Easy Homemade S’mores Cookie Bars: A Gooey, Chocolaty Delight for Any Occasion

Indulge in the quintessential taste of summer with these incredible S’mores Cookie Bars! This recipe brings all the beloved components of a classic s’more – buttery graham crackers, rich melted chocolate, and irresistibly gooey marshmallows – together in an easy-to-make, shareable cookie bar format. Forget the campfire; these delightful dessert bars are baked to perfection, offering a warm, nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any time of year.

Each bite of these S’mores Bars offers a symphony of textures and flavors: a soft, chewy cookie base infused with crunchy graham cracker pieces and generous pockets of semi-sweet chocolate, all crowned with a luscious layer of toasted marshmallow fluff. It’s a rich, flavorful dessert bar that’s surprisingly simple to create. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a comforting family treat, or simply craving something sweet, these S’mores Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. With just a few straightforward steps, you can have a batch of these mouth-watering bars ready to impress!

S’mores Cookie Bars: Capturing Summer’s Essence All Year Round

S’mores are more than just a dessert; they’re a memory. The smoky scent of a campfire, the crisp night air, and the simple joy of toasting marshmallows to golden perfection – it’s a nostalgic experience. While traditional s’mores require specific conditions, our S’mores Cookie Bars recipe allows you to recreate those magical flavors conveniently in your kitchen, no matter the weather outside. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced blend of rich chocolate, subtly spiced graham cracker, and sweet, sticky marshmallow, all within a tender cookie base. It’s the ultimate comfort food that instantly transports you to those happy summer nights.

This recipe calls for high-quality, readily available ingredients that work harmoniously to create an exceptional flavor profile and texture. From the creamy unsalted butter and a balanced mix of granulated and brown sugars to the binding eggs and fragrant vanilla extract, every component plays a crucial role. All-purpose flour provides the perfect structure, while baking powder and baking soda ensure a delightful rise and chewiness. A touch of salt enhances all the sweet notes. And of course, the stars of the show: generous semi-sweet chocolate chunks, crushed graham crackers for that signature crunch, and a thick layer of marshmallow fluff that bakes into a dreamy, gooey topping. This combination results in a robust, flavorful, and wonderfully chewy cookie bar that’s truly perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy S’mores Cookie Recipe

There are countless reasons why these Homemade S’mores Cookie Bars will quickly become a cherished favorite:

• No Campfire? No Problem! The beauty of this recipe lies in its accessibility. You don’t need to worry about weather conditions, finding a fire pit, or dealing with unruly flames. These oven-baked Marshmallow Cookie Bars bring the authentic taste of s’mores directly to your kitchen, making it a viable treat any day of the year, regardless of your location.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for obscure or expensive items. This recipe relies on common pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, eggs, chocolate, and graham crackers. Chances are, you already have most of these ingredients on hand, making a last-minute craving easy to satisfy with minimal shopping.
• The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves s’mores! These cookie bars combine all those beloved elements into a convenient, sliceable square, making them ideal for sharing. They’re perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, family gatherings, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. They disappear quickly, so consider making a double batch!
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: Despite their impressive appearance and rich flavor, these Chocolate Graham Cracker Bars are surprisingly straightforward to whip up. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of 20 minutes, you can have a fresh batch ready in under an hour, plus cooling time.
• Perfect for Any Season: While s’mores are synonymous with summer, these cookie bars offer a comforting warmth that transcends seasons. They’re just as delightful on a crisp autumn evening, a chilly winter day, or a breezy spring afternoon. Enjoy the taste of summer anytime!

Essential S’mores Cookie Bar Ingredients

Crafting the perfect S’mores Cookie Bar starts with understanding each ingredient’s role:

• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the bars. Softened, room-temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light and airy base for your cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Provides sweetness and helps with the crispness of the cookie edges.
• Light Brown Sugar (⅔ cup, packed): Essential for that signature chewy texture and adds a lovely molasses flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Make sure it’s firmly packed for accurate measurement.
• Large Egg (1, room temperature): Acts as a binder, providing structure and moisture to the dough. Using a room-temperature egg helps it emulsify better with the butter and sugar, leading to a smoother batter.
• Large Egg Yolk (1, room temperature): The extra egg yolk adds richness and chewiness without contributing additional liquid, resulting in a more decadent cookie bar.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A crucial flavor enhancer that brings out the best in the chocolate and marshmallow, adding a comforting aroma and taste.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups): The structural foundation of your cookie bars. Measure it correctly by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid a dense bar.
• Baking Powder (½ teaspoon): A leavening agent that helps the cookie bars rise and become light and tender.
• Baking Soda (¼ teaspoon): Another leavening agent that reacts with the brown sugar and chocolate to aid in rising and contributes to the golden-brown color and chewy texture.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness of the sugars and chocolate, enhancing all the flavors in the dough. Don’t skip it!
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks (4 ounces): Chunks are preferred over chips as they melt into gooey pools of chocolate, creating a more indulgent experience in every bite. Semi-sweet offers a nice contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallow.
• Graham Crackers (2 ounces, about 4 crackers, broken into bite-sized pieces): Provides the iconic s’mores crunch and a distinctive honey-sweet flavor. Breaking them into varied bite-sized pieces ensures textural interest throughout the bar.
• Marshmallow Fluff (7-ounce jar, or marshmallow crème): The star topping! This sticky, sweet fluff bakes into a delightfully gooey and slightly caramelized layer, mimicking the toasted marshmallow effect without the open flame.

