s’mores cookie bars: 7 Irresistible Layers of Gooey Bliss

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these incredible s’mores cookie bars! They’re a delightful combination of chewy cookie dough, rich chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow that’ll make your taste buds sing. Seriously, every time I bake these, I feel like a kid again, reminiscing about campfire nights and gooey s’mores melted to perfection. And the best part? You can whip them up in no time and share them with friends and family, turning any gathering into a sweet celebration!

The layers in these s’mores cookie bars are like a hug in dessert form. You’ve got that buttery cookie base, followed by melty chocolate bars, and topped off with a generous spread of marshmallow fluff. It’s like dessert magic happens in your oven! So grab your apron and let’s get baking these delicious treats that are bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients List

Let’s gather all the delicious ingredients you’ll need to create these irresistible s’mores cookie bars. Each component plays a special role in making sure your bars are perfectly sweet, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying!

• 1/2 cup butter, softened: You can use either salted or unsalted butter – both work wonders in this recipe. The butter adds that rich, creamy texture we all adore.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar: This adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the chocolate and marshmallow beautifully.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a bit of regular sugar balances the flavors and contributes to that lovely cookie texture.
• 1 egg: This helps bind everything together and gives the bars that chewy, cookie-like consistency.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: You simply can’t skip this! Vanilla adds a warm aroma that makes your kitchen smell heavenly as the bars bake.
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookie dough, giving it structure and a satisfying bite.
• 1/2 cup graham crackers, finely crushed (about 3.5 sheets): The graham crackers bring that classic s’mores flavor and a hint of crunch to the bars.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors, making everything pop!
• 3/4 tsp baking soda: This helps your bars rise perfectly and gives them that lovely texture.
• 5 standard Hershey bars: Ah, the chocolate! These melt beautifully and create a decadent layer in the bars.
• 1 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff: This is the star of the show, creating that signature gooeyness that makes s’mores so special.

With these simple yet delightful ingredients, you’re all set to create a batch of s’mores cookie bars that will leave everyone craving more. Let’s move on to preparing them!

How to Prepare s’mores cookie bars

Now that we have all our delicious ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to prepare these mouthwatering s’mores cookie bars. I promise it’s easier than you think, and before you know it, the smell of baking cookies will fill your kitchen!

Prepping Your Pan

First things first, we need to get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking! While that’s warming up, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. I like to let the paper hang over the edges a bit; it makes it super easy to lift the bars out later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to slice them!

Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl, we’re going to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon – whatever you’ve got on hand. Mix until it’s all combined and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth. Here’s a little tip: don’t overmix! Once you add the dry ingredients, just stir until everything is combined. You want that dough to be soft and a bit thick, but not overworked.

Layering the Ingredients

Now comes the fun part! Take half of your cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. It should be a nice, even layer. Once that’s done, remove the layer and pop it into the freezer for a few minutes – this helps it hold its shape later. While that’s chilling, re-line the pan with parchment and press the remaining dough into the bottom. Next, it’s time to layer the chocolate! Arrange those glorious Hershey bars over the dough like a chocolatey blanket. Then, spread that marshmallow fluff generously on top. It’s okay if it’s a bit messy; that’s part of the charm!

Baking the Bars

Carefully place the chilled cookie dough layer on top of the marshmallow fluff, pressing gently to keep it intact. Now, pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them – the edges should be golden brown, and the center might look a little soft, but that’s perfect! We want them to be ooey-gooey delicious.

Cooling and Slicing

Once they’re out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is super important; cooling helps them set up and makes slicing a breeze! I usually let them cool for at least an hour. When they’re ready, lift them out using the parchment paper, slice them into squares, and enjoy the amazing layers of cookie, chocolate, and marshmallow goodness!

How to Prepare s’mores cookie bars

Now that we’ve got our delicious ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to prepare these mouthwatering s’mores cookie bars. I promise it’s easier than you think, and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with that heavenly smell of baking cookies!

Prepping Your Pan

First things first, we need to get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking! While that’s warming up, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. I like to let the paper hang over the edges a bit; it makes it super easy to lift the bars out later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to slice them!

Mixing the Dough

In a large bowl, we’re going to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon – whatever you’ve got on hand. Mix until it’s all combined and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth. Here’s a little tip: don’t overmix! Once you add the dry ingredients, just stir until everything is combined. You want that dough to be soft and a bit thick, but not overworked.

Layering the Ingredients

Now comes the fun part! Take half of your cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. It should be a nice, even layer. Once that’s done, remove the layer and pop it into the freezer for a few minutes – this helps it hold its shape later. While that’s chilling, re-line the pan with parchment and press the remaining dough into the bottom. Next, it’s time to layer the chocolate! Arrange those glorious Hershey bars over the dough like a chocolatey blanket. Then, spread that marshmallow fluff generously on top. It’s okay if it’s a bit messy; that’s part of the charm!

Baking the Bars

Carefully place the chilled cookie dough layer on top of the marshmallow fluff, pressing gently to keep it intact. Now, pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them – the edges should be golden brown, and the center might look a little soft, but that’s perfect! We want them to be ooey-gooey delicious.

