S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, combining the nostalgic flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into an easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, these bars deliver gooey, chocolatey goodness in every bite. Here’s everything you need to know to create this irresistible dessert, along with tips and variations to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 7-8 graham crackers (full, unbroken rectangles)
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
For the Topping:
- 2 regular-sized (1.55 oz) Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, broken into squares
- Additional mini marshmallows (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides for easy removal. This step ensures your bars don’t stick and are simple to lift out. - Arrange the Graham Crackers:
Place the graham crackers in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared pan. Break them into smaller sections as needed to fit snugly and cover the entire base. - Make the Dough:
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure an even mixture.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender dough. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows by hand for even distribution.
- Assemble the Bars:
Spread the cookie dough evenly over the graham cracker layer, pressing it flat with a spatula or your hands. For extra gooeyness, sprinkle additional mini marshmallows on top if desired. - Bake:
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. If the edges start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil during the last few minutes of baking. - Add the Chocolate Topping:
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately scatter the Hershey’s chocolate bar pieces across the warm cookie layer. The residual heat will soften the chocolate, creating a luscious topping. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. - Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, cut the bars into your preferred size—squares or rectangles—and serve. These bars are best enjoyed warm when the chocolate is still gooey and melty, adding to their indulgent texture.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature butter and eggs ensures a smooth, evenly mixed dough.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain to keep the dough tender.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking the bars at the 25-minute mark. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should remain slightly soft for a chewy texture.
- Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner slices, let the bars cool completely and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
S’mores Cookie Bars are best enjoyed slightly warm when the chocolate is still gooey. Serve them as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. To store, place the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These S’mores Cookie Bars capture the essence of a campfire classic in a convenient, shareable format. The combination of buttery cookie dough, crispy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and melty chocolate creates a dessert that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a treat to brighten your day, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Try it today and bring the magic of s’mores indoors!