S’mores Cookie Bars: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Treat

S’mores have long been a beloved treat, enjoyed around campfires, at backyard barbecues, or even as a nostalgic snack on cozy nights in. The combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows never fails to bring a smile to anyone who experiences it. But what if you could take that classic combination and turn it into a decadent, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion? Enter the S’mores Cookie Bars. These irresistible bars combine all the best parts of s’mores — the graham cracker crunch, the gooey marshmallows, and the rich chocolate — into one convenient, shareable treat. They’re the perfect dessert for summer cookouts, picnics, or whenever you’re craving a bit of nostalgia.

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The beauty of these cookie bars lies in their simplicity and versatility. With a buttery, chewy cookie dough base, topped with the signature s’mores elements of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any age. The best part? They require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookie bars are an excellent way to enjoy the sweet, smoky flavors of s’mores without the need for a campfire. Plus, they’re perfect for a family gathering, a holiday dessert spread, or as an indulgent treat for yourself.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make these S’mores Cookie Bars so irresistibly delicious. Each element is carefully chosen to bring the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Graham Crackers: These iconic crackers form the foundation of the dessert, providing that unmistakable crunch and sweetness that defines a traditional s’more. You’ll need 7-8 full sheets of graham crackers to create a sturdy, sweet base for the bars.
• Unsalted Butter: The butter in this recipe brings a rich, creamy flavor and helps create that soft, chewy texture in the cookie dough. Be sure to use room temperature butter so that it mixes easily with the sugars.
• Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: A combination of both sugars creates a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture in the cookie dough. The brown sugar also adds a touch of molasses flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bars.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookie bars. They also contribute to the tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic addition to many baked goods, vanilla extract infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• All-Purpose Flour: The flour is the primary structure of the cookie dough. It helps create a chewy, soft texture while allowing the other ingredients to shine.
• Baking Soda & Salt: The baking soda provides lift to the cookie dough, helping it rise slightly while baking. The salt, while subtle, enhances the sweetness and balances the richness of the butter and sugar.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These chocolate chips melt beautifully in the dough, giving the cookie bars a rich, gooey texture with pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
• Mini Marshmallows: The marshmallows add a chewy, gooey sweetness that mimics the classic s’mores experience. They toast and melt slightly in the oven, making for a perfect contrast against the crunchy graham cracker base.
• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars: The final touch! The broken pieces of milk chocolate bars are scattered on top of the baked bars, providing a rich, melty layer of chocolate that melts into the cookie dough for an extra indulgent experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
2. Prepare the Pan: Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re done, ensuring a clean cut and easy removal.
3. Graham Cracker Layer: Break the graham crackers into sections as needed and arrange them in a single layer to cover the bottom of the prepared pan. This creates the perfect foundation for the cookie dough and gives the bars that classic s’mores base.
4. Make the Cookie Dough: In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the room-temperature butter and both granulated and brown sugars. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the cookie dough evenly over the graham cracker layer in the pan, pressing it down gently to make sure it’s evenly distributed. If you like, you can top the dough with additional mini marshmallows for a little extra marshmallowy goodness.
6. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake, and if the cookie dough starts to brown too quickly on top, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.
7. Add the Chocolate: Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately place the broken pieces of Hershey’s chocolate bars on top of the warm cookie bars. Allow the chocolate to soften and melt into the bars.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the chocolate to set slightly but still remain gooey. Carefully lift the parchment paper overhang to remove the bars from the pan, then cut into 24 squares for easy serving.

Flavor and Texture

When you bite into a S’mores Cookie Bar, you experience the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The graham cracker base offers a satisfying crunch, while the soft, chewy cookie dough creates a rich, buttery bite. The melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows provide the classic s’mores experience in every bite. The warm, slightly toasty marshmallows give the bars a sweet, caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the creamy chocolate.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures the ingredients combine easily and result in a smooth, uniform dough.
• Use a Metal Pan: While glass pans work fine, using a metal or aluminum pan tends to yield more even results, especially for gooey, slightly underbaked bars.
• Storage: S’mores Cookie Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer a firmer chocolate layer, refrigerate the bars to help the chocolate set up completely.
• Freezing: These bars freeze wonderfully! Simply wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to melt the chocolate again.

Variations and Substitutions

While the classic S’mores Cookie Bars are undeniably delicious, there’s plenty of room for customization. Here are a few ideas to change up the recipe:

• Add Nuts: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the cookie dough for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or even peanut butter cups, for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just be sure to check that the graham crackers and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

S’mores Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but they can be taken to the next level when served with a few extra touches. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. You could also drizzle them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to more festive celebrations, and they’re guaranteed to disappear in no time.

Conclusion

S’mores Cookie Bars are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional s’more in a convenient bar form. With their buttery, chewy cookie dough, crispy graham cracker base, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate, these bars are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, or just craving a nostalgic treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring smiles to everyone who tries them. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy a sweet, indulgent experience that’s perfect for any time of year.