Cooling and Slicing

Once they’re out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is super important; cooling helps them set up and makes slicing a breeze! I usually let them cool for at least an hour. When they’re ready, lift them out using the parchment paper, slice them into squares, and enjoy the amazing layers of cookie, chocolate, and marshmallow goodness!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Before we dive into enjoying these scrumptious s’mores cookie bars, it’s important to note that the nutritional information provided is just an estimate. The actual values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. For example, different types of chocolate or butter can change the calorie count and fat content significantly.

So while I can tell you that each bar typically contains around 200 calories, 15 grams of sugar, and 8 grams of fat, remember that these numbers might fluctuate a bit depending on your choices. Always feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs, and enjoy every last bite without worry!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your s’mores cookie bars turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned over the years to help you avoid any common pitfalls and ensure that your bars are a hit every single time.

• Don’t skip the chilling: Chilling the bottom layer of cookie dough is essential. It helps keep the layers intact when you add the marshmallow fluff and top dough. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together smoothly and creates that perfect cookie texture.
• Don’t overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make your bars tough instead of tender and chewy, which we definitely don’t want!
• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bars a few minutes before the 25-minute mark. Look for golden edges and a soft center – that’s when they’re perfect!
• Let them cool: I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting the bars cool completely in the pan is crucial for clean slicing. If you cut them too early, they might crumble and fall apart.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips or crushed graham crackers on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up some s’mores cookie bars that will wow your friends and family. Happy baking!

Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down for these delicious s’mores cookie bars, let’s get a little creative! There are so many fun ways to switch things up and make this recipe your own. Here are a few variations I absolutely love:

• Chocolate Swap: Instead of using standard Hershey bars, try mixing it up with different types of chocolate! Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor, while milk chocolate keeps it sweet and creamy. Or go wild with white chocolate for a unique twist!
• Nutty Delight: If you’re a fan of nuts, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans! They add a delightful crunch and depth to the bars. Just fold them into the dough before layering.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: For all the peanut butter lovers out there, swirl a bit of creamy peanut butter into the marshmallow fluff before spreading it on the chocolate layer. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is simply heavenly!
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top right before serving. It adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and marshmallow.
• Flavored Marshmallow Fluff: You can even change up the marshmallow fluff! Look for flavored varieties, like chocolate or strawberry, to give your bars a fun twist.
• Fun Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle some mini marshmallows or crushed graham crackers on top of the bars. They’ll toast up beautifully in the oven and add an extra layer of flavor and texture!

With these variations, you can make each batch of s’mores cookie bars uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite combinations; the sky’s the limit! Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These s’mores cookie bars come together in just 45 minutes from start to finish, making them a perfect last-minute dessert for any occasion!
• Delicious Layers: With a delightful combination of cookie dough, melty chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow, each bite is a heavenly experience that will make your taste buds dance.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Baking these bars is a great activity to do with kids or friends. Everyone can help with layering the ingredients and, of course, enjoy the delicious results!
• Versatile Treat: You can easily customize these bars with different types of chocolate, nuts, or drizzles, making every batch unique and tailored to your taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars cut into neat squares, making them easy to share at parties, picnics, or potlucks. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
• Gooey Goodness: The combination of warm, gooey marshmallow and rich chocolate creates that classic s’mores flavor that’s hard to resist, no campfire needed!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious s’mores cookie bars, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to store any leftovers and a few tips for reheating, so you can savor that gooey goodness again!

First things first, let the bars cool completely in the pan before storing them. This helps prevent any condensation from forming, which could make them soggy. Once they’re cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer them to an airtight container. You can cut them into squares or leave them whole – it’s up to you! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Store the s’mores cookie bars at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just keep in mind that the cold might firm up the marshmallow fluff a bit, but they’ll still be tasty!

If you have a stash left over that you want to save for a special occasion, you can freeze them! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been in there.

When it’s time to enjoy your frozen bars, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. If you want to bring back that warm, gooey texture, you can pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a melted mess!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can keep enjoying those delicious s’mores cookie bars long after the first batch is gone. Happy snacking!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these scrumptious s’mores cookie bars? No worries! I’ve gathered some of the most common queries to help you out. Let’s dive in!

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate bars?

Absolutely! If you prefer chocolate chips, feel free to swap them in. They’ll melt beautifully and still give you that rich chocolatey goodness. Just a heads up, you might want to use a bit more since they’re smaller than standard bars.

What if I can’t find marshmallow fluff?

If marshmallow fluff is hard to find, you can make your own! Just beat together some marshmallows with a bit of corn syrup until it’s fluffy and spreadable. You can also use mini marshmallows, but the texture will be a bit different.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You bet! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It works like a charm, and you won’t miss out on any of the deliciousness!

What’s the best way to store leftover s’mores cookie bars?

The best way to keep your bars fresh is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper!

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes, nuts can be a delightful addition! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch. Just fold them into the dough before layering everything together.

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

Look for golden edges and a soft center when you check them at the 25-minute mark. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if the center seems a little soft when you take them out.

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I hope these FAQs help clarify any questions you had about making your s’mores cookie bars! If you have more, feel free to reach out, and happy baking!

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