Do you love s’mores? Who doesn’t? Today, I’ll show you how to turn that classic treat into S’mores Cookie Bars, an easy delight everyone will enjoy! With soft, chewy layers of cookie, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate, these bars are perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re an expert baker or a kitchen newbie, I’ll guide you through simple steps and great tips. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
When I make S’mores Cookie Bars, I start with these simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role. The unsalted butter gives a rich flavor and soft texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel taste. Granulated sugar makes the bars sweet and chewy.
Eggs help bind everything together. The vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. All-purpose flour gives structure to the bars. Baking soda makes them rise. Salt brings out all the flavors.
Then come the fun parts! The chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of sweetness. Mini marshmallows give that classic s’mores feel. The crushed graham crackers add a delightful crunch.
Optional Ingredients
For more flavor, you can switch up the chocolate. Try dark chocolate or white chocolate for a tasty twist. If you have dietary needs, use gluten-free flour. This way, everyone can enjoy these yummy bars.
These ingredients make S’mores Cookie Bars a treat for all ages. You can find the full recipe to help you create this easy dessert. Enjoy the process and have fun baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the blend is light and fluffy.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
1. Add 2 large eggs into the butter mixture, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mix. Combine until just mixed.
Assembling the Bars
1. Pour half of the cookie dough into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the 1 cup of mini marshmallows on top.
2. Pour the rest of the dough over the marshmallows. Gently press it down. Add the reserved mini marshmallows and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips on top.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. They are ready when golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving
1. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Once cool, cut them into squares for serving. You can serve the bars on a rustic wooden platter. Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra treat. Sprinkle with more crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows to make them look great!
For the complete process, check the Full Recipe for S’mores Cookie Bars.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
To get the right dough consistency, start with softened butter. Mix it well with sugars until it’s creamy. This step adds air, which helps the bars rise. If your dough feels too dry, add a splash of milk or an extra egg.
For an even bake, spread the dough in the pan evenly. Press it down gently but firmly. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer. Ovens can vary, and you want the perfect heat. Bake until golden brown for the best taste and texture.
Presentation Tips
Serve these bars on a rustic wooden platter. It adds a cozy touch. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a rich look. You can also sprinkle crushed graham crackers around the edges. Add a few mini marshmallows on top for a fun finish.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your bars turn out too doughy, they may need more baking time. Check them with a toothpick. If it comes out wet, bake a few more minutes. For dry bars, take care not to overmix. This can lead to dryness.
If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the bake time. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Set a timer for a few minutes before the suggested time. This way, you can catch them at just the right moment.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the chocolate in your S’mores Cookie Bars. Try dark chocolate for a rich taste. White chocolate gives a sweet twist. You can also add fun mix-ins. Peanut butter adds creaminess. Chopped nuts give crunch, and dried fruit adds sweetness. These changes make your bars even more special.
Themed Variations
Make seasonal bars with different flavors. For fall, try pumpkin spice. It brings warmth and a cozy feel. You can also create mini versions. S’mores cookie bites are fun for parties. They are easy to eat and perfect for kids.
Dietary Modifications
Want gluten-free bars? Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the taste and texture yummy. If you want vegan bars, swap eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate. These changes help everyone enjoy this treat. For the full recipe, check out the details above!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Bars
To keep your S’mores Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. You can stack the bars with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These bars stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature.
Freezing Tips
Want to save some for later? You can freeze S’mores Cookie Bars easily. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They will stay good for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw the bars overnight in the fridge. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds.
Serving Suggestions
These cookie bars go great with many things! Pair them with a glass of cold milk or hot chocolate. They also taste amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. For gatherings, serve them on a fun platter. Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars and sprinkle crushed graham crackers for a special touch. Your friends and family will love this treat! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above.
FAQs
How Can I Make S’mores Cookie Bars Chewy?
To make your s’mores cookie bars chewy, use more brown sugar than white sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture. Avoid overbaking them; take them out when they are just golden. Let them cool in the pan for a while before cutting. This helps keep them soft.
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Yes! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. Each type gives a unique taste. Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor, while white chocolate is sweeter. Mix and match to find your favorite blend!
How Long Do S’mores Cookie Bars Last?
S’mores cookie bars stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Bake These in a Different Size Pan?
Absolutely! If you use a smaller pan, your bars will be thicker. Adjust your baking time to about 5-10 more minutes. If you use a larger pan, make them thinner and check them 5 minutes earlier.
Are S’mores Cookie Bars Gluten-Free?
You can make s’mores cookie bars gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. Look for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. This makes it easy to swap. The taste and texture will still be great, so everyone can enjoy them!
In this post, I shared how to make S’mores Cookie Bars with simple steps and tips. We covered all the essential ingredients, including tasty options to switch things up. The step-by-step instructions help you bake perfectly every time. Remember to cool and cut the bars right for the best results. You can store leftovers well or even freeze them for later. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. Happy baking!
