S’mores Cookie Bars

How to make S’mores Cookie Bars

Making S’mores Cookie Bars is a fun and rewarding process. With the blend of flavors from chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, you’ll create a treat that brings back fond memories of campfires and summer nights. Here’s how to make these delightful bars step by step.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff
• 2–3 full-size Hershey bars (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is well incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract to give your batter that delightful flavor.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs until combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a thick dough forms. This may take some time, so be patient to achieve the right consistency.

6. Add Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks. This will add richness to your cookie bars.

7. Layer the Batter: Take about two-thirds of the cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will form the base layer.

8. Add Marshmallow Layer: If you’re using marshmallow fluff, spread it evenly over the cookie base. If you prefer mini marshmallows, sprinkle them evenly instead.

9. Layer with Chocolate: If you want to include Hershey bars, break them into pieces and add them over the marshmallows. You can also add more chocolate chunks at this point.

10. Top with Remaining Dough: Drop the remaining cookie dough by spoonfuls over the top. Gently spread it out. It’s okay if some marshmallows peek through; this adds to the charm of the bars.

11. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn golden brown while the center may look slightly underdone; it will firm up as it cools.

12. Cool and Slice: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts, and try to wipe the blade between slices for the best results.

Why You’ll Love This S’mores Cookie Bars

These S’mores Cookie Bars encapsulate the essence of traditional s’mores but in a convenient, bar format. They are chewy, gooey, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as an after-school snack.

Nutritional Benefits

These bars contain some great nutritional elements, thanks to their ingredients:

• Whole Grains: Graham cracker crumbs provide fiber.
• Protein: Eggs and butter contribute essential proteins.
• Calcium: Chocolate can contribute to calcium intake.
  While it’s wise to enjoy these treats in moderation, they can bring joy and satisfaction when shared with friends and family.

What to Serve With S’mores Cookie Bars

S’mores Cookie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving them with:

• Milk: A classic pairing; the creaminess of milk complements the sweet flavors.
• Coffee or Tea: The bitterness balances the sweetness of the bars.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs exceptionally well for an indulgent dessert.

How to Store S’mores Cookie Bars

To keep your S’mores Cookie Bars fresh:

• Room Temperature: Place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, which will extend their freshness for up to a week.
• Freezer: If you wish to store them for an extended period, wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing your batter can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix until just combined.
• Check Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can vary; keep an eye on the bars to prevent them from burning.
• Let Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely helps with cutting and prevents them from falling apart.
• Use Parchment Paper: This helps immensely with removing the bars cleanly and preventing any sticking.

Variations

Want to change things up? Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Peanut Butter: Add a layer of peanut butter or peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the dough for extra crunch.
• White Chocolate: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate chips to create a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even milk chocolate. It’s all about personal preference!

2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your graham cracker crumbs are gluten-free as well.

3. Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the bars a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They also freeze well for later enjoyment.

Enjoy these delicious S’mores Cookie Bars at home or share them with those you love. They are a delightful treat that truly embodies the spirit of summer nights spent around a campfire. Happy baking!

S'mores Cookie Bars

These S'mores Cookie Bars are a fun and chewy treat that combines chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, perfect for any gathering or as a dessert for family.

Servings 12 bars

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

Cookie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Fillings

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff
• 2-3 bars full-size Hershey bars (optional) Optional for additional chocolate layer

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs.
• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms.
• Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks.

Assembly

• Press two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Spread marshmallow fluff evenly over the cookie base or sprinkle mini marshmallows.
• If using, break Hershey bars into pieces and add over the marshmallows.
• Drop remaining cookie dough by spoonfuls over the top, spreading slightly.

Baking

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Notes

For optimal results, avoid overmixing the batter and let the bars cool completely to avoid crumbling when cutting. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Calories: 250kcal

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Campfire Desserts, Cookie Bars, Dessert Bars, S'mores, Sweet Treats