The Ultimate S’mores Cookie Bars: A Dessert Lover’s Dream

S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful reimagining of the classic campfire treat. Combining the nostalgic flavors of graham crackers, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows with the indulgence of cookie dough, this dessert is truly irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to late-night cravings, these bars capture the essence of childhood summers while offering the convenience of an easy-to-make treat.

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Imagine biting into a bar that begins with the light crunch of graham crackers, followed by the richness of buttery cookie dough infused with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. The top layer, adorned with melted Hershey’s chocolate, provides the perfect finishing touch, leaving you craving the next bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, S’mores Cookie Bars are the answer.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about making these delectable bars. From a detailed ingredient breakdown to step-by-step instructions and tips for customization, you’ll be equipped to create the perfect batch every time.

Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Flavor

One of the most appealing aspects of S’mores Cookie Bars is the simplicity of the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each component and its role in creating this dessert.

• Graham Crackers (7-8 full sheets): These serve as the base, adding a subtle sweetness and crunch reminiscent of traditional s’mores.
• Unsalted Butter (1 cup/226 g): Room-temperature butter ensures the dough is soft, creamy, and easy to mix. It’s also key to the rich flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup/150 g): This provides sweetness and helps create the perfect cookie texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup/150 g): Adds a caramel-like depth to the cookie dough, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Large Eggs (2): The eggs act as a binding agent, giving structure to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): A classic ingredient that amplifies the sweetness and aroma of the dessert.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 cups/360 g): The backbone of the cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
• Salt (¾ tsp): A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Baking Soda (¾ tsp): Ensures the dough rises slightly and stays soft.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (½ cup/135 g): These create pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bars.
• Mini Marshmallows (1 cup/45 g): The star ingredient, offering a gooey texture that’s quintessential to s’mores.
• Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (2 bars/43 g each): Broken into squares, they melt beautifully on top, adding the iconic s’mores finish.

Essential Equipment

• Parchment Paper: Makes cleanup easy and ensures the bars don’t stick to the pan.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: The ideal size for evenly baked bars.
• Electric Mixer: Speeds up the process of creaming butter and sugars.
• Mixing Bowls: One for wet ingredients and another for dry ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a two-inch overhang on the sides. This overhang will make it easy to lift the bars out later. Arrange the graham crackers in a single layer to cover the bottom of the pan, breaking them as needed to fit.

2. Making the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its sweet, aromatic flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookie dough dense. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. Assembling the Bars

Spread the cookie dough over the graham crackers, using a spatula or your hands to press it into an even layer. If you’d like, sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows on top for added gooeyness.

4. Baking

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they should be golden brown. If you notice the cookie dough browning too quickly, cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

5. Adding the Chocolate Topping

As soon as you remove the pan from the oven, place the Hershey’s chocolate squares on top. The residual heat will melt the chocolate slightly, allowing it to adhere to the surface. Let the bars cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper.

Tips for Success

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Using butter and eggs at room temperature ensures a smoother batter and more even baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking the cookie dough keeps the bars soft and gooey, which is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
• Use Metal Pans: Metal pans conduct heat more evenly than glass, leading to better baking results.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allowing the bars to cool fully before cutting ensures clean slices and prevents the layers from crumbling.

Variations to Try

Nutty Addition

Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy twist.

Dark Chocolate Swap

Replace the Hershey’s milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor.

Peanut Butter Delight

Add swirls of peanut butter to the cookie dough or drizzle it over the finished bars.

Holiday-Themed Bars

Incorporate festive ingredients like crushed candy canes for Christmas or pastel-colored marshmallows for Easter.

Serving and Storage

Serve these bars at room temperature with a tall glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They’re also perfect for picnics, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer firmer chocolate, refrigerate the bars, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The nostalgic flavors of s’mores combined with the indulgence of cookie dough make these bars universally loved.
• Customizable: With endless variations, you can tailor the recipe to suit your taste or the occasion.

Conclusion

S’mores Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of flavors and memories. The combination of crunchy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and buttery cookie dough creates a treat that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.

Whether you’re bringing them to a gathering or enjoying them as a cozy treat at home, these bars are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking!