S’mores Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines the nostalgia of campfire treats with the ease of baking, then these S’mores Cookie Bars are just what you need! Picture this: a warm, gooey layer of cookie dough, nestled between crunchy graham crackers and topped with melty chocolate. These bars are not only tasty but also perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. They come together quickly and will have everyone asking for seconds!

What I love most about S’mores Cookie Bars is how they can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a fun outdoor picnic, these bars are sure to be a hit. Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time, making dessert stress-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, these bars come together in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves s’mores, and these bars make it easy for kids (and adults!) to enjoy.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them in advance and serve whenever you’re ready!
• Decadent flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delicious S’mores Cookie Bars. You probably have many of them in your pantry already!

For the Base

• 7-8 graham crackers (full sheets/unbroken rectangles)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (gently packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (stir, spoon, & level)
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini vegan marshmallows

For Topping

• 2 regular sized Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (two 1.55oz/43g bars) broken into squares

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up to cater to your taste or dietary needs.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Experiment with chocolates: Use dark chocolate or almond bark instead of milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Swap the marshmallows: Try using flavored vegan marshmallows for a fun twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe option.

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking throughout your bars. While the oven warms up, line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Layer

Next, place your graham crackers in a single layer at the bottom of your lined pan. Don’t worry if they don’t fit perfectly; you can break them into pieces as needed. This layer serves as the sturdy base that holds everything together!

Step 3: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together your softened butter with both sugars until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, adding volume and texture to your cookie bars. Once combined, add in the eggs and vanilla extract—mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. This step helps ensure even distribution of dry ingredients throughout your batter. Gradually add this mixture to your butter mixture along with chocolate chips and mini vegan marshmallows. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense bars!

Step 5: Spread the Dough

Now comes the fun part! Evenly distribute your cookie dough over the graham cracker layer and press it down flat using a spatula or your hands. If you want even more marshmallow goodness, sprinkle some additional mini vegan marshmallows on top before baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice that they’re browning too quickly on top, gently cover with foil.

Step 7: Top with Chocolate

Once you’ve taken them out of the oven, immediately place broken pieces of chocolate bars on top while still warm. Let everything cool for about 20-30 minutes before lifting them out using those parchment paper edges—this way you’ll get nice clean cuts when slicing into bars!

Enjoy your homemade S’mores Cookie Bars! They’re sure to be gone before you know it!

Pro Tips for Making S’mores Cookie Bars

Making S’mores Cookie Bars can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smooth and creamy batter, ensuring that your cookie bars are tender and chewy.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps the texture light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense bars which might not have the lovely melt-in-your-mouth quality we all love.

• Check for doneness carefully: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. A toothpick should come out clean from the center, but if the edges start browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.

• Let them cool before cutting: Allowing the bars to cool for at least 20-30 minutes lets them firm up and makes cutting into neat squares much easier. Plus, letting the chocolate set slightly adds extra deliciousness!

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

S’mores Cookie Bars can be served in a variety of fun ways that will impress your friends and family. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the bars.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted vegan chocolate over the top gives an elegant touch and enhances that chocolatey goodness!
• Crushed Graham Crackers: Sprinkling some crushed graham crackers on top not only looks fantastic but also reinforces that classic s’mores flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the cookie bars. Think juicy berries or zesty citrus – it’s a perfect palate cleanser!
• Vanilla Almond Milk: Serve alongside a glass of chilled vanilla almond milk for a comforting drink that pairs beautifully with these sweet treats.
• Chilled Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream alongside warm S’mores Cookie Bars creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Nutty Trail Mix: For added crunch, serve some nutty trail mix as a side snack. The nuts add healthy fats and protein while complementing the sweetness of the dessert.

With these serving suggestions, your S’mores Cookie Bars are sure to be an unforgettable treat! Enjoy sharing your creation with loved ones—they’ll definitely appreciate your baking skills!

Make Ahead and Storage

These S’mores Cookie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance and have a delicious treat ready whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Here’s how to store and enjoy them at their best.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
• If you prefer, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the date!

Reheating

• For a warm treat, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until soft.
• Enjoy with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making S’mores Cookie Bars that might help you along the way.

Can I use gluten-free graham crackers for S’mores Cookie Bars?

Absolutely! Gluten-free graham crackers work wonderfully as a substitute, allowing everyone to enjoy this delightful treat.

How long do S’mores Cookie Bars last?

When stored properly, these S’mores Cookie Bars can last up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

What is the best way to cut S’mores Cookie Bars?

For clean cuts, let the bars cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it down between cuts if necessary.

Can I add other toppings to my S’mores Cookie Bars?

Of course! Feel free to get creative by adding nuts, dried fruit, or even swapping out the chocolate for different flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying these S’mores Cookie Bars! They embody all the cozy vibes of summer camp treats while being incredibly easy to whip up at home. Whether it’s for a gathering, a family dessert night, or just because you deserve something sweet, these bars will surely bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!