S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe – The Best Gooey & Chewy Dessert

There’s something undeniably magical about s’mores. The combination of crispy graham crackers, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows is a nostalgic treat that instantly transports you to cozy nights around the campfire. But let’s be honest—making s’mores the traditional way can get a little messy. The chocolate drips, marshmallows stick to your fingers, and you have to hover over an open flame to get everything just right. That’s where S’mores Cookie Bars come in.

These cookie bars capture all the flavors of classic s’mores but in an easy-to-make, easy-to-eat form. Imagine a chewy, buttery cookie base infused with crushed graham crackers, loaded with melty chocolate and pockets of toasted marshmallows. Then, to take things up a notch, we top it with classic Hershey’s chocolate bars, which gently melt into the surface, creating that signature s’mores experience in every bite.

What makes this recipe even better is that you don’t need a campfire, and you don’t have to worry about assembling each s’more individually. Everything bakes together in one pan, making it the perfect dessert for gatherings, bake sales, or a special treat to enjoy at home. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, meaning that even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can pull off a batch of these irresistible bars with no stress.

If you love the taste of s’mores but want something more practical and shareable, these S’mores Cookie Bars are going to be your new favorite dessert. So, let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe and how you can make it at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons why these S’mores Cookie Bars should be your next baking adventure. Here are just a few reasons why they’re an absolute must-try:

1. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

Unlike traditional s’mores that require roasting marshmallows and carefully sandwiching them between chocolate and graham crackers, these bars are baked in one pan. The ingredients are easy to find—most of them are probably already in your pantry.

2. No Campfire Required

One of the biggest challenges with classic s’mores is that you need an open flame. This recipe brings all the nostalgic flavors without needing a firepit or a backyard camping setup. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

3. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of buttery cookie dough, sweet chocolate, crunchy graham crackers, and gooey marshmallows makes each bite irresistible. Plus, the Hershey’s chocolate squares on top add the perfect finishing touch.

4. Great for Any Occasion

These bars are ideal for:

• Parties and gatherings: They’re easy to make in large batches.
• Bake sales: Everyone loves the classic s’mores flavor.
• Lunchbox treats: They stay fresh for days.
• Movie nights: Pair them with a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.

5. Easily Customizable

Want to add a twist? You can swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate, use flavored marshmallows, or even add peanut butter for a nutty variation. The possibilities are endless!

Health Benefits of Homemade S’mores Cookie Bars

While these bars are definitely an indulgent treat, making them at home gives you full control over the ingredients. Let’s break down some of the benefits of homemade desserts like these:

1. No Artificial Preservatives

Unlike store-bought cookies and bars, homemade treats don’t contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or unnecessary additives. You get pure, high-quality ingredients in every bite.

2. Less Sugar Than Store-Bought Treats

By making your own s’mores cookie bars, you can adjust the sugar content to suit your taste. You’ll still get all the sweetness and deliciousness, but without the excessive sugar found in many packaged desserts.

3. Graham Crackers Provide Fiber

Graham crackers contain whole grains, which add a small boost of fiber to the bars. Fiber helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.

4. Dark Chocolate Option for Extra Antioxidants

If you swap the Hershey’s milk chocolate for dark chocolate, you’ll get a good dose of antioxidants, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.

5. Marshmallows in Moderation

While marshmallows are high in sugar, using them in moderation allows you to enjoy their classic texture and flavor without overloading on sweetness. Plus, they provide that perfect gooey, toasted consistency that makes s’mores so special.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 20-30 minutes

Servings

This recipe yields 12-16 bars, depending on how large you cut them.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 13g
• Sugar: 22g

Ingredients List

The Base Layer

• 7-8 full sheets of graham crackers, arranged to cover the bottom of the pan

The Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

The Topping

• 2 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, broken into squares

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. If you prefer a slower bake for a softer texture, you can lower the temperature to 350°F and extend the bake time slightly.

Prepare Your Baking Pan

• Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides for easy removal.
• Arrange graham crackers in a single layer to completely cover the bottom of the pan.

Make the Cookie Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes with an electric mixer.
• Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
• Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.

Assemble the Cookie Bars

• Spread the cookie dough evenly over the graham crackers, pressing it down gently.
• Optionally, press a few extra marshmallows into the top for added texture.

Bake the Bars

• Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F, or about 35 minutes at 350°F.
• If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes.

Add the Hershey’s Chocolate

• As soon as the bars come out of the oven, immediately press the Hershey’s chocolate pieces onto the top while the bars are still warm. The chocolate will slightly melt into the bars, giving that signature s’mores look and flavor.

