Introduction to the Best Easy S'mores Cookie Bars
Easy S'mores Cookie Bars are the absolute ultimate answer to your late-night dessert cravings when you want the nostalgia of a campfire without the hassle of building a fire. There is something deeply primal and satisfying about the combination of toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. This recipe takes those iconic flavors and transforms them into a portable, sliceable format that stays gooey for hours. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a cozy winter treat, these bars deliver a symphony of textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
The magic of Easy S'mores Cookie Bars lies in the specific layering process. Unlike traditional cookies that can sometimes be dry, these bars use a melted butter base to ensure a dense, fudgy consistency that mimics a blondie but with a distinct graham cracker profile. This isn't just a dessert; it's a sensory experience. The smell of the vanilla extract mingling with browning sugars in the oven creates an aroma that rivals any high-end bakery. If you enjoyed Easy S’mores Cobbler: Your Go-To Dessert for Summer Fun, you are going to fall head-over-heels for this handheld version.
Why You’ll Love These Easy S'mores Cookie Bars
You will love these Easy S'mores Cookie Bars because they solve the messiest problem of traditional s'mores: the structural integrity. We have all been there, trying to take a bite of a toasted marshmallow between two crackers only for the chocolate to slide out one side and the sticky goo to end up on our chin. These bars lock those ingredients into a stable cookie matrix, making them the perfect addition to school lunches, office parties, or picnic baskets. They provide that classic crunch-and-melt sensation in every single bite.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and quick to assemble. By using melted butter instead of softened butter, you bypass the need for a stand mixer, meaning you can have the dough ready before the oven even finishes preheating. The addition of baking soda and a pinch of salt balances the intense sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to adults just as much as kids. If you are a fan of mashup desserts, you might also want to check out The Ultimate Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bites Recipe: A Heavenly Dessert Mashup for your next baking session.
Ingredients for Gooey Success
To create the perfect Easy S'mores Cookie Bars, you need high-quality staples that provide both structure and flavor. The base relies on a mixture of sugars and fats that create a chewy edge and a soft center. The graham cracker element is essential for that authentic fireside taste, providing a slightly wheaty, honey-sweetened crunch that cuts through the richness of the dairy. For the best results, use a high-quality s'mores grade chocolate like Hershey's to get that specific nostalgic melt.
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (cooled)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temp)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tbsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 Hershey's chocolate bars (broken into rectangles)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When making Easy S'mores Cookie Bars, the type of brown sugar matters. Light brown sugar provides a subtle caramel note, while dark brown sugar will yield a deeper, almost molasses-like chew. If you don't have mini marshmallows, you can use large ones, but be sure to snip them into quarters with kitchen shears to ensure even distribution. For a twist on the classic, try using dark chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips to add an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
Equipment Needed
You do not need a professional kitchen to master Easy S'mores Cookie Bars. A simple 8x8 inch square baking pan is the standard for this recipe, though a 9x9 pan will work for slightly thinner, crispier bars. You will also need a large mixing bowl, a whisk for the wet ingredients, and a sturdy spatula for folding in the dry components. Parchment paper is highly recommended to ensure the sticky marshmallows don't bond to the sides of the pan.
How to Make Easy S'mores Cookie Bars
Following these steps ensures your Easy S'mores Cookie Bars come out with the perfect golden-brown top and a molten center. The key is in the timing of the marshmallow addition.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted (and cooled) butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and combined.
- Add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract, whisking vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture looks slightly pale and glossy.
- In a separate small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually fold this into the wet ingredients using a spatula.
- Gently fold in the crushed graham crackers and the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips until the dough is uniform.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer the Hershey’s chocolate rectangles and a generous handful of marshmallows over the dough.
- Dot the remaining dough over the top in small clumps (it won't cover everything, which allows the marshmallows to toast) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
The most important tip for Easy S'mores Cookie Bars is to avoid over-baking. The bars will continue to set as they cool in the pan. If you pull them out while the center still has a slight jiggle, you will be rewarded with a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Also, ensure your butter is cooled after melting; if it is too hot, it will melt the chocolate chips prematurely and cook the egg, ruining the consistency of the dough. Finally, for that professional look, save a few chocolate chunks and marshmallows to press into the top during the last 2 minutes of baking.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serve your Easy S'mores Cookie Bars while they are still slightly warm to maximize the 'gooey' factor. They pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to two months. For variations, try adding a layer of peanut butter under the marshmallows or using cinnamon-flavored graham crackers for a spicier kick.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of your treats helps you fit them into a balanced lifestyle. Below is an estimate of the nutrients found in one serving of these bars.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fat | 11g |
Please note that the nutrition information provided above is an estimate based on standard ingredient measurements and may vary depending on the specific brands used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Easy S'mores Cookie Bars are the perfect way to enjoy a classic American flavor profile with minimal effort. They offer the ideal balance of buttery cookie, crunchy cracker, and melted chocolate. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation. Don't wait for a camping trip to enjoy the taste of summer; grab your mixing bowl and start baking today! Your family and friends will thank you for bringing the campfire indoors with these irresistible, gooey treats.
FAQs
How do I keep the marshmallows from disappearing into the dough?
To prevent marshmallows from melting completely into the dough, add them during the last 5 minutes of baking or layer them specifically on top of the chocolate pieces rather than mixing them deep into the batter.
Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use marshmallow fluff for a swirl effect, but it will be much stickier and harder to slice. For the classic Easy S'mores Cookie Bars texture, mini marshmallows are recommended.
Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your graham crackers are a certified gluten-free variety.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Easy S'mores Cookie Bars stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, though they are best served slightly warm.
Easy S'mores Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious, gooey handheld version of the classic campfire s'more made with a buttery cookie base and toasted marshmallows.
Ingredients
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (cooled)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg (room temp)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tbsp baking soda
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
1 cup crushed graham crackers
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
2 Hershey's chocolate bars
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk the melted butter and both sugars in a large bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla, whisking until well incorporated and slightly fluffy.
Step 4: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined, then fold in crushed graham crackers and chocolate chips.
Step 5: Press most of the dough into the pan, layer with Hershey's chocolate and marshmallows, then top with remaining dough dots.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the marshmallows are toasted and the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to let the marshmallow set.
Notes
For extra crunch, don't over-crush the graham crackers; leave some small pea-sized bits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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