Craving a sweet treat that brings back memories of campfires? I’ve got the recipe for you! These S’mores Cookie Bars are simple to make and deliver that gooey, delicious flavor you love. You need just a few ingredients to create this mouthwatering dessert. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will impress friends and family alike. Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: These s'mores cookie bars combine the rich taste of chocolate, the creaminess of marshmallows, and the crunch of graham crackers for a delightful treat.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for impromptu gatherings or satisfying sweet cravings.
- Shareable Treat: Cut into squares, these bars are easy to share, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or bake sales.
- Fun Presentation: With a drizzle of chocolate and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, they look as good as they taste!
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 chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
Detailed Measurements
For this recipe, I use 1 cup of unsalted butter. It should be soft enough to mix well. Then, I need 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to add sweetness. I include 2 large eggs to bind the dough together. Don't forget 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavor.
Next, I measure out 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda for rise. The salt is essential too, so I add 1/2 teaspoon. For that gooey goodness, I use 1 cup of chocolate chips, and 1 cup of mini marshmallows for that classic s'mores touch. Lastly, I add 1 cup of crushed graham crackers to give it that crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas:
- Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Coconut sugar works great in place of brown sugar.
- For eggs, try flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan option.
- You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- If you prefer dark chocolate, feel free to use that instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate.
- If you can’t find graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits can work as a substitute.
These options keep the recipe fun and flexible, so you can enjoy your s'mores cookie bars your way!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping Your Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. Using parchment makes it easy to lift out the bars later.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use a mixer to beat them together until light and fluffy. This step takes about two minutes. Next, add 2 large eggs, one by one, and mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once mixed, gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until it combines. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay.
Layering the Cookie Bars
Now it's time for some fun layering. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of crushed graham crackers. Reserve a little chocolate and graham crackers for topping. Spread half of the cookie dough mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Then, add 1 cup of mini marshmallows on top. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs over the marshmallows. Finally, spread the rest of the cookie dough on top, pressing it down gently.
Baking Procedure
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean, though it might have some melted chocolate on it. Keep an eye on the bars to avoid over-baking.
Cooling and Serving Tips
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Cut into squares for serving. For an extra treat, drizzle some melted chocolate on top and garnish with more mini marshmallows or crushed graham crackers. Enjoy your delicious s'mores cookie bars!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Baking
To get great S’mores Cookie Bars, start with room-temperature butter. This helps it mix well. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy. Measuring by weight gives better results. Always preheat your oven before baking. This helps the bars cook evenly. Grease your pan or use parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
For a chewy texture, don’t overmix the dough. Mix until just combined. Use mini marshmallows for even melting. They spread out better than regular ones. Bake until the top is golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean, but some chocolate may stick. This shows the bars are moist and delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your S’mores Cookie Bars warm. Drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flavor. Add more mini marshmallows or crushed graham crackers for a fun look. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds a creamy touch to the sweet bars. Enjoy them with friends or family for a cozy treat!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For a firmer texture and easier handling, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before spreading it in the baking pan.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chunks to enhance the flavor of your cookie bars. The better the chocolate, the richer the taste!
- Make It Extra Gooey: If you prefer a gooey texture, slightly underbake the bars by 2-3 minutes. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Variations
Different Chocolate Options
You can switch up the chocolate to suit your taste. Instead of semi-sweet, try dark chocolate. It will add a rich flavor. If you love milk chocolate, use that instead. You can also mix different types of chocolate for a fun twist. For an extra treat, toss in some white chocolate chips.
Alternate Flavor Add-ins
Want to make your S’mores cookie bars unique? Add some mint or orange zest for a fresh taste. You could also mix in peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor. For a crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. These small changes can give your bars a new life.
Gluten-Free or Alternative Ingredients
If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the flour blend has a good binding agent. You can also replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. This will change the taste a bit but still keep it delicious. Check the labels on your chocolate and marshmallows to ensure they are gluten-free, too.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your S'mores cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They last well at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze S'mores cookie bars for up to three months. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. After wrapping, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date to keep track. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Best Ways to Reheat
To reheat your S'mores cookie bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes. This warms them up and brings back that gooey texture. You can also use a microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat or they may become tough.
FAQs
Can I make S’mores Cookie Bars in advance?
Yes, you can make these cookie bars a day ahead. Just bake them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container. This helps the flavors blend. When you're ready to serve, you can warm them up slightly in the oven.
How do I know when they're done baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready. A little melted chocolate on the toothpick is okay.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. This makes the bars fun and customizable. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor.
Are there vegan options for this recipe?
Yes, you can make these cookie bars vegan. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Swap the eggs for flax eggs or applesauce. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips. These changes keep the taste delicious while being plant-based.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
If you lack graham crackers, you can use crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. You could also try crushed pretzels for a salty twist. The taste will change a bit, but it will still be tasty!
You now have all you need to bake amazing S’mores Cookie Bars. We covered ingredients, detailed measurements, and smart substitutions. You learned step-by-step how to prep, mix, layer, and bake your treats. Tips helped you achieve the perfect texture, while variations opened new flavor ideas. Finally, you discovered how to store and reheat leftovers so nothing goes to waste. Whether for a party or a cozy night, these bars are sure to please. Get baking and enjoy your delicious creations!
