Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the absolute joy of making dessert bars! There’s something magical about combining all your favorite flavors into one convenient treat, and these s’mores cookie bars do just that. Imagine the sweet, toasty flavor of graham crackers mingling with rich chocolate and gooey marshmallows, all baked into a delicious bar that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! I still remember the first time I made these beauties. My kitchen smelled heavenly, and I could hardly wait for them to cool before diving in. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported straight to a cozy campfire, even if you’re just at home. Get ready to whip up a batch of nostalgia and sweetness that everyone will adore!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these scrumptious s’mores cookie bars. I promise, the ingredients are simple and delightful!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate bar pieces
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—this makes a big difference in how creamy your mixture turns out! Now, let’s gather these goodies and get ready to bake up some magic!
How to Prepare S’mores Cookie Bars
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious s’mores cookie bars! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful treat in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it!
- Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is nicely combined. You’ll want to scrape down the sides of your bowl to make sure all those yummy ingredients are mixed in well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few floury streaks!
- Gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. You want to keep that airy texture!
- Spread half of this decadent mixture into a greased baking dish, making sure it’s even. Then, layer those chocolate bar pieces on top—oh, yum! Spread the remaining cookie mixture over this layer.
- Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts smelling like a dream!
- Once baked, let them cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes before cutting them into bars. I know, it’s hard to wait, but trust me, they’ll be easier to slice when they’re a bit cooler!
And there you have it! Easy peasy, right? Get ready for a whole lot of deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these irresistible s’mores cookie bars. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a general breakdown per bar:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
These delightful bars pack a sweet punch, so enjoy them in moderation alongside a balanced diet! You won’t regret treating yourself to this nostalgic flavor, but it’s always good to be mindful, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for when you need a sweet fix in a hurry!
- Minimal cleanup since everything comes together in just a few bowls.
- A delightful combination of classic s’mores flavors that everyone loves.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite chocolate or add-ins.
- Great for sharing at parties, picnics, or even just a cozy night in.
- These bars stay soft and gooey for days, making them perfect for meal prep!
Tips for Success
Alright, friend, here are my top tips to ensure your s’mores cookie bars come out absolutely perfect every time!
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. It should be at room temperature so you can cream it easily with the sugars. This creates that light and fluffy texture we all crave!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. A few streaks of flour are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we definitely don’t want that.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is a star player in this recipe, go for a chocolate you love. Whether it’s dark, milk, or even a fun flavored chocolate, it’ll make a difference in the overall taste!
- Cool Before Cutting: Patience is a virtue! Let your bars cool for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting into them. This helps them set up nicely and makes slicing a breeze!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Add in some nuts or dried fruit for an extra twist. These bars are super versatile, so don’t be shy about switching things up!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best s’mores cookie bars ever. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these s’mores cookie bars! Here are some ideas that’ll keep things exciting every time you bake:
- Chocolate Variety: Swap out the chocolate chips for your favorite type—dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips! Each will bring a unique twist to the classic flavors.
- Nutty Delight: Add some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. They’ll add a lovely texture and a bit of richness to the bars.
- Fruit Infusion: Toss in some dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a pop of flavor. You could even try adding fresh strawberries or bananas for a fun fruity twist!
- Spiced Up: Mix in some cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder for an unexpected depth of flavor. It’s a subtle change that can really elevate the taste!
- Cookie Overload: For a truly indulgent treat, layer in some crushed-up cookies like Oreos or Nutter Butters within the bars. It’s like a s’mores cookie bar on steroids!
These variations are a great way to keep your baking fresh and exciting. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made these delicious s’mores cookie bars, you might be wondering how to store them for maximum enjoyment. Here’s the scoop!
First, once your bars have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and chewy for up to a week—if they last that long! I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them; it helps prevent sticking and keeps everything looking perfect.
If you want to savor your treats even longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like that gooey, melty goodness when they’re just a little warm!
And there you have it—simple storage and reheating tips to ensure your s’mores cookie bars are always ready for a sweet moment! Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These s’mores cookie bars are perfect for making a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled, and they’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you are!
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafer cookies. They’ll give you that same sweet, crunchy base that makes these bars so delicious!
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even caramel-filled chocolates. Each type brings its own unique sweetness to the bars, so go with what you love!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Your s’mores cookie bars are ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Just be careful not to overbake them—nobody likes a dry bar!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Of course! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans make a great addition for some extra crunch and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips and marshmallows before baking. Enjoy the added texture!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of chocolate, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on baking with marshmallows, visit this Spruce Eats guide.
Print
S’mores Cookie Bars: 7 Steps to Sweet Perfection!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious s’mores cookie bars that combine the flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate bar pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows.
- Spread half of the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of chocolate bar pieces on top.
- Spread the remaining cookie mixture over the chocolate layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed warm.
- You can substitute with your favorite chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: s'mores cookie bars, dessert, cookies, baking