Cool and Cut

• Let the bars cool for 20-30 minutes before cutting. This will help them set properly and prevent them from falling apart when slicing.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

Once your S’mores Cookie Bars have cooled and been sliced into squares, it’s time to enjoy them! But how you serve them can make all the difference. Here are a few ways to take your dessert experience to the next level:

1. Serve Them Warm for Extra Gooeyness

While these bars taste amazing at room temperature, warming them up for a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) will give you that fresh-out-of-the-oven, gooey marshmallow and melty chocolate texture. If you love warm desserts, this is a must-try!

2. Pair with a Scoop of Ice Cream

For an indulgent treat, serve your s’mores cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or even toasted marshmallow ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie bar and the cold ice cream is absolutely irresistible.

3. Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce

If you want to elevate these bars even further, drizzle some warm caramel or melted chocolate over the top before serving. This adds an extra layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the graham cracker and marshmallow flavors.

4. Dust with Powdered Sugar

For a simple but elegant touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar can make these bars look bakery-worthy while adding a little extra sweetness.

5. Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream

If you’re serving these at a party or special gathering, adding a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of each bar makes them look even more festive and delicious.

6. Pair with a Hot Beverage

S’mores and hot drinks go hand in hand! Serve these bars with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or a chai latte for a cozy, comforting dessert experience.

Pairing Suggestions for S’mores Cookie Bars

The rich, sweet flavors of these cookie bars can be paired with a variety of drinks and other treats to create the perfect dessert experience. Here are some pairing ideas:

1. Classic Hot Chocolate

S’mores and hot chocolate are a match made in heaven. The deep chocolate flavor of the drink enhances the Hershey’s chocolate in the bars, while the creaminess balances out the sweetness.

2. Coffee or Espresso

If you love a contrast of flavors, pair your s’mores cookie bars with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a shot of espresso. The slight bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the dessert.

3. Cold Brew or Iced Coffee

For a refreshing twist, serve these bars with a glass of cold brew coffee or an iced latte. The smooth, slightly sweet coffee flavor pairs perfectly with the buttery, chocolatey cookie bars.

4. Milk (Classic Choice!)

You can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk. The creamy, slightly sweet taste of milk helps wash down the richness of the bars while complementing the chocolate and marshmallow flavors.

5. Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake

For an extra-special treat, make a marshmallow milkshake by blending vanilla ice cream with toasted marshmallows and a little bit of milk. This takes the s’mores experience to another level!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

How to Store S’mores Cookie Bars

These cookie bars stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days when stored properly. Follow these steps to keep them at their best:

• Store in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
• If you live in a warm climate, you may want to refrigerate them to prevent the chocolate from melting.
• Layer the bars with parchment paper between them to keep them from sticking together.

How to Freeze S’mores Cookie Bars

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, these bars freeze beautifully!

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm them up.

How to Reheat for the Best Texture

If you want to bring back the warm, gooey texture:

• Microwave Method: Heat for 10-15 seconds for a soft, melty treat.
• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-7 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is easy, there are a few common mistakes that could affect the texture and flavor of your bars. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Overbaking the Bars

If you leave the bars in the oven too long, they can become dry and hard instead of chewy and gooey. Bake just until golden brown and the edges start pulling away from the pan.

2. Not Lining the Baking Pan

Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes it much easier to lift out the bars and cut them cleanly. If you skip this step, they may stick to the pan and be difficult to remove.

3. Using Too Many Marshmallows in the Dough

While marshmallows are essential for the s’mores flavor, using too many inside the dough can cause the bars to be overly sticky. Stick to the recipe measurements to get the perfect balance.

Pro Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate

For the best flavor, use real Hershey’s chocolate bars or high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of cheaper alternatives.

2. Add a Pinch of Sea Salt on Top

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

3. Slightly Underbake for the Best Texture

For extra soft and chewy bars, remove them from the oven when they’re just barely golden brown. They will continue to set as they cool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought cookie dough instead of making it from scratch?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can press store-bought cookie dough over the graham crackers and bake as directed.

2. How do I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free graham crackers and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

3. Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of marshmallows?

Marshmallow fluff doesn’t bake the same way as mini marshmallows, so it’s best to stick with mini marshmallows for the gooey, toasted texture.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now that you have the perfect recipe for S’mores Cookie Bars, it’s time to get baking! These bars are the ultimate no-fuss way to enjoy classic s’mores flavors any time of the year. Whether you’re making them for a party, a bake sale, or just as a treat for yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! If you loved these bars, share your creation on social media and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious results. Happy baking!

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