Craving a sweet treat that’s simple and fun to make? Look no further than these easy S’mores Cookie Bars! They combine gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and soft cookie dough in one delicious bite. Whether you're cooking with kids or treating yourself, you’ll find joy in every layer. Join me as I share my favorite recipe packed with tips, tricks, and creative twists for your next baking adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavors: These S'mores Cookie Bars combine the rich taste of chocolate, the sweetness of marshmallows, and the crunch of graham crackers, creating a deliciously indulgent treat.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, making it a great choice for family baking sessions.
- Versatile Treat: These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a summer barbecue, a cozy winter gathering, or simply a sweet snack at home.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite nuts, swapping the chocolate type, or using flavored marshmallows for a unique twist.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make S'mores Cookie Bars, gather these ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- Additional chocolate and marshmallows for topping
Recommended Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients for different flavors. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. For the chocolate chips, try dark chocolate for a richer taste. If you want a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. You can switch mini marshmallows for large ones, but chop them up. Crushed cookies can replace graham crackers for a unique twist.
Tools Needed for Preparation
You’ll need a few tools to make this recipe easy:
- A large mixing bowl
- A whisk for mixing dry ingredients
- A spatula for folding in the goodies
- A 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or cooking spray for greasing the pan
- An oven for baking the bars
- A knife for cutting the finished bars
These simple tools help make your S'mores Cookie Bars a success!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping Your Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients. You will need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- Additional chocolate and marshmallows for topping
Make sure your butter is soft. This helps it mix well with the sugars. I like to take it out of the fridge an hour before I start. Measure all your other ingredients before you begin. This keeps things smooth and fast.
Mixing the Cookie Dough
Now, take a large mixing bowl and add the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend them well. You want it light and fluffy. Next, crack in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract, too. Mix until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want a nice dough. After that, fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers. Make sure everything is spread out evenly in the dough.
Baking and Adding Toppings
Next, spread the cookie dough into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Make sure it’s even. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the pan in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the edges to be golden and the center set.
When it’s done, take it out and sprinkle more chocolate chips and marshmallows on top. Pop it back in the oven for 2-3 minutes. This toasts the marshmallows and melts the chocolate. Let the bars cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious S’mores Cookie Bars!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Texture
To get S'mores Cookie Bars just right, start with softened butter. Soft butter helps create a light and fluffy dough. Mix the butter and sugars well. This step adds air, making your bars chewy and soft. Don't skip the eggs; they bind the mix together. Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour. Overmixing can make your bars tough.
Customizing Your S'mores Bars
You can play with flavors in these bars. Try using dark chocolate for a richer taste. Add peanut butter chips for a fun twist. You can also swap out mini marshmallows for larger ones if you want extra gooeyness. Crushed nuts or toffee bits can add a nice crunch. Get creative and make it your own!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not preheating the oven. If you bake at the wrong temperature, the bars won’t rise well. Also, be sure to grease the pan well to avoid sticking. Don’t open the oven door too soon; this can cause the bars to fall. Lastly, let them cool before cutting. Cutting too early can lead to a messy result. Be patient—it’s worth it!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For thicker bars, refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan. This helps the bars hold their shape better during baking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang. This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting after they've cooled.
- Mix and Match Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or add nuts for extra texture. White chocolate or peanut butter chips can add a fun twist!
- Toast the Marshmallows: For a more authentic s'mores flavor, use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows on top after baking. This adds a lovely caramelized flavor and beautiful presentation.
Variations
Gluten-Free Version
To make a gluten-free version of S'mores cookie bars, use gluten-free flour. Many brands offer blends that work well. Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. This swap will keep the texture light and fluffy. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips and graham crackers are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats!
Different Flavor Combinations
You can mix things up with different flavors. For a fun twist, try using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet ones. You can also add nuts for a nice crunch. If you love peanut butter, swirl in some peanut butter chips. Or, try adding caramel bits for a rich, sweet touch. Each option brings a new flavor to your S'mores bars!
Vegan Adaptations
To make S'mores cookie bars vegan, simply swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. For the chocolate chips, choose dairy-free options. These small changes will keep the bars delicious and suitable for a vegan diet!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your S'mores Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for the best taste. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
How to Reheat S'mores Cookie Bars
When you want a warm treat, reheating is easy. Simply place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 10 to 15 seconds. This warms the chocolate and makes the marshmallows soft again. Be careful not to overheat, or they may become too hot to eat.
Shelf Life and Freezing Options
These bars last about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use different types of chocolate in your S’mores Cookie Bars. Semi-sweet and milk chocolate work well. You can also try dark chocolate for a richer taste. If you like white chocolate, that’s great too! Mixing chocolate types adds unique flavors and textures. Just chop them into small pieces for even melting.
How can I make these bars more gooey?
To make your bars more gooey, add more mini marshmallows. You can also increase the chocolate chips. Another tip is to bake them for a shorter time. Start checking them at 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be golden brown. The center can stay soft for that gooey texture.
What should I do if my bars are too dry?
If your bars turn out too dry, try these fixes. Adding a bit of melted butter can help. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This will make them softer. Next time, try using less flour or more chocolate to keep them moist. Always measure your ingredients carefully for the best results.
In this post, I covered the ingredients, tools, and step-by-step methods for making s'mores cookie bars. There are tips to ensure perfect texture and ways to customize your bars. I also shared advice on storing and reheating them. Finally, check out the FAQs for answers to common questions. Enjoy your baking adventure! Making these treats can be fun and rewarding, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your flavors and toppings.
