S’mores cookie bars Recipe

Imagine biting into the gooey, chocolatey magic of a campfire s’more, now wrapped up in the comfort of a homemade cookie bar. That’s what these S’mores cookie bars deliver: every bite is a warm hug of melty chocolate, toasted marshmallow sweetness, and buttery graham flavor. These bars are not only an instant crowd-pleaser, but they also capture a bit of nostalgic happiness, perfect for sharing with friends and family—no campfire required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these S’mores cookie bars is selected for maximum flavor and the coziest texture possible. You’ll be surprised how just a few simple pantry staples can build something so irresistible and fun. Here’s how each one plays a starring role:

• Butter: Softened butter brings richness and that chewy cookie bite everyone loves.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone to every bar.
• Granulated sugar: Balances out the brown sugar, helping to create the perfect cookie crumb.
• Egg: Binds everything together and gives the bars their tender structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the classic s’mores flavor and adds warmth.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough, providing just the right amount of structure.
• Graham crackers (finely crushed): Delivers the hallmark s’mores taste and a faint crunch that perfectly complements the gooey filling.
• Salt: Just a pinch makes all the other flavors pop.
• Baking soda: Helps the bars rise and stay delightfully soft.
• Hershey bars: Melts to incredibly gooey perfection—no substitutions for this retro classic!
• Marshmallow fluff: Oozes into every bite, giving that inimitable toasted marshmallow taste without the campfire.

How to Make S’mores cookie bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over a bit for easy removal later. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures those coveted clean lines when you slice into your S’mores cookie bars.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and a little fluffy. This crucial step lays the foundation for a rich, chewy cookie base that’s irresistible.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is completely combined and the mixture looks creamy and cohesive. This infuses the dough with warmth and helps the bars hold their shape.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, finely crushed graham crackers, salt, and baking soda to your wet mixture. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain—over-mixing can make the bars tough, so a gentle hand works best here!

Step 5: Layer and Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly in your prepared pan, then carefully lift the parchment paper out and transfer this layer to the fridge to chill. Re-line your baking pan with fresh parchment and press the remaining dough into the pan. You’ll use this piece for the top layer, so pop it in the fridge too while you prep the filling.

Step 6: Add Chocolate and Marshmallow

Place the Hershey bars across the surface of your first cookie dough layer, breaking them if needed to cover every inch. Next, dollop marshmallow fluff all over and gently spread it out—don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly smooth, since it will melt beautifully in the oven. Gently flip that reserved, chilled cookie dough layer on top, pressing lightly to tuck it over the gooey center.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your S’mores cookie bars for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This patience pays off—cooling lets the layers set up for perfectly clean, satisfying squares every time!

How to Serve S’mores cookie bars

Garnishes

A drizzle of melted chocolate or a few extra mini marshmallows on top can take these S’mores cookie bars over the edge! If you love a little crunch, try a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or even a dusting of flaky salt for contrast.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic and serve your S’mores cookie bars alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For coffee lovers, these bars are dreamy with an iced latte or a steamy mug of hot cocoa, elevating your s’mores experience to bakery-level delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the squares like a “cookie bar tower” for parties, or package them individually with cute parchment wrappers for a picnic treat. For family movie nights, try cutting the bars into smaller bites and threading them on skewers for fun, dippable snacks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover S’mores cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and gooey, with the flavors developing even more as they sit.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between each square. Freeze for up to 2 months—simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

If you love an extra gooey bar, a quick 10-15 second spin in the microwave brings that “freshly baked” magic right back. Serve warm for the full campfire effect at home.

FAQs

Can I use different chocolate besides Hershey bars?

Absolutely! While Hershey bars give that nostalgic s’mores flavor, any chocolate bar you love will melt deliciously in these bars. Just make sure to use enough to cover the dough evenly.

How do I stop the marshmallow fluff from sticking to the spatula?

A handy trick is to lightly grease your spatula or spoon with oil or nonstick spray. This helps the marshmallow fluff glide across the chocolate instead of clinging on for dear life!

What size pan should I use for S’mores cookie bars?

An 8×8 inch pan is perfect for this recipe, resulting in thick, gooey layers. If you use a 9×9 pan, the bars will be slightly thinner but still incredibly tasty—just keep an eye on the baking time.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Double everything and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time, but use the same method for layering and chilling the dough.

How do I get clean, sharp squares when cutting the bars?

Let the bars cool completely before slicing, and use a large, sharp knife. Wiping the blade between cuts helps keep the edges tidy and ensures each S’mores cookie bar looks picture-perfect.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the ultimate nostalgic treat with a gooey twist, these S’mores cookie bars are your ticket to instant happiness. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or hoarding the batch for yourself (no judgment!), you’ll fall in love at first bite. Give these a try—you just might spark a new family tradition!

Print