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

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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.

Ingredients

  • 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.

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.

Notes

  • 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.