Want to enjoy a delicious treat that brings back campfire memories? My S'mores Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. This simple recipe takes just a few ingredients and little time. You’ll impress friends and family with this tasty dessert. Let’s dive into the fun of making these bars together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers creates a delightful s'mores experience in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookie bars come together quickly, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile Treat: These bars can be customized with different types of chocolate or add-ins, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares, these cookie bars are easy to serve at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, bringing everyone together over a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for these tasty S'mores Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
These ingredients blend to create a chewy, sweet treat. The butter gives a rich flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture, while the granulated sugar makes it sweet. Eggs bind the ingredients and help the bars rise.
Vanilla adds depth to the taste. Flour gives structure, while baking soda helps them rise. Sea salt balances the sweetness. Mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers bring classic s'mores flavor.
Gather these ingredients before you start. It makes the process smooth and fun. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Enjoy the mix of flavors in each bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. You can grease it lightly with some butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help you remove the bars easily after baking.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until it looks light and fluffy. This creates a great base for your cookie bars. Next, crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to blend well after each egg. Finally, pour in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth.
Combining Dry Ingredients and Folding in Extras
In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Keep the mixer on low speed and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your bars soft. Now, gently fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows, 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and 1 cup of crushed graham crackers. Use a spatula to make sure they are evenly mixed throughout the dough.
Baking and Cooling Process
Transfer the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, reaching the corners. Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep them soft and chewy. After cooling, slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture in your S'mores Cookie Bars, pay close attention to your mixing. Mix the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step adds air, making your bars soft. Do not overmix when adding flour; this keeps them tender. When baking, look for golden edges. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs. This shows they are perfectly chewy!
How to Enhance Flavor
You can make your S'mores Cookie Bars even tastier. Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. You can also mix in some toasted coconut for extra texture. If you love spices, try a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. These little touches can elevate your dessert to a whole new level.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your S'mores Cookie Bars in fun ways! Cut them into squares and place them on a nice plate. For a special touch, dust them with powdered sugar. You can also add extra mini marshmallows and chocolate chips around the bars for decoration. Pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. This makes for a delightful treat everyone will love!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing, which results in a better texture for your cookie bars.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars, so be gentle when folding in the marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Adjust Baking Time for Chewy Bars: Keep an eye on the baking time; for softer, chewier bars, aim for the lower end of the baking time and check for a few moist crumbs on the toothpick when testing for doneness.
- Store Properly for Freshness: To maintain their freshness, store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, but you might find they disappear much sooner!
Variations
Adding Different Chocolates
You can mix it up by using different chocolates. Try milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Each option gives a new flavor to your cookie bars. You can even use flavored chocolate, like mint or orange. This little change can make a big difference in taste. If you want a richer flavor, go for dark chocolate. For a sweeter bite, choose milk chocolate. Don't be afraid to experiment!
S'mores Cookie Bars with Nut Butters
Nut butters add a creamy twist to your S'mores Cookie Bars. Peanut butter or almond butter works great. Just mix in half a cup of your favorite nut butter when you cream the sugars. This adds a nutty taste and makes the bars more filling. Nut butters also give a nice texture. You can even try nut-free options like sunflower seed butter.
Gluten-Free Adaptations
Gluten-free diets don't mean you can't enjoy these bars. Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Make sure the blend has a good mix of flours to mimic the texture. Also, check the baking soda and other ingredients for gluten. This way, everyone can indulge in these tasty treats. You won't lose any flavor or fun with these easy swaps!
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store S'mores Cookie Bars
To keep your S'mores Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will keep them soft and tasty. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. These bars can last for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to two weeks. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before serving.
How to Freeze for Later
Freezing S'mores Cookie Bars is easy. First, slice them into squares. Next, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After wrapping, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they stay fresh and tasty. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Tips for Reheating
To enjoy your S'mores Cookie Bars warm, you can reheat them easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them up without drying them out. If you want a gooey texture, you can microwave a single square for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the melty goodness!
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a richer taste. It adds depth to the bars. If you love dark chocolate, go for it! Just keep the same amount.
How do I make these bars vegan?
To make the bars vegan, swap the butter for vegan butter. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. This will bind your ingredients well.
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
If you don't have graham crackers, use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. You can also try crushed cookies like Oreos or shortbread for a sweet twist. Just make sure to crush them well.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, nuts can add crunch! Walnuts or pecans work great. Chop them finely and mix them in with the marshmallows and chocolate. Just be sure to keep the amount around one cup.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Check the edges of the bars. They should be golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the middle. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
This blog post covered everything you need to make S'mores Cookie Bars. We listed key ingredients and simple steps to prepare the treat. I also shared helpful tips and variations to suit your taste. Whether you want to store or reheat them, it's all in here. Remember, cooking is fun, so feel free to experiment. Enjoy baking these treats, and trust that each bite will be a delight!
