chewy cookie base. These bars are not only easy to make but are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy night in. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dessert that brings back warm memories of campfires and stargazing. Each slice is packed with flavor, making these bars an irresistible indulgence for both kids and adults alike. Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
– Unsalted butter
– Brown sugar
– Granulated sugar
– Eggs
– All-purpose flour
– Baking soda
– Salt
– Semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Mini marshmallows
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish.
2. Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy, then mix in eggs.
3. Combine dry ingredients and gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Spread half of the dough in the baking dish, layer with marshmallows and more chocolate chips, then top with remaining dough.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
Notes
Feel free to customize by adding nuts or different types of chocolate for variety!
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g