You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up a batch of S’mores Cookie Bars that will transport you straight back to those sun-soaked summer campfires! Picture this: the rich aroma of freshly baked cookie dough blending with the sweet scent of melting chocolate and toasted marshmallows. It’s pure bliss! This delightful dessert combines all the beloved flavors of classic s’mores but brings them into the realm of a gooey, shareable bar, perfect for any occasion.
Recently, I found myself craving the comfort of homemade treats, but I also wanted something quick and satisfying, ideally not requiring me to camp outside! After a little experimentation, I hit the sweet spot with these bars. They’re incredibly simple to make; in just 40 minutes, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that will make you the star of any gathering. So whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck, treat your family to a special dessert, or simply satisfy that late-night sweet tooth, let’s dive into creating these irresistible S’mores Cookie Bars!
Why are S’mores Cookie Bars a must-try?
Pure magic happens when you take classic s’mores and transform them into bar form! Easy to make, with just 10 minutes of prep, these bars fit seamlessly into your busy life. Decadent layers of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers create an unforgettable flavor combination. Sharing is caring—cut them into squares for a delightful treat everyone will love. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these S’mores Cookie Bars will satisfy your cravings. Get ready to be the hero of dessert!
S’mores Cookie Bars Ingredients
If you’re ready to recreate the magic of campfire s’mores in a baked delight, here’s what you need!
For the Base
• Graham crackers – use 7-8 sheets for that classic crunchy base that holds everything together.
• Unsalted butter – 1 cup at room temperature for rich flavor and that perfect gooey texture.
For the Sweetness
• Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup adds a sweet contrast to the other flavors.
• Light brown sugar – 3/4 cup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that complements the flavors beautifully.
For Binding
• Large eggs – 2 eggs help to bind everything together and provide a soft, chewy texture.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon to infuse a heavenly aroma and flavor.
For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – 2 cups are needed for structure; be sure to measure correctly for best results!
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon adds the perfect rise, keeping these bars light and chewy.
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon heightens all the flavors, so don’t skip this ingredient!
For the Goodness
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 1 cup adds melty, rich chocolate goodness throughout.
• Mini marshmallows – 2 cups create those gooey pockets of marshmallow bliss.
• Hershey’s milk chocolate bars – 4 bars, broken into pieces, provide that iconic chocolate finish.
Now that you have all the essentials for your S’mores Cookie Bars ready, let’s get cooking!
How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures your bars bake evenly and reach that perfect golden brown color!
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Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides. This will help you lift the bars out easily once they’re baked.
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Break the graham crackers into sections as needed and arrange them in a single layer to cover the bottom of the prepared pan. This crunchy base is the foundation of your cookie bars.
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Cream together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that dreamy texture!
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Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. This will infuse your batter with sweetness and warmth.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your bars tender!
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Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows gently until evenly distributed. This creates gooey bites of chocolate and marshmallow throughout your bars.
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Spread the cookie dough evenly over the graham cracker layer, pressing it down gently. Make sure to cover every bit of graham cracker for a cohesive treat.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
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Remove from the oven and immediately place the broken pieces of Hershey’s chocolate bars on top, allowing the chocolate to soften and melt into the bars. This step adds that iconic chocolatey finish.
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Cool for about 20-30 minutes. Carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan, then cut into 24 squares. Enjoy the anticipation of that first decadent bite!
Optional: Drizzle with extra chocolate for an even sweeter touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These S’mores Cookie Bars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the ingredients, fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The graham cracker base can also be arranged in the baking pan ahead of time. When you’re ready to bake, just spread the chilled dough over the graham crackers and pop them in the oven. To maintain their fresh taste, aim to bake and enjoy these bars within a few days for the best quality and that gooey marshmallow goodness!
S’mores Cookie Bars Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these bars to your taste! Each option brings a delightful twist.
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Nutty Crunch: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a savory crunch that’ll elevate the texture.
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle melted caramel over the dough before baking for an indulgent, sweet surprise in every bite. The gooey caramel pairs beautifully with chocolate!
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Peanut Butter Delight: Substitute half the butter with peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor that’s utterly irresistible. This twist brings a delightful creaminess to the classic bars.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and swap chocolate for dairy-free versions. Perfect for those with lactose intolerance, this variation maintains the gooey goodness!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness. It’s a fun way to surprise your taste buds!
