Looking for a sweet and simple treat? These S’mores Cookie Bars are just what you need! With layers of gooey chocolate, marshmallows, and cookie dough, they combine all the flavors of classic s’mores without the hassle of a campfire. I’ll guide you through easy steps to make these delicious bars. So grab your ingredients, and let’s start baking a tasty dessert that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers creates a rich and indulgent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookie bars are cut into squares, making them easy to share at parties, picnics, or family gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding nuts, different types of chocolate, or even flavored extracts for a unique twist.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make S’mores cookie bars, gather these ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 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 graham cracker crumbs
Measurement Conversions
Here are some handy conversions for your baking:
– 1 cup = 8 ounces
– ½ cup = 4 ounces
– 2 teaspoons = 10 milliliters
– 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters
– 1 stick of butter = ½ cup
Optional Ingredients for Variation
Feel free to customize your S’mores cookie bars! Here are some fun options:
– Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
– Swap mini marshmallows for large ones for a fluffier texture.
– Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
– Try flavored chocolate, like mint or caramel, for a twist.
These options let you play with flavors and textures, making each batch unique. Enjoy experimenting!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the bars later.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until it is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
Assembling the Layers
Next, take half of the cookie dough and press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the base layer. Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over this layer. Then, add a layer of chocolate chips, saving some for later.
Baking Process
Spread the remaining cookie dough over the marshmallows and chocolate chips. Make sure to seal the edges well. Top with the reserved chocolate chips. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be set.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the cookie bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. For easier cutting, refrigerate for an extra 30 minutes. Serve the bars warm. They pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for a tasty treat!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cookie Texture
To get the best cookie texture, use softened butter. This helps the dough mix well. Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. This takes about three minutes. If you want chewier bars, do not overmix the dough. Leave some lumps of chocolate and graham cracker crumbs for a fun texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Always pack the brown sugar tightly. If you skip the salt, the flavors will not shine. Another mistake is cutting the bars too early. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes. If you want clean cuts, chill them in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
These bars taste great warm. Serve them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, drizzle chocolate sauce on top. You can also add a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for crunch. Enjoy them during a movie night or a picnic!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For even better texture, refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise and texture. Old baking soda can affect the final outcome of your cookie bars.
- Layer Smart: For extra gooeyness, add a few more mini marshmallows and chocolate chips between the layers. This creates delicious pockets of melted goodness!
- Store Properly: Store leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months!
Variations
Different Types of Chocolate
You can use many kinds of chocolate in your S’mores cookie bars. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic. Milk chocolate gives a sweeter taste. Dark chocolate offers a rich flavor. You can also mix chocolates for extra fun. Try adding white chocolate chips for a creamy twist. You can even use chocolate chunks for a rustic look.
Fun Add-ins
Add-ins can make your bars even more exciting. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch. You can also use flavored mini marshmallows, like chocolate or strawberry. Try adding a layer of peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor. You could even sprinkle in some toffee bits for a sweet surprise. Let your creativity shine with these fun choices.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
You can easily adapt this recipe for special diets. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Check that your chocolate chips and marshmallows are dairy-free. For a dairy-free butter, try using coconut oil or a plant-based spread. These changes keep the taste great while meeting dietary needs. Enjoy your S’mores cookie bars without worry!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing S’mores Cookie Bars
To keep your S’mores cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can place parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking. If you plan to eat them within a few days, leave them at room temperature. For longer storage, move them to the fridge. They will stay good for about one week.
How to Reheat Leftovers
If you want to enjoy warm S’mores cookie bars again, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them up nicely without making them hard. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them.
Freezing Guidelines
Freezing S’mores cookie bars is a great way to save some for later. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat if you like them warm!
FAQs
How to make S’mores Cookie Bars without eggs?
You can replace eggs with applesauce or mashed bananas. Use ¼ cup for each egg. This swap keeps the bars moist and adds natural sweetness.
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, store-bought cookie dough works great! Just press it into the pan like you would with homemade dough. It saves time and still tastes good.
What’s the best way to cut the cookie bars?
For clean cuts, let the bars cool for at least 15 minutes. For easier cutting, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes. Use a sharp knife, and cut into squares.
How long do S’mores Cookie Bars last?
These treats stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and tasty.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge. They taste great when served chilled or at room temp!
You learned how to make S’mores Cookie Bars step by step. We covered ingredients, mixing, baking, and cooling. You also got tips to perfect texture and avoid mistakes. Variations like gluten-free options add fun.
Remember to store leftovers right to keep them fresh. Enjoy making these treats for yourself and others. Happy bakin
