S’mores Cookie Bars: A Nostalgic Treat with a Decadent Twist

S’mores, the quintessential treat of summer nights, conjures images of crackling campfires, toasted marshmallows, and melted chocolate sandwiched between crisp graham crackers. There’s something about the combination of warm, gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate that takes us back to childhood memories of camping trips and late-night gatherings around the fire. But what if you could enjoy all those nostalgic flavors in a more convenient, no-campfire-required form? That’s where S’mores Cookie Bars come in—a delectable dessert that reimagines the traditional s’mores into a decadent, chewy bar that’s just as irresistible.

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with S’mores Cookie Bars

S’mores Cookie Bars bring all the comfort and joy of a traditional s’more but with a twist. The crust of the cookie bars is made from a buttery graham cracker dough that’s reminiscent of the crunchy graham crackers used in classic s’mores. This dough is both sturdy and soft, giving it the perfect texture to hold the gooey marshmallow filling and melty chocolate chips. The marshmallow creme is the real star of the show—it forms a thick, sweet, and sticky layer that holds everything together while maintaining its soft, pillowy texture after baking. And of course, the semi-sweet chocolate chips add the perfect amount of rich, chocolatey goodness that everyone loves about s’mores.

These bars are also incredibly versatile. While the classic version is already a crowd-pleaser, you can easily add your own twist by mixing in different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even peanut butter. They can be baked for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal events, and they’re even perfect for a sweet midnight snack. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and how you can turn them into these mouthwatering S’mores Cookie Bars.

Ingredients for S’mores Cookie Bars

For the Graham Cracker Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full-sheet graham crackers)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 heaping cup marshmallow creme (store-bought “Fluff” or homemade)

Optional Equipment:

• 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven
To begin, line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Leave an overhang of parchment on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled. This step is important as it prevents the bars from sticking to the pan. After prepping the pan, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled at this point; that’s perfectly fine.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Once the dry ingredients are well combined, gradually add them to the wet ingredients. Continue mixing on medium speed until a thick dough forms.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Now it’s time to layer the ingredients into your prepared pan. Start by dividing the graham cracker dough into two portions—one slightly larger than the other. Press the larger portion of dough into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly to form the base layer. This dough will be sticky, so feel free to use your hands to press it into place.

Next, spread the marshmallow creme evenly over the cookie dough base. This step may be a little tricky since marshmallow creme can be sticky, but use a spatula or spoon to spread it out as evenly as possible. Once the marshmallow layer is in place, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.

Finally, take the remaining cookie dough and flatten it into pieces. Layer this over the chocolate chips. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect covering—some chocolate chips and marshmallow creme may be exposed. That’s part of the charm!

Step 4: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the bars for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. If you want a firmer texture, you can bake them a little longer, but be sure to watch them closely to prevent overbaking.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least an hour before attempting to cut them. This ensures they set properly and hold their shape.

Step 5: Cool, Cut, and Serve
Once the bars have cooled completely, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice them into 16 even squares. These bars are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa.

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.

Tips for Success

• Homemade Marshmallow Creme: If you prefer to make your own marshmallow creme, simply make a half batch (yielding about 1 and 1/4 cups) and use it in place of store-bought fluff.
• Substituting Graham Crackers: If graham crackers are hard to find in your area, you can substitute ground digestive biscuits. These will provide a similar texture and flavor.
• Avoid Regular Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows won’t hold up well during baking—they will melt into the dough and create unwanted craters. Stick with marshmallow creme, which holds its shape better and maintains a fluffy texture.
• Doubling the Recipe: If you need to serve a crowd, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the bake time to around 35-38 minutes, and keep an eye on the bars as they bake.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

• Top with Crushed Graham Crackers: For an added crunch and more of that graham cracker flavor, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top of the bars before baking.
• Add Peanut Butter: If you’re a fan of peanut butter, try adding peanut butter chips or a swirl of peanut butter into the dough for a delicious twist.
• Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. You could also add chopped chocolate bars for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
• Warm with Ice Cream: For a truly decadent dessert, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey bars and the cold ice cream is a combination that everyone will love.

Why You Should Make These Bars

S’mores Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the flavors of s’mores but wants a more convenient, mess-free way to enjoy them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these bars deliver everything you love about s’mores in one easy-to-make dessert.

The graham cracker cookie dough base is soft and chewy, while the marshmallow creme provides a satisfyingly sticky, gooey layer that pairs perfectly with the chocolate chips. Every bite delivers a balanced combination of flavors and textures, from the slightly crispy edges to the soft, marshmallow-filled center. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

These bars are perfect for baking with family, sharing with friends, or enjoying solo on a cozy evening. The simplicity of the recipe combined with the nostalgic appeal of s’mores makes them an instant favorite for people of all ages.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about the combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker. S’mores have been a beloved treat for generations, and these S’mores Cookie Bars bring that nostalgic flavor into a new, more convenient form. With their chewy, gooey center and slightly crisp edges, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, making a batch for the family, or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are sure to delight.

Give them a try today, and let the sweet, melty goodness of these S’mores Cookie Bars take you on a delicious journey down memory lane.