Introduction
Is there anything more nostalgic than s’mores—gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and graham crackers? Now imagine all that baked into one chewy, golden, and utterly crave-worthy dessert. Enter the S’mores Cookie Bars—a genius twist that transforms campfire classics into oven-baked magic.
According to Pinterest trend data, s’mores desserts consistently spike in popularity every summer and during cozy holiday baking season. These bars are easy, portable, crowd-pleasing, and require zero firewood. Whether it’s for a bake sale, picnic, or family movie night, you’ll love this no-fuss indulgence.
Ingredients List
For the Cookie Bar Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups crushed graham crackers (about 12 full crackers)
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped Hershey’s bars for a classic touch
- A drizzle of Nutella or peanut butter
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for gourmet flavor
Timing
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
| Bake Time | 25–28 mins |
| Cooling Time | 15 mins |
| Total Time | 55 mins |
That’s 30% faster than making individual cookies with the same flavor payoff!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy (2–3 minutes). Add eggs and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and graham cracker crumbs. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients until fully combined.
Step 4: Add the Mix-Ins
Fold in chocolate chips and about half of the marshmallows.
Step 5: Spread and Top
Press ¾ of the dough mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining marshmallows and extra chocolate chips on top. Dot the remaining dough over the top in chunks—don’t worry if some marshmallows peek through!
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 25–28 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center. The edges should look toasty and crisp.
Step 7: Cool & Slice
Cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into bars. Serve warm for gooey goodness or cool completely for clean cuts.
Nutritional Information (per bar, estimated for 1 of 16 servings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
Nutritional content may vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lower sugar: Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup or use monk fruit sweetener blends
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and graham cracker crumbs
- Dairy-free: Sub dairy-free butter and chocolate chips
- Add fiber: Use whole wheat flour or add chia seeds for texture and nutrition
Serving Suggestions
- Picnic-ready: Wrap bars in wax paper and stack in lunchboxes
- Party platter: Serve with mini milk bottles or hot cocoa shooters
- Holiday treat: Top each bar with a toasted marshmallow and drizzle of chocolate
- A la mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of fudge
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking – These bars will firm up as they cool, so don’t wait for them to be super firm in the oven.
- Too many marshmallows on top – They can burn easily. Add more halfway through baking if needed.
- Skipping the cooling step – The bars may fall apart if sliced too soon.
- Uneven dough pressing – Use your hands or a spatula to evenly spread the base for uniform baking.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Fridge: Up to 7 days, though bars may firm up
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey, fresh-baked taste
Conclusion
S’mores Cookie Bars combine all the nostalgic charm of the campfire treat with the ease of a one-pan bake. Chewy, melty, and guaranteed to disappear fast, they’re a hit with all ages.
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