S’mores Cookie Bars: A Delectable Twist on a Campfire Classic

S’mores have long been a beloved treat, evoking nostalgic memories of summer nights, crackling campfires, and sweet, gooey marshmallows sandwiched between crunchy graham crackers and rich chocolate. But what if you could enjoy all the best parts of this iconic dessert in a convenient, indulgent, and easy-to-make bar form? That’s exactly what S’mores Cookie Bars offer: a mouthwatering combination of buttery graham cracker dough, velvety chocolate chips, and the perfect layer of marshmallow creme—without the need for a campfire.

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These cookie bars capture the essence of s’mores in a beautifully layered dessert that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, craving a sweet snack, or simply looking for a fun baking project to share with family and friends, these bars will not disappoint. The flavor is a glorious balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of nostalgia, with each bite offering a satisfying crunch, a creamy marshmallowy layer, and a burst of melty chocolate.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s look at the ingredients that make these bars truly special.

For the Cookie Dough:

• Unsalted Butter (113g, 1/2 cup): The foundation of any good cookie dough, butter adds richness and moisture, ensuring that the bars have the perfect chewy texture.
• Brown Sugar (150g, 3/4 cup): Brown sugar brings depth and a slight molasses flavor to the dough, which pairs beautifully with the graham cracker crumbs.
• Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and helps the dough rise during baking.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): This adds a warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• All-purpose Flour (125g, 1 cup): The flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure and stability.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs (120g, 1 cup): The defining ingredient for that unmistakable s’mores flavor. The graham cracker crumbs give the dough a subtle crunch and a honeyed sweetness that sets the bars apart from ordinary cookie recipes.
• Baking Powder (1/2 tsp): This helps the dough rise, creating a light texture inside the cookie.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the dough and balances the flavors.

For the Filling:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (180g, 1 cup): These chocolate chips melt perfectly into the bars, offering a rich, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the other layers.
• Marshmallow Creme (1 heaping cup): The star of the show! Marshmallow creme (or Fluff) provides the gooey, sticky marshmallow center that makes these bars reminiscent of traditional s’mores. It’s essential to use marshmallow creme rather than regular marshmallows for the best result; marshmallows can melt into the dough and create unsightly “craters” in the finished bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan (or a 9-inch pan, if you prefer a thinner bar) with parchment paper. The parchment will help lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled, making cutting and serving much easier. Make sure the parchment paper overhangs on all sides.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until combined. It’s normal for the mixture to appear slightly curdled at this stage, but don’t worry—this will come together as you add the dry ingredients.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on medium speed until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky, but that’s exactly what you want!

4. Spread the Cookie Dough

Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, creating a thin, even layer that covers the bottom of the pan. This layer doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should cover the surface. If the dough sticks to your hands, try lightly wetting them or using a spatula to help spread the dough.

5. Add the Marshmallow Creme

Next, spread a generous layer of marshmallow creme on top of the cookie dough. This part might be tricky because marshmallow creme can be sticky, but a little patience and a spatula will help you spread it evenly. Make sure the layer is as smooth as possible for an even distribution of gooey marshmallow goodness.

6. Layer the Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the marshmallow creme. The amount of chocolate is key to achieving that perfect s’mores experience, so don’t skimp!

7. Top with Remaining Cookie Dough

Take the remaining dough and mold it into flat pieces. Layer these pieces on top of the chocolate chips. It’s okay if some chocolate and marshmallow creme are still exposed—this will result in gooey pockets of marshmallow and chocolate throughout the bars. The top layer doesn’t have to be a full sheet of dough, as it will spread during baking.

8. Bake to Perfection

Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The edges may darken slightly, but that’s just part of the charm. The center should be set but still soft, and you’ll notice the chocolate beginning to melt.

9. Cool and Slice

Remove the bars from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial; if you cut into the bars while they’re still warm, the layers won’t hold together. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice them into 16 squares.

Tips and Variations

• Substitute for Marshmallow Creme: If you prefer a more homemade touch, you can make your own marshmallow creme using egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Make a half-batch of homemade marshmallow creme for this recipe (around 1 and 1/4 cups).
• Chocolate Variations: While semi-sweet chocolate chips work perfectly for a classic s’mores flavor, you can experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different taste. Or even use a combination of both for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Baking in a 9×13-inch Pan: If you’re making a larger batch for a crowd, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. The bake time will increase to 35-38 minutes, so keep an eye on the bars as they cook.
• Freezing for Later: These bars freeze wonderfully! After they’ve cooled completely, cut them into squares and layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These s’mores cookie bars are the perfect treat on their own, but you can also pair them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa for an extra indulgent experience. They’re great for dessert after a backyard BBQ, as a lunchbox treat for kids (or adults!), or as a sweet snack during movie night. You could even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle them with a bit of caramel sauce for a more decadent experience.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of the classic s’mores or you’re simply looking for a new twist on your favorite dessert, these S’mores Cookie Bars are sure to become a hit. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and absolutely irresistible. From the buttery, graham-cracker cookie dough to the gooey marshmallow and melty chocolate, each bite will take you back to those unforgettable campfire moments—and you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your kitchen.

So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to experience s’mores like never before—these cookie bars are a treat you won’t soon forget!