The Best s’mores cookie bars Recipe

If you dream of campfires but love your desserts a little less rustic, The Best s’mores cookie bars are going to completely light up your kitchen! Imagine gooey marshmallow fluff, silky chocolate, and golden cookie dough all stacked together into perfectly sliceable squares. They pack all the joy of classic s’mores into a batch you can make anytime, no bonfire required. Whether you’re sharing them at a potluck or keeping the batch for your own midnight snack, these bars are the ultimate comfort treat with a nostalgic twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in The Best s’mores cookie bars plays a vital role—from the graham crackers marrying tradition with texture, to the burst of marshmallow ooze in every bite. Nothing complicated here, just familiar pantry staples coming together for spectacular results.

• Butter, softened: The secret to tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie bars that bake up golden and rich.
• Brown sugar: Adds a caramelly depth and extra chew to the base.
• Granulated sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness and classic cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds everything together for a soft, cohesive dough.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a cozy, aromatic note.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that keeps the bars sturdy but tender.
• Graham crackers, finely crushed: The nostalgic base, blending campfire charm right into the dough.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and amplify all the flavors.
• Baking soda: Ensures just the right lift and crumb.
• Standard Hershey bars: For pools of creamy chocolate in every bar.
• Marshmallow fluff: The gooey, stretchy magic that makes these the best s’mores cookie bars.

How to Make The Best s’mores cookie bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup a breeze, but helps you lift out the bars later without any sticking. Trust me, you’ll want those edges to look good for slicing!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer or some enthusiastic arm muscles, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until everything looks light and fluffy. This step builds the foundation for a perfectly soft cookie layer—it’s worth an extra minute of mixing!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then blend until just combined. These add moisture and flavor, bringing the dough together in the most delicious way.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Fold in the flour, graham cracker crumbs, salt, and baking soda until the mixture forms a soft cookie dough and no dry streaks remain. You’ll instantly smell that classic s’mores aroma from the graham crackers!

Step 5: Press and Chill the Dough Layers

Press half the dough evenly into the lined pan to create the base. Lift out that layer (using the parchment as a sling) and pop it in the fridge while you line the pan again and repeat with the remaining dough. This little trick makes layering a breeze—it’s a cookie bar magic move!

Step 6: Layer Chocolate and Marshmallow Fluff

Lay your Hershey bars over the bottom cookie layer so no square’s left behind, breaking bars as needed to cover every inch. Then, spread a generous blanket of marshmallow fluff right on top. Prepare for some finger-licking mess, but it’s totally worth it for the gooey middle of The Best s’mores cookie bars!

Step 7: Top, Bake, and Cool

Carefully place the chilled second cookie dough layer over the marshmallow (work gently so it doesn’t break apart). Pop the whole thing in the oven for about 25 minutes, until the top is golden and your kitchen smