Let me tell you, these s’mores cookie bars are an absolute game changer! Imagine biting into a warm, gooey layer of chocolate and marshmallows all nestled between soft, buttery cookie layers. It’s like a campfire delight wrapped in a cookie, and trust me, they’re so easy to whip up! You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, just a few simple steps and you’re on your way to dessert heaven. Whether you’re reminiscing about summer nights around the campfire or just craving something sweet, these s’mores cookie bars bring that nostalgia right back. Plus, they’re perfect for gatherings—everyone goes wild for them! You’ll want to keep this recipe close because it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 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 squares
How to Prepare S’mores Cookie Bars
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these s’mores cookie bars is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want those cookie bars to bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 cup granulated sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. This will only take a couple of minutes!
- Next, add in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. You want that smooth texture!
- In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—no one likes tough cookie bars!
- Now comes the fun part! Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs. You’ll love that crunch they add!
- Spread half of this delicious dough evenly in a greased baking pan. Then, layer on 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of chocolate squares. It’s going to be heavenly!
- Finally, cover this marshmallow and chocolate layer with the remaining dough. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still a little gooey.
- Once baked, let them cool in the pan before cutting into bars. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Nutritional Information
These s’mores cookie bars are not only delicious but also fairly straightforward in terms of nutrition! Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect in one scrumptious bar. Just remember, these values are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary a bit depending on your specific choices.
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
So, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, you can indulge a little without too much guilt! Enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make—perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros!
- Ideal for gatherings; everyone loves a good s’mores treat!
- Combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and marshmallows in every bite.
- Kid-friendly! Kids will have a blast helping you mix and layer the ingredients.
- A satisfyingly sweet dessert that brings back nostalgic campfire memories.
- Perfectly gooey texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Great for sharing—if you can resist eating them all yourself!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your s’mores cookie bars turn out as amazing as possible! Here are my top tips for success that I swear by:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend together nicely for that perfect texture.
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, try reducing the amount of sugar slightly or using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. It adds a rich flavor without being overly sweet.
- Layering is key: When layering the marshmallows and chocolate, spread them evenly for a consistent gooeyness in every bite. It’s all about that harmony of flavors!
- Cooling time: I know it’s hard to wait, but letting the bars cool completely in the pan will make cutting them much easier and prevent them from falling apart.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 25-minute mark. You want those edges golden and the center slightly soft!
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty twist, or try adding crushed nuts for some extra crunch!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making the ultimate s’mores cookie bars that everyone will rave about! Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about these s’mores cookie bars is how easy it is to switch things up! Here are some fun variations to cater to different tastes and preferences:
- Chocolate Choices: Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Dark chocolate will give a rich, slightly bitter bite that balances well with the sweetness, while white chocolate adds a creamy touch.
- Nuts Galore: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs to keep that texture interesting!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: For all the peanut butter lovers out there, consider swirling in some peanut butter into the dough or layering it with the marshmallows for a decadent twist!
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. You can also top with mint chocolate chips for an extra kick!
- Fruit Fusion: Fold in some dried fruit like cherries or cranberries for a sweet-tart surprise in every bite. You could even add a layer of banana slices before the marshmallows for a fruity twist!
- S’mores Supreme: Layer on some extra mini marshmallows and chocolate squares on top of the cookie bars before baking for an extra gooey and over-the-top s’mores experience!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas—make them your own! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear about your delicious creations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about keeping those s’mores cookie bars fresh and delicious! First off, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so yummy), you’ll want to store them properly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll last up to a week!
Now, if you’re like me and can’t resist a warm cookie bar, here’s how to reheat them: simply take out a bar and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it up for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave—just enough to warm it through without making it too melty. You’ll be rewarded with that gooey goodness all over again! And if you really want to treat yourself, drizzle a little chocolate sauce or sprinkle some extra marshmallows on top before heating. Yum!
And don’t forget, you can also freeze these bars if you want to save some for later! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a bit before reheating. Trust me, they’re worth the wait!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful s’mores cookie bars? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my trusty advice:
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these s’mores cookie bars gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking soda is certified gluten-free as well. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I freeze the s’mores cookie bars?
Yes, you can! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or leave them at room temperature for a bit before indulging!
How do I adjust the recipe for different baking pans?
If you’re using a different size baking pan, just keep an eye on the baking time. For example, a smaller pan will result in thicker bars and may need a bit more time to bake, while a larger pan will give you thinner bars that might bake faster. Always check for doneness by looking for golden edges and a slightly soft center!
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
No worries! You can use regular-sized marshmallows instead. Just cut them in half or quarters to help them melt evenly. You can also layer them in a way that maximizes that gooey goodness!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate like mint. Each type will bring its own unique twist to the flavor, so get creative!
How can I make these cookie bars less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the sugar amounts slightly or opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. You could also add a pinch of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors!
If you have any more questions or need further tips, don’t hesitate to reach out! Happy baking!
Print
S’mores Cookie Bars: 7 Steps to Gooey Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious s’mores cookie bars with layers of chocolate and marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 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 squares
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Stir in chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs.
- Spread half the dough in a greased baking pan.
- Layer mini marshmallows and chocolate squares on top.
- Cover with the remaining dough.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Adjust marshmallow quantity to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: s'mores cookie bars, dessert, baking, chocolate, marshmallows