What happens when s’mores meet cookie bars? You get a match made in heaven, featuring toasted marshmallows and a homemade twist. Made with gooey marshmallows and a quick baking method, these easy treats are perfect for a weeknight dessert. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert night.

s’mores cookie bars on a plate with marshmallows in the middle

Introduction

Imagine a dessert that combines the classic campfire treat with the convenience of a cookie bar, all perfectly presented on a plate with a delightful surprise of marshmallows in the middle. These s’mores cookie bars are not only a creative twist on a beloved favorite, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The best part? They capture the essence of s’mores – the gooey marshmallow, the richness of chocolate, and the crunch of graham crackers – all in a neat, bite-sized package that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just need a sweet treat to brighten up your day.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of graham cracker crust, chocolate chips, and marshmallows creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Plus, these ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores, making this recipe accessible to everyone.
• Ease of preparation: Unlike traditional s’mores that require a campfire or a fire pit, these cookie bars can be made in the comfort of your own kitchen with minimal equipment. The steps are straightforward, and the preparation time is relatively short, making it a great option for those with busy schedules.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is impressive and sure to delight both kids and adults. The presentation, with marshmallows in the middle, adds a fun and creative touch that makes these bars perfect for serving at gatherings or as a special treat.

Key Ingredients

To make these s’mores cookie bars, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need graham cracker crumbs for the crust, which provides a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness. Next, you’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for the cookie dough, along with eggs and vanilla extract for moisture and flavor. Chocolate chips are a must for any s’mores recipe, and you can use either semi-sweet or milk chocolate depending on your preference. Finally, mini marshmallows are the star of the show, adding a fluffy and sweet surprise to the middle of each bar. If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free option, or dairy-free chocolate for those with dietary restrictions.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your graham cracker crust by mixing the crumbs with melted butter and a bit of sugar in a bowl until well combined. Press this mixture into a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking dish to form the base of your bars.
2. Step 2: Next, prepare your cookie dough. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda, then gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
3. Step 3: Pour the cookie dough over the graham cracker crust and smooth out the top. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the bars from the oven and immediately press mini marshmallows into the top of the cookie layer. Return the bars to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are toasted to your liking.
4. Step 4: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving. For an extra-special touch, you can place a few extra marshmallows in the middle of each bar after they’ve cooled, creating a fun surprise when you take a bite.

Handy Tips

• One of the most important tips for making these s’mores cookie bars is to not overbake them. The cookie layer should be lightly golden and still slightly soft in the center when you remove it from the oven. This will help ensure that the bars remain chewy and delicious.
• Another tip is to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. While it might be tempting to use cheaper chocolate chips, the difference in taste is noticeable, and using good chocolate will elevate your bars to the next level.
• Finally, be gentle when pressing the marshmallows into the top of the cookie layer. You want to avoid pushing too hard and creating holes in the bars. Instead, gently press the marshmallows into the surface, allowing them to sink in slightly and create a beautiful, toasted top.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial when making these s’mores cookie bars. The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C), and the bars should be baked for 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. It’s also important to keep an eye on the bars during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, when the marshmallows are toasting. You want the marshmallows to be lightly toasted and golden brown, but not burnt. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and remove the bars from the oven a minute early, as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these s’mores cookie bars comes from the graham cracker crust and the toasted marshmallows on top. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overbake the crust, and press the marshmallows into the top of the cookie layer gently, allowing them to toast evenly in the oven. You can also add some extra crunch by sprinkling a few graham cracker crumbs or chopped nuts over the top of the bars before baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One pro kitchen trick for making these s’mores cookie bars is to use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows after they’ve been baked. This will give you a more controlled toast and can add a nice caramelized flavor to the marshmallows.
• Another trick is to line your baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making it easy to remove the bars from the pan after they’ve cooled. This will also prevent the bars from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Finally, consider using a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deeper, richer flavor. This will add complexity to the bars and make them even more delicious.

Storage Tips

• These s’mores cookie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a great option for meal prep or making ahead for a party.
• When storing the bars, make sure to keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause the chocolate to melt and the marshmallows to become sticky.
• If you’re freezing the bars, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will make it easy to grab a bar whenever you want one, without having to thaw the whole batch.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These s’mores cookie bars are perfect for gifting, and there are many creative ways to package them. Consider placing a few bars in a decorative tin or jar, then wrapping the top with a ribbon or twine. You could also place the bars in a cellophane bag and tie the top with a twist tie or a piece of ribbon. For a more rustic look, consider wrapping the bars in parchment paper or a paper bag, then tying the top with twine. Whatever packaging method you choose, these bars are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spicy flavor. You could also add a teaspoon of mint extract for a refreshing twist.
• Creative toppings: In addition to marshmallows, you could top the bars with other creative ingredients, such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even candy pieces.
• Ingredient swaps: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider swapping the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies or wafers. You could also use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your bars are too hard or too soft, it may be due to overbaking or underbaking. Try adjusting the baking time to get the perfect texture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, consider substituting it with something similar. For example, you could use honey instead of sugar, or almond extract instead of vanilla.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your bars while they’re baking, and remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and remove the bars a minute early, as they will continue to cook slightly as they cool.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, these s’mores cookie bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? Not unless you use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or cookies. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free alternative.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch of bars. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two, and bake the bars in a larger pan, such as a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Conclusion

These s’mores cookie bars are a delicious and creative twist on a classic campfire treat. With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re making them for a party, a potluck, or just as a special treat, these bars are easy to make and fun to eat. So go ahead, get creative, and make a batch of these s’mores cookie bars today. With their gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker crust, they’re sure to become a new favorite. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – these bars are perfect for gifting, and are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.