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Dark Chocolate: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a deeper, richer flavor. This will enhance the overall chocolate experience.
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Coconut Bliss: Mix in 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a unique flavor profile that’ll transport you straight to the beach!
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Cookie Dough Froyo: For a fun treat, crumble the baked bars over vanilla ice cream or yogurt as a topping. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the bars in a whole new light!
Expert Tips for S’mores Cookie Bars
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Perfectly Timed Baking: Bake until golden brown, usually around 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, which can make the bars dry.
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Chill Your Dough: For thicker, chewier bars, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before spreading it over the graham cracker base. This helps set the structure.
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so be gentle!
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Parchment Paper Must: Lining the pan with parchment paper is essential for easy removal. This prevents sticking and ensures lovely square edges when cutting.
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Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or swap the chocolate types! Utilizing different chocolate chips can enhance the overall flavor of your S’mores Cookie Bars.
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Serving Suggestion: For the ultimate indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! Enjoy that melty goodness.
What to Serve with S’mores Cookie Bars?
Indulging in warm S’mores Cookie Bars is a true delight, and pairing them expertly can elevate your dessert experience even further.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors, enhancing the gooey texture of the bars perfectly. Imagine the contrast of temperatures as the warm bars meet the cold ice cream.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the bars adds an extra layer of indulgence. This is a fantastic way to satisfy the ultimate chocolate lover in your life!
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing, tart contrast to the sweetness. They add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that balances the rich flavors beautifully.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce brings a lovely sweetness and richness. It plays wonderfully with the chocolate and marshmallow layers, creating a decadent treat.
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Coffee or Espresso: Pairing your dessert with a cup of rich coffee enhances the flavors and provides a cozy feeling. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweet s’mores bars perfectly.
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Graham Cracker Crumbs: Serve alongside graham cracker crumbs for extra crunch. This nostalgic addition reminds everyone of traditional s’mores while adding texture for each bite.
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Milkshakes: A chocolate or vanilla milkshake is the ultimate shake-up! This creamy drink adds a fun twist and creates an unforgettable dessert experience.
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Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top for added crunch. Nuts introduce a new texture and depth of flavor, taking the bars up a notch!
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Dark Chocolate Chunks: For a richer experience, serve with dark chocolate chunks. The bitterness of dark chocolate beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the cookie bars.
How to Store and Freeze S’mores Cookie Bars
Room Temperature: Store leftover S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy!
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, tightly wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months!
Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, microwave a frozen bar for about 15-20 seconds. This will revive the gooeyness of the chocolate and marshmallows beautifully!
S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best graham crackers?
Absolutely! When choosing graham crackers, look for ones that are fresh without any dark spots or breakage in the package. Brands without high-fructose corn syrup and added preservatives will give you the best flavor and texture for your S’mores Cookie Bars.
How should I store leftover S’mores Cookie Bars?
To keep your S’mores Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent drying out!
Can I freeze S’mores Cookie Bars?
Yes, freezing is a great option! Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their deliciousness for up to 2 months. To enjoy them again, simply microwave a frozen bar for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that gooey goodness!
What if my S’mores Cookie Bars come out too dry?
If your bars turn out dry, it’s often due to overbaking. Be sure to keep an eye on them, especially toward the end of the baking time. For next time, you can try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help retain moisture.
Are these cookie bars safe for my pets?
While S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful treat for humans, they are not safe for pets. Ingredients like chocolate and sugar can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always keep these delicious bars out of reach of your furry friends!
Can I substitute the chocolate type?
Very! If you’re looking to switch up the flavor, feel free to use dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. You can also mix in nuts or other candies to create your personalized version of S’mores Cookie Bars!
Irresistible S’mores Cookie Bars You’ll Crave Every Night
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides.
- Break the graham crackers into sections as needed and arrange them in a single layer to cover the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Cream together the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows gently until evenly distributed.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly over the graham cracker layer, pressing it down gently.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and immediately place the broken pieces of Hershey’s chocolate bars on top.
- Cool for about 20-30 minutes, then lift the parchment paper to remove the bars and cut into squares.