How to Prepare S’mores Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation Phase

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your bars are ready to bake, leading to consistent results.

Next, line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. It’s crucial to leave an overhang of parchment paper on two opposite sides. This “sling” will make it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of baked bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled, ensuring clean cuts and no sticking. Set the prepared pan aside.

Then, take your semi-sweet chocolate and chop it into delightful chunks. Simultaneously, break your graham crackers into irregular, bite-sized pieces. The goal is to have varied textures, so don’t worry about perfect uniformity. These elements will be folded into the dough and can also be reserved for an extra topping, if desired. Set both aside for later incorporation.

Crafting the Cookie Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine the softened butter with both the granulated and packed light brown sugars. Beat these on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and achieves a texture resembling wet, coarse sand. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to a tender cookie bar. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Now, add the room-temperature large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat on medium speed for another 1-2 minutes until everything is thoroughly combined and appears smooth. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl to integrate any clinging ingredients.

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.

Finally, with the mixer still on low speed, gently stir in the prepared chocolate chunks and graham cracker pieces. Mix only until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. For an extra visual appeal and burst of flavor on top, you may reserve a small handful of chocolate and graham crackers to sprinkle over the marshmallow layer later.

Assembly of the Bars

Take approximately half to two-thirds of your prepared cookie dough and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your parchment-lined baking dish. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to compact the dough, creating a solid base. Ensure it covers the entire bottom of the pan but avoid pressing it up the sides.

Carefully spread the entire jar of marshmallow fluff over the cookie dough base. Aim for as even a layer as possible. If the marshmallow fluff proves too sticky and hard to spread, a handy trick is to lightly spray your spatula with cooking oil. This creates a non-stick surface, allowing the fluff to spread smoothly.

With the remaining small amounts of cookie dough, flatten them into several small, irregular discs using your hands. These pieces will be placed strategically on top of the marshmallow fluff. This method allows the marshmallow layer to remain beautifully gooey and visible when baked, rather than being completely covered by a solid dough crust. Place these dough discs artfully over the fluff.

Baking to Perfection

Gently place the assembled baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cookie dough edges are golden brown and the marshmallow topping is lightly toasted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the marshmallow during the last few minutes, as it can brown quickly.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the S’mores Cookie Bars to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour, or ideally until they reach room temperature. This crucial cooling period allows the marshmallow and chocolate to set properly. Rushing this step will result in a messy, unset bar that is difficult to cut and handle. Patience is key for perfectly structured bars!

After cooling, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board, then slice into 9 even squares (or your preferred size). Serve these irresistible treats and enjoy the delightful flavors of s’mores without the fuss of a campfire!

Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality S’mores Cookie Bars is easy with a few key tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating a homogeneous batter that results in a more tender and evenly textured cookie bar.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookie bars instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Properly Measure Flour: Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and a dry, crumbly dough.
• Use Parchment Paper: The parchment paper sling is your best friend for easy removal. Don’t skip it! It prevents sticking and makes cutting much simpler.
• Patience with Cooling: Resist the urge to cut into the bars immediately. The marshmallow and chocolate need time to set and firm up. Cooling for at least an hour (or longer) will give you clean, beautiful squares.
• Oil Your Spatula: When spreading the marshmallow fluff, a lightly oiled spatula or spoon will prevent it from sticking and make the process much smoother and less frustrating.

How Long Do S’mores Cookie Bars Stay Fresh?

These delightful S’mores Cookie Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored to savor over several days. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will remain fresh and delicious for up to 1 week. This provides ample time to enjoy a sweet, comforting treat whenever the craving strikes.

For extended storage, you can freeze these bars. Place them in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for an extra gooey experience.

Customizing Your Dessert Bar: For a Sweeter Experience

While semi-sweet chocolate offers a wonderful balance, you can easily tailor these bars to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter, more traditional s’mores flavor, feel free to swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chunks for milk chocolate chunks. Classic s’mores often feature a milk chocolate Hershey’s bar, so this substitution will bring you even closer to that authentic taste profile.

Additionally, don’t limit yourself to just chunks! If you can’t find chocolate chunks, you can chop up your favorite chocolate candy bar for a unique twist, or simply use chocolate chips. Standard chocolate chips will also work perfectly fine and provide a slightly different melt pattern. Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or even white chocolate for a creamier, milder bar.

Can I Substitute Marshmallows for Fluff in This Recipe?

While the idea of using regular marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff might seem appealing for replicating the campfire experience, I strongly advise against directly swapping them for this particular recipe. Marshmallows behave very differently when baked compared to marshmallow fluff. Regular marshmallows expand significantly and rapidly when heated, which could cause them to puff up excessively, overflow your baking pan, and potentially create a sticky mess in your oven. Marshmallow fluff, on the other hand, bakes into a stable, gooey layer that browns beautifully without losing its structure or creating a chaotic overflow. Its consistency is specifically designed for spreading and baking into a cohesive topping.

Using Pre-Made Cookie Dough for S’mores Cookie Bars

Yes, absolutely! If you’re looking for an even quicker and easier way to make S’mores Cookie Bars, pre-made refrigerated cookie dough can be a fantastic shortcut. This option saves you time on measuring and mixing ingredients from scratch. When using store-bought cookie dough, ensure it is fresh and not expired. You will simply skip the steps involved in making the cookie dough from scratch and proceed directly to pressing the dough into your prepared baking dish. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly compared to homemade dough, but it will still yield a delicious and convenient treat.

Marshmallow Fluff vs. Marshmallow Crème: What’s the Difference?

Marshmallow fluff and marshmallow crème are incredibly similar products, often used interchangeably in recipes like these S’mores Cookie Bars. To the casual observer, they look and taste almost identical. However, a subtle distinction often lies in their ingredients. Marshmallow crème frequently contains additional stabilizers like cream of tartar and xanthan gum, which give it a slightly firmer, more structured consistency. Marshmallow fluff, while still light and airy, might be a touch looser. For culinary purposes, especially in baked goods, you can confidently use either marshmallow fluff or marshmallow crème without any noticeable difference in the final product. Both will provide that delicious, gooey, toasted marshmallow layer you desire.

Adjustments for Using Mini Marshmallows in S’mores Cookie Bars

If you absolutely prefer using mini marshmallows over marshmallow fluff, it’s important to adjust how you incorporate them into the recipe. Instead of creating a top layer of melted marshmallow, mini marshmallows should be mixed directly into the cookie dough before baking. After you’ve folded in the chocolate chunks and graham crackers, gently stir in the mini marshmallows. This prevents them from overly expanding and creating a mess as they would if placed on top. Be aware that this will alter the texture of the cookie bars. The marshmallows will melt into pockets of sweetness within the cookie dough rather than forming a distinct, cohesive gooey layer on top. The result will still be delicious but with a slightly different mouthfeel and appearance.

More Irresistible Cookie Bar Recipes to Try Soon

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of these S’mores Cookie Bars, you’ll be thrilled to discover the vast world of other cookie bar recipes! They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, easy to transport, and often simpler to make than individual cookies. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic options:

• PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE BARS
• TWIX COOKIE BARS
• PUMPKIN SNICKERDOODLE COOKIE BARS
• REESE’S COOKIE BARS
• BUTTERFINGER COOKIE BARS
• EASY PEANUT CARAMEL COOKIE BARS
• FUDGY OATMEAL COOKIE BARS
• TAGALONG COOKIE BARS
• OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS
• GINGERBREAD COOKIE BARS
• MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS
• SNICKERDOODLE COOKIE BARS
• SUGAR COOKIE BARS
• HALLOWEEN SUGAR COOKIE BARS
• CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIE BARS
• LEMON SUGAR COOKIE BARS
• BUTTERSCOTCH PRETZEL COOKIE BARS
• PEPPERMINT COOKIE BARS

The Magic of S’mores in a Bar

S’mores Cookie Bars truly offer a fast, simple, and utterly incredible way to enjoy this favorite summertime dessert. This baked s’mores dessert masterfully combines chunky chocolate, delightfully crunchy graham cracker pieces, and a fluffy, gooey marshmallow topping, all within a rich cookie bar. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a cozy campfire, making it a perfect treat for any gathering or a simple indulgence at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe promises an unforgettable dessert experience that’s both easy to achieve and wonderfully satisfying.

My youngest child is one of those kids who just has NO fear. Like, I sometimes wish he had just a smidgen more… maybe I would worry less?! Other times it just so dang fun to watch him do his thing. The rest of us were pretty much done with roller coasters. Not him! So he went by himself… in the line, in the coaster- I got this great pic of him upside down, just thoroughly enjoying himself. Which reminds me, I love him just the way he is, even if I get Mom-anxiety more than I’d like!