Easy S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe
When it comes to delightful treats that capture the essence of summer, nothing beats an easy s’mores cookie bars recipe. This delicious fusion of traditional s’mores ingredients and cookie batter results in a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just the right blend of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers, these bars are sure to delight the whole family.
Growing up, s’mores were a staple at our family gatherings. Every summer, we would build a campfire in the backyard, and all the kids would gather around toasting marshmallows. My grandmother, however, hated the mess of melted marshmallows on our fingers, so she came up with this simple recipe so we could enjoy s’mores without the sticky cleanup. Her clever twist on the classic treat quickly became a beloved family favorite, especially on rainy days when a campfire wasn’t possible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and incredible flavor. Perfect for beginners or anyone in need of a quick dessert option, these cookie bars provide all the deliciousness of traditional s’mores without the hassle of a campfire. The recipe is adaptable—invite your children to help, and they’ll love creating layers of chocolatey, marshmallow goodness. Moreover, these bars are an excellent potluck favorite, ensuring you’ll always be asked for the recipe!
Ingredients Notes
To make these delectable bars, you’ll need graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Be sure to use fresh marshmallows for optimal gooeyness. If you can’t find graham cracker crumbs, simply crush whole graham crackers in a food processor. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or milk, to suit your preference.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make cleanup much easier.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Set aside this dry mixture.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
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Step 4
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 cups of mini marshmallows.
Step 5
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Storage Options
Store any leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, these bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a ziplock bag. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and pop them in a warm oven for 5 minutes to regain their chewy texture.
Variations & Substitutions
For a nutty twist, add a 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the mix. If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Veganize the recipe by using vegan butter, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
These cookie bars make for a delightful treat at backyard barbecues, potlucks, and school events. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert. They’re also a great after-school snack paired with a cold glass of milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, using store-bought cookie dough can save time. You’ll still get the classic s’mores flavor by adding the chocolate chips and marshmallows to the dough.
What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch pan?
You can use two 8×8 inch pans as an alternative. Check the bars at around 20 minutes for doneness since the baking time may vary slightly.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. Prepare and bake them as directed, then store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before serving to maintain freshness.
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Easy S'mores Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs about 10 full sheets
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.75 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs large
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups mini chocolate chips
- 1.5 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and marshmallows.
- Spread the cookie batter over the graham cracker crust in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
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