S’mores cookie bars – Indulge yourself in the dreamy taste of our irresistible S’mores Cookie Bars. These delightful treats blend the elements of graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and decadent chocolate to create a yet indulgent dessert. With a buttery cookie base filled with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, these bars are a delight for any occasion.
The first time I made these S’mores Cookie Bars, the aroma transported me back to those cherished nights spent around the campfire. As the scent of baked cookies filled the kitchen, my husband and child couldn’t resist peeking in their eyes lighting up with excitement. One bite took them on a journey through memories of roasting marshmallows and sharing stories beneath the stars. It’s moments like these that remind me of the enchantment food holds – how it can evoke emotions. Connect us to moments, from our past.
What makes these S’mores cookie bars truly special?
What makes these S’mores Cookie Bars is their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery cookie base provides a chewy foundation while bursts of richness come from the chocolate chips. The mini marshmallows add an element of surprise that captures the essence of a classic smores experience. Let’s not forget about the touch – a layer of luscious Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars that brings everything together in a symphony of sweetness. These bars aren’t just a treat; they take you on a nostalgic adventure, with every mouthful.
What You Need To Make This S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe?
Graham Crackers: The foundation of your S’mores Cookie Bars graham crackers provide a crunch and a subtle sweetness that brings back memories of campfire smores. Make sure your graham crackers are intact and whole, for layering.
Butter: Using butter at room temperature is crucial to achieving a creamy texture in your cookie base. It blends perfectly with the sugars creating the binding agent for your layers.
Sugars: A combination of granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar adds depth and complexity to the cookie bars. The granulated sugar brings sweetness while the brown sugar introduces a hint of caramel flavor.
Eggs: These integral ingredients provide structure to your cookie dough. Incorporating eggs at room temperature ensures they blend well with the other components resulting in an even batter.
Vanilla Extract: Adding vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of your bars providing warmth and a touch of sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: The main component of your cookie dough, all-purpose flour gives structure and texture to the bars. Ensure accurate measurement for best results.
Salt: Even a small amount of salt can elevate the flavors of your dessert by balancing out the sweetness and enhancing the richness of chocolate and marshmallows.
Baking Powder: Baking powder is the ingredient that helps your cookie bars rise and achieve a fluffy texture while baking. It also contributes to creating a texture.
Chocolate Chips: Enjoy the addition of sweet chocolate chips that bring pockets of gooey richness, to every bite. You can choose your favorite type of chocolate chip for a personalized touch.
Mini Marshmallows: These adorable marvels provide the gooeyness of smores capturing the essence of cozy campfire memories. When incorporated into the dough they create pockets of chewiness.
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars: The star ingredient in your S’mores Cookie Bars, these classic milk chocolate bars beautifully unite all the layers. Their creamy texture and indulgent flavor blend harmoniously with the other components delivering a smores fireside experience.
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Steps To Make S’mores cookie bars:
Step 1: Start your Smore’s journey by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 13×9-inch pan by lining it with parchment paper making sure to leave a 2-inch overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Start by arranging crackers to cover the bottom of the pan breaking them into smaller pieces if needed.
Step 3: Utilizing a mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until well combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: In another bowl whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gently fold this mixture into the butter and sugar mixture along with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows until everything is just combined.
Step 5: Spread the cookie dough evenly over the graham cracker layer while pressing it down firmly. As an extra treat sprinkle some mini marshmallows on top for added gooey goodness.
Step 6: Place in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until you reach a stunning golden brown color on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice that the top browns quickly before baking through in the center cover it with foil.
Step 7: After removing from the oven gently press squares of Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar onto the bars, for extra deliciousness.
Step 8: Let the bars cool, in the pan, for about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time you can feel the anticipation building up. Believe me, it’s definitely worth the wait.
Tip:
To ensure uniform slices when cutting your S’mores Cookie Bars simply refrigerate the entire pan for approximately one hour after it has cooled. Cold bars are more manageable to cut. This additional step guarantees that your squares will not only taste delightful but also look incredibly appealing. Additionally, the firmer texture can elevate the experience by providing an extra level of satisfaction, with every mouthwatering bite.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Of course! You have the freedom to use your favorite types of chocolate. While the traditional choice is Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars for that classic smores taste you can also get creative by trying out dark chocolate, chocolates with caramel filling, or white chocolate for a unique twist.
My chocolate bars are still melty. Is that normal?
Absolutely normal! The heat from the baked bars will cause the chocolate to melt slightly giving you that deliciously gooey texture we all love. Once they cool down the chocolate will firm up again. Be prepared, for a messy experience.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Definitely! These S’mores Cookie Bars can be made in advance. Stored in an airtight container. If you want them to taste freshly baked when serving you can warm them up in the oven at a low temperature.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
s'mores cookie bars
Ingredients
- 7-8 graham crackers full, unbroken rectangles
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 2 regular-sized 1.55oz Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars, broken into squares
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a 13x9 inch pan. Line it with parchment paper making sure to leave a 2-inch overhang, on the sides for easy removal later.
- Layer the Graham Crackers: Place graham crackers in a single layer to cover the base of the pan. Break them into sections if needed to ensure an even fit.
- Creaming the Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a mixer use the paddle attachment to cream room-temperature butter, granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar until they become smooth and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Make sure to mix until everything is nicely combined.
- Combining Dry Ingredients: In another bowl whisk together all-purpose flour, salt and baking soda. Gradually fold this mixture into the butter mixture while adding chocolate chips and mini marshmallows along the way. Mix until everything is just blended.
- Spreading the Dough: Evenly spread out the cookie dough over the graham cracker layer, in your pan. Press it down firmly to create a surface.
- Optional Marshmallow Topping: For an extra touch of gooeyness you can sprinkle additional mini marshmallows on top of your cookie dough.
- Baking to Perfection: Place the pan into the oven. Bake it for around 25 to 30 minutes. Keep a watch, on the bars. If you notice that the top is browning faster while the center is baking cover it with foil.
- Chocolate Bar Finale: Once the bars turn a golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean take them out of the oven. While they are still warm gently press broken squares of Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar onto the top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow some time for cooling and serving. Let the bars cool in the pan, for 20 30 minutes. This waiting period allows all those delightful flavors to meld together while allowing the chocolate to set. Lift them out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper then cut them into squares and savor every bite!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
