Delicious S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe: Gooey, Chocolatey & Easy to Make

Who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows? The traditional campfire treat, s’mores, is a classic that instantly brings back memories of warm summer nights spent roasting marshmallows around a crackling fire. But, what if you could enjoy all that gooey goodness without needing a campfire? S’mores cookie bars are the perfect solution!

These bars take all the best elements of s’mores—graham cracker crust, melty chocolate, and gooey marshmallows—and combine them in one easy-to-make dessert. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, impress guests, or simply treat your family to a fun and delicious dessert, s’mores cookie bars are the way to go.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these bars, as well as some tips and variations to make your s’mores experience even more memorable. Plus, we’ll dive deep into the origins of s’mores, why they’ve become so beloved, and how you can make them all year round without worrying about the weather. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual gathering, or just because you can’t resist a chocolatey treat, s’mores cookie bars are the answer!

Ingredients for S’mores Cookie Bars 🍪

To make s’mores cookie bars, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s everything you’ll need for these gooey, chocolate-filled bars:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – The base for your s’mores flavor.
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – To give structure to your cookie bars.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the dough rise and become soft.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the cookies.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• ½ cup brown sugar – Brings moisture and a deeper flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens up the dough.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds that classic vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate and marshmallows.
• 1 cup chocolate chips – For that melty, gooey chocolatey goodness.
• 1 cup mini marshmallows – The gooey marshmallow center we all crave in a s’more.
• 2 Hershey’s chocolate bars, broken into pieces – For extra chocolate chunks, adding more of the indulgent chocolate experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make S’mores Cookie Bars 🍪🔥

Making s’mores cookie bars is super easy and only takes about an hour, from prep to cooling. Let’s walk through each step in detail so you can make the most delicious batch possible!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures that your bars bake evenly and thoroughly. Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookie bars from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. The graham cracker crumbs are the key ingredient that will give these bars their signature s’mores flavor, so make sure you measure carefully.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until the wet ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the dough, as this could lead to tough bars.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate

Once your dough is ready, gently fold in chocolate chips. You want the chocolate to be evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chunks of chocolate will melt beautifully when baking, creating that irresistible, gooey texture.

Step 6: Assemble the S’mores Cookie Bars

Now comes the fun part! Press 2/3 of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but make sure it’s spread out evenly to create the base of your bars. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the dough, then place the broken pieces of Hershey’s chocolate bars on top. Finally, crumble the remaining dough over the marshmallows and chocolate, leaving some areas exposed. This will create that delicious s’mores look with melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows peeking out.

Step 7: Bake the Cookie Bars

Bake your s’mores cookie bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown. You want the top to be slightly crisp while the marshmallows are gooey inside. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

After the cookie bars have cooled, carefully slice them into squares. Serve them warm for extra gooeyness, or let them cool completely if you prefer a more set texture. These bars are perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying with a cup of coffee, or simply satisfying your s’mores cravings.

Why S’mores Cookie Bars Are a Must-Try Dessert 🍫🍪

S’mores cookie bars combine everything we love about classic s’mores, with the added bonus of being baked into easy-to-serve bars. No campfire required! Here are some reasons why these bars are perfect for your next dessert adventure:

• Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional s’mores, which require a fire or grill, these cookie bars can be made entirely in your kitchen.
• Versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like peanut butter chips, toffee bits, or even using different types of chocolate.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a birthday party, or just a family dinner, s’mores cookie bars are a guaranteed hit.
• Comfort Food: There’s something about the combination of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows that evokes comfort and nostalgia.

FAQs about S’mores Cookie Bars 🍪

1. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but mini marshmallows tend to distribute more evenly throughout the bars. You may need to cut regular marshmallows into smaller pieces for even baking.

2. Can I make s’mores cookie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to 3 months.

3. Can I use other types of chocolate?

Definitely! While Hershey’s chocolate bars are classic, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.

4. What can I use instead of butter?

If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

5. How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. The marshmallows will be bubbly and slightly toasted when they’re done. You can also insert a toothpick to check for doneness, though it may come out slightly gooey due to the marshmallows.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love S’mores Cookie Bars 🍫🔥

S’mores cookie bars are a perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional s’mores without needing a campfire. They’re quick, easy to make, and can be enjoyed by anyone, anytime. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just because you love cookies, these bars are sure to become a favorite. With a delicious combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs, every bite is a taste of summer.

So next time you’re craving a sweet, gooey, and satisfying dessert, look no further than s’mores cookie bars. You’ll love the simplicity, the flavors, and the memories they evoke. Happy baking! 🍪

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