Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe: Campfire Magic at Home

Gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate nestled between golden graham cracker cookie bars create an irresistible summer dessert that brings pure childhood nostalgia.

Campfire memories dance through every decadent bite of these s’mores cookie bars.

Soft, chewy, and packed with classic s’mores flavors, this treat combines the best elements of a beloved traditional campfire snack.

The layers melt together seamlessly, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and comfort.

Each square promises a delightful explosion of textures and flavors that will transport you to lazy summer evenings.

You’ll find these bars impossible to resist, with their crisp edges and gooey center.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that captures the essence of sweet memories and pure joy.

How to Save and Reheat S’mores Bars

• Seal s'mores cookie bars in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
• Store in a covered container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within a week for optimal taste and freshness.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly soft and gooey.

Treats and Drinks to Pair with S’mores Bars

• Pair Craft Cocktails: Mix a marshmallow-infused vodka martini with a graham cracker rim, highlighting the s'mores bar's classic flavors and adding a sophisticated adult twist.
• Create Beverage Harmony: Serve cold milk or creamy chocolate milk alongside these bars, delivering a nostalgic childhood comfort that perfectly complements the rich, sweet dessert.
• Match Dessert Wines: Select a sweet port or moscato wine that echoes the cookie's caramelized sugar notes and provides a luxurious counterpoint to the gooey marshmallow and chocolate layers.
• Enhance Coffee Experience: Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee, whose bitter undertones will beautifully balance the s'mores bar's intense sweetness and create a delightful flavor contrast.

Flavor Combos for Cookie Bars

• Gluten-Free S'mores Cookie Bars: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic flavor profile.
• Vegan S'mores Cookie Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg replacement, select dairy-free chocolate chips, and utilize vegan marshmallow creme to craft a plant-based alternative.
• Reduced Sugar S'mores Cookie Bars: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, use dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa content, and incorporate almond flour for a lower-sugar option.
• Nutty S'mores Cookie Bars: Add chopped almonds or pecans into the dough mixture and sprinkle additional nuts between layers for extra crunch and rich, toasted flavor complexity.

FAQs

• Are graham crackers essential for this recipe?

Graham cracker crumbs provide a signature s’mores flavor and texture. If you don’t have them, substitute with ground digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla cookies.

• Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, you can experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for varied flavor profiles. Just ensure they’re evenly distributed across the marshmallow layer.

• How do I prevent the marshmallow creme from sticking to my spatula?

Lightly grease your spatula or spray it with non-stick cooking spray before spreading the marshmallow creme. This trick helps reduce sticking and makes spreading much easier.

• What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This will make it firmer and easier to manipulate without sticking to your hands.

S’mores Cookie Bars That Bring the Campfire Inside

• Combine the classic campfire treat with a cookie bar format, delivering a mouthwatering blend of graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate in every single bite.
• Create a crowd-pleasing treat that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet weekend family dessert that everyone will love.
• Prepare these bars in advance and store them easily at room temperature, making them an ideal dessert for busy households or unexpected sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Gooey S’mores Bars

• Butter: A rich, creamy foundation that adds softness and flavor to the cookie bars.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and helps create a moist, chewy texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Flour: The main structural component that gives the cookie bars their base.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a classic s'mores flavor and unique texture to the dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookie bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the recipe.

• Marshmallow Creme: Creates the gooey, classic s'mores-like layer in the middle of the bars.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Provides rich chocolate flavor and melty texture throughout the dessert.

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Set your oven to a warm 350F (177C).

Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Butter Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar using a handheld or stand mixer.

Beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy and well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Beat until blended, scraping down the bowl’s sides to ensure everything mixes thoroughly.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, beating on medium speed until just combined.

The dough should have a slight graham cracker texture.

Step 6: Create the Base Layer

Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan, creating an even bottom layer.

Don’t worry about sticky fingers – it’s part of the fun!

Step 7: Add Marshmallow Layer

Spread marshmallow creme evenly over the dough.

Work carefully to achieve a smooth, consistent layer.

Step 8: Sprinkle Chocolate

Distribute semi-sweet chocolate chips across the marshmallow layer, ensuring even coverage for maximum chocolate enjoyment.

Step 9: Top with Remaining Dough

Flatten remaining dough and layer over the chocolate chips.

It’s okay if some chocolate or marshmallow peeks through.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top turns light golden brown.

Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma.

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let the pan cool completely on a wire rack.

Patience is key for perfect cutting.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Lift bars out using parchment paper overhang.

Slice into squares.

Store covered at room temperature for up to a week.

Savor every delicious bite of these gooey treats!

Tips for That Perfect Cookie Bar Texture

• Warm marshmallow creme slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make spreading easier and create smoother, more even layers.
• Coat your spatula or fingers with cooking spray when pressing dough or spreading marshmallow creme to reduce sticking and make handling more manageable.
• Crush extra graham crackers and sprinkle on top before baking for added crunch and authentic s'mores flavor profile.
• Let bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices and prevent filling from oozing out.
• Replace butter with coconut oil and use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent s’mores cookie bars bring campfire magic right to your kitchen, blending graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow into one irresistible treat. Sweet memories melt together in each delectable bite, inviting you to savor summer’s favorite flavor combination.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 heaping cup marshmallow creme

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Baking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (177C), positioning the rack in the center. Prepare an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the edges for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar using a mixer on medium-high speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well blended. Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure even mixing.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt to distribute dry ingredients evenly.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to create a graham-flavored cookie dough.
6. Press approximately two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan, creating an even, smooth base layer.
7. Carefully spread marshmallow creme over the dough, using a spatula to distribute it evenly despite its sticky nature.
8. Generously sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips across the marshmallow layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
9. Flatten the remaining dough and layer it over the chocolate chips, allowing some chocolate and marshmallow to peek through.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns light golden brown and the edges begin to crisp.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps set the bars and make cutting easier.
12. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, and serve. Store covered at room temperature for up to one week, if they last that long!

Notes

• Customize graham cracker crumbs by using gluten-free varieties for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable bars.
• Keep marshmallow creme from sticking by lightly greasing your spreading utensil with cooking spray, making the layering process smoother and less frustrating.
• Prevent over-browning by tenting the bars with aluminum foil midway through baking if the top starts turning too dark, maintaining that perfect golden hue.
• Elevate the recipe by experimenting with different chocolate variations like dark chocolate chips or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet twist that enhances the classic s’mores flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg