S’mores cookie bars Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the gooey nostalgia of campfire treats without leaving your kitchen, then S’mores cookie bars are your new best friend. These bars deliver the magic of classic s’mores — crunchy graham crackers, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallow — all wrapped inside an irresistibly chewy cookie bar. It’s the ultimate dessert for gatherings, bake sales, or just when you’re longing for a slice of childhood joy, all with zero need for a firepit or sticky fingers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for S’mores cookie bars is a cinch, and each one truly matters. From the buttery dough to those iconic Hershey bars, every element layers together for a treat that brings out all the best textures and flavors of traditional s’mores.

• Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create a tender, chewy cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar (1/3 cup): Deepens the flavor and keeps the bars moist and soft.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and assists in creating those perfect cookie edges.
• Egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure to the bars.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Elevates the flavor, making the cookie base more aromatic and comforting.
• All-purpose Flour (1 & 1/2 cups): The backbone of the dough, keeping it sturdy enough to hold all that gooey filling.
• Graham Crackers (1/2 cup, finely crushed): Infuses the cookie with authentic s’mores flavor and a touch of crunch.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances out the sweetness and amplifies all the flavors.
• Baking Soda (3/4 tsp): Helps the dough rise just enough for a soft, thick bite.
• Hershey Bars (5 standard-sized): The classic creamy chocolate layer that brings true s’mores nostalgia.
• Marshmallow Fluff (1 & 1/2 cups): Delivers the gooey, melty center everyone dreams about in a real s’more.

How to Make S’mores cookie bars

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on two sides to help lift the bars out later. This simple step means nothing will stick and cleanup is basically effortless — you’ll thank yourself when it comes time to slice and serve.

Step 2: Cream Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps trap air, setting you up for that amazing chewiness once baked.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until just combined. The egg holds your bars together, while the vanilla brings out the classic cookie aroma you know and love.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, finely crushed graham crackers, salt, and baking soda to your bowl. Mix until the dough is just combined and no streaks of flour remain. You’ll instantly notice the gentle scent of graham crackers — a little hint at what’s to come.

Step 5: Build Your Layers

Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly into your prepared pan, then lift it out carefully with the parchment sling and pop it in the freezer to chill. Re-line the pan with fresh parchment, and press in the remaining dough in the same way. This gives you two neat layers for that classic sandwich effect.

Step 6: Assemble with Chocolate and Marshmallow

Take the dough layer from the freezer and place it aside. On the dough still in the pan, arrange your Hershey bars to cover the entire surface, breaking them if needed to fit. Spread the marshmallow fluff evenly over the chocolate. Finally, gently flip the chilled dough layer on top, pressing down softly to seal the edges. This step is where S’mores cookie bars really come alive.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is set and just turning golden. Resist the urge to dive in immediately — let the bars cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off, making slicing clean and easy while keeping those luscious layers intact.

How to Serve S’mores cookie bars

Garnishes

Enhance every bite with a quick dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a few extra mini marshmallows toasted lightly under the broiler. These finishing touches not only boost flavor, but make your S’mores cookie bars look irresistibly bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair your S’mores cookie bars with simple sides that complement their rich flavor. Think a big glass of cold milk, hot chocolate garnished with whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultra-indulgent dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn presentation into playtime by serving bars on rustic wooden platters for a “campfire” vibe. If you’re hosting a party, cut them into bite-size squares and stick them with toothpicks as a pass-around treat, or stack them high on a cake stand dusted with graham cracker crumbs for crowd-pleasing drama.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover S’mores cookie bars keep beautifully. Just transfer cooled bars to an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Stored at room temperature, they stay soft and chewy for up to three days, or you can pop them in the fridge for a gooey, chilled treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, S’mores cookie bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly in the freezer for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature for a quick grab-and-go snack or dessert anytime cravings strike.

Reheating

Want to bring back those gooey, fresh-baked vibes? Pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until warm and melty. Or, reheat a few bars on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5–8 minutes. They’ll taste as if they just came out of the oven, with every bite brimming with campfire coziness.

FAQs

Can I substitute marshmallow fluff with regular marshmallows?

Absolutely! If you don’t have marshmallow fluff, you can layer mini marshmallows (or cut regular marshmallows into pieces) over the chocolate instead. Just watch the baking time, as marshmallows can puff up and brown faster than fluff.

Do I need to use Hershey bars, or can I substitute other chocolate?

You can use any chocolate you love in your S’mores cookie bars! Hershey bars give that authentic, nostalgic taste, but semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips also work beautifully for a different spin.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bars will be just as delicious, but may need a few extra minutes in the oven, so keep an eye on them.

How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang is the best trick for flawless removal. Not only does it prevent sticking, but it also helps you lift out the whole slab for easy slicing.

Are S’mores cookie bars suitable for kids’ parties?

Without a doubt! These bars are always a hit with kids (and adults, too) because they’re easy to hold, totally mess-free compared to traditional s’mores, and absolutely packed with that classic flavor everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend giving these S’mores cookie bars a try enough! They’re warm, gooey, nostalgic, and a joy to share at any occasion. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let your kitchen fill with the unmistakable aroma of an all-time favorite treat — you’ll be hooked after just one bite.

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