The Best s’mores cookie bars Recipe

If you have a soft spot for nostalgic campfire treats, you are in for a real delight with The Best s’mores cookie bars. This recipe takes everything you love about classic s’mores—gooey marshmallow, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers—and wraps it all into a rich, chewy cookie bar. Perfectly balanced between crispy edges and a soft center, these bars are an irresistible twist that feels both comforting and a bit inventive. Whether you’re serving them at a party or simply indulging solo, they are bound to satisfy those sweet cravings like no other treat can.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet crucial for nailing the perfect texture and flavor in The Best s’mores cookie bars. Each element plays its part in layering taste and creating that irresistible balance of gooey, crunchy, and chewy.

• 1/2 cup Butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender, chewy cookie texture.
• 1/3 cup Brown sugar: Adds moistness and a deep caramel flavor that complements the marshmallow and chocolate.
• 1/4 cup Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to slight crispiness in the cookie edges.
• 1 Egg: Binds the ingredients together, giving structure to the cookie bars.
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
• 1 1/2 cup All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough, ensuring just the right chewiness.
• 1/2 cup Graham crackers, finely crushed: Adds authentic s’mores crunch and a subtle honeyed note.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Amplifies the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
• 3/4 tsp Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a tender crumb.
• 5 standard Hershey bars: The classic chocolate that melts deliciously over the cookie base.
• 1 1/2 cup Marshmallow fluff: Provides the signature gooey marshmallow layer that makes these bars dreamy.

How to Make The Best s’mores cookie bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is essential for easy removal of your bars later and ensures even baking. The parchment also helps keep the bars intact when transferring the dough layers.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Combine the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until smooth and creamy. This process is important because it incorporates air, giving your cookie dough a light texture while blending the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor depth to the cookie dough, enhancing the chewy yet tender final result.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, finely crushed graham crackers, salt, and baking soda. Then gently fold this into your butter-sugar mixture just until the flour disappears. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so be gentle.

Step 5: Form the Base Layer

Press half of the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan. Then, carefully remove the parchment paper with the dough attached and place it in the freezer. This chilling step helps the dough firm up so it doesn’t crumble when you flip it later—key to achieving those perfect layers in The Best s’mores cookie bars.

Step 6: Add the Chocolate and Marshmallow

Reline the pan with fresh parchment. Place broken pieces of the Hershey bars evenly over the bottom dough layer. Spread the marshmallow fluff gently over the chocolate, creating that classic gooey layer we all crave. Then, carefully flip your frozen dough layer on top, pressing lightly to keep it intact.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookie bars in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Once out of the oven, patience is key—let the bars cool completely before slicing. This allows the layers to set beautifully, giving you that stunning cross-section and perfect bite that make The Best s’mores cookie bars so unforgettable.

How to Serve The Best s’mores cookie bars

Garnishes

To make these bars even more festive, sprinkle a bit of crushed graham cracker or mini marshmallows on top before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar is also a sweet touch that makes them look irresistible. These little accents add a fun texture contrast and elevate the s’mores experience.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookie bars with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk for a classic indulgence. Hot chocolate or a rich coffee also complement the chocolate and marshmallow flavors wonderfully, making your dessert moment feel extra cozy and decadent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, consider serving The Best s’mores cookie bars in mini squares on a rustic wooden board alongside skewers of toasted marshmallows or small bowls of chocolate chunks. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tied with twine also makes for a charming gift or handout. Presentation is a fun way to amp up the delight and make every bite feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover s’mores cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their chewy texture and gooey marshmallow without drying out, so they stay just as delicious as the day you baked them.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for longer storage—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, allowing the layers to regain their perfect texture and gooeyness.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these bars warm, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, or the marshmallow layer might melt excessively, but a little melty warmth only adds to the charm!

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of Hershey bars?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate bars work wonderfully and offer a creamier texture, while dark or semi-sweet chocolate adds a richer depth of flavor. Feel free to use your favorite chocolate for a personalized twist.

Is it necessary to freeze the cookie dough before assembling?

Freezing the bottom cookie layer helps it firm up, which makes flipping the dough over the marshmallow and chocolate layer much easier. Skipping this step could lead to cracks or uneven layers, so it’s recommended for the best results.

Can I substitute marshmallow fluff with regular marshmallows?

You can! However, marshmallow fluff spreads more evenly, creating that luscious, smooth gooey layer. If using regular marshmallows, chop them finely and layer quickly before baking to ensure even melting.

How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

You want the edges to be slightly golden and the tops firm to the touch, but the center should still feel a bit soft. Since these bars are rich and chewy, a little softness in the center means they’re perfectly baked.

Can I double this recipe for a larger pan?

Yes, doubling the ingredients to fit a 9×13 inch pan works well. Just keep an eye on baking time—it may need a bit longer, around 30-35 minutes. Check frequently to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

Once you try The Best s’mores cookie bars, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed s’mores any other way. This recipe brings the joy of campfire treats indoors in a way that’s both nostalgic and new. Easy to make yet impressively delicious, these bars are made for sharing and savoring. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to fall in love with a truly irresistible dessert.

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