S’mores cookie bars

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings back those cozy campfire vibes, you’ve come to the right place! These s’mores cookie bars are a delightful twist on the classic camping favorite. They combine the rich flavors of chocolate and marshmallow with a buttery cookie base, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, whipping up a quick dessert for a weeknight dinner, or just indulging in some self-care, these bars will surely become a cherished recipe in your collection.

What makes these s’mores cookie bars even more special is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create something truly magical in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious bars baking in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves s’mores! These cookie bars are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for an easy dessert option throughout the week.
• Gooey Goodness: The melty chocolate and fluffy marshmallow center create an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients to make these delightful s’mores cookie bars. You might already have many of these in your pantry!

For the Cookie Base

• 1/2 cup Butter (softened, salted or unsalted)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 & 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup graham crackers (finely crushed, about 3.5 sheets)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp baking soda

For the Filling

• 5 standard Hershey bars
• 1 & 1/2 cup vegan marshmallows fluff

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can give your cookie bars an extra crunch.
• Swap the chocolate: Try using dark chocolate or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.
• Mix in some spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the cookie dough.
• Change up the marshmallows: Use flavored vegan marshmallows for an exciting twist!

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey!

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets that help make your cookie bars light and fluffy. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing again until everything is blended nicely.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in the dry ingredients! Gently mix together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, salt, and baking soda until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those airy pockets to stay put!

Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Take half of the dough and press it evenly into an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. This serves as the bottom layer. Pop this layer into the freezer while you repeat this step with the remaining dough—this will help keep it firm when layering later.

Step 5: Assemble Your Layers

Remove your first layer from the freezer and carefully place the chocolate bars over it. Feel free to break them apart so they fit snugly! Spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallow fluff on top of those glorious chocolate pieces before gently flipping on the second dough layer.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!

Pop your pan into that preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Once baked, let them cool completely before slicing into them. This allows for that beautiful cross-section you see in all those tempting food photos!

These s’mores cookie bars are not only delicious but also bring joy to any occasion. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making S’mores Cookie Bars

These s’mores cookie bars are a delightful treat, and with a few simple tips, you can make them even more delicious!

• Use room temperature butter – This helps achieve a creamy texture when creaming the butter and sugars together, resulting in a perfectly soft and chewy cookie.
• Don’t skip the chilling step – Chilling the first layer of dough helps it firm up, making it easier to layer on the chocolate and marshmallow fluff without breaking.
• Press the ingredients firmly – When layering your ingredients, pressing them down slightly ensures everything sticks together well and provides that satisfying bite.
• Let them cool completely – Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool down fully will help them set properly, making slicing much easier and preventing them from crumbling.
• Experiment with toppings – Feel free to add nuts or additional chocolate chips on top of the marshmallow fluff for an extra crunch and flavor boost.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

Presenting your s’mores cookie bars can be as fun as making them! Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a fancy gathering, here are some great ideas.

Garnishes

• Chocolate drizzle – A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the bars adds a touch of elegance and extra chocolatey goodness.
• Toasted coconut flakes – Sprinkling some toasted coconut on top gives a tropical twist and enhances the visual appeal of your dessert.
• Mini vegan marshmallows – Placing a few mini marshmallows on top before serving creates an inviting look that echoes the classic s’mores experience.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream complements the warm cookie bars beautifully, creating a delightful contrast in temperature.
• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing side of mixed fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and bananas can balance out the sweetness of the cookie bars.
• Chocolate almond milkshake – For those who love chocolate, pairing these cookie bars with a rich chocolate almond milkshake will create an indulgent treat perfect for sharing.
• Coffee or tea – Serving these cookie bars alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy dessert experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy creating these delectable s’mores cookie bars that bring everyone together for sweet memories!

Make Ahead and Storage

These s’mores cookie bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch in advance and store them for later, making them a go-to treat for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for longer freshness, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Cut the s’mores cookie bars into individual portions before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label your container with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy them warm, preheat your oven to 350F.
• Place the cookie bars on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful s’mores cookie bars.

Can I make s’mores cookie bars without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed/chia mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) to bind the ingredients together.

How do I know when my s’mores cookie bars are done?

The edges will be lightly golden brown, and the center should look set but slightly soft. Remember, they will continue cooking as they cool!

Can I use different chocolate in my s’mores cookie bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with vegan chocolate chips or any other chocolate varieties you love.

How do I store leftover s’mores cookie bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious s’mores cookie bars as much as I do! They bring back sweet memories of campfires and cozy gatherings while being easy to prepare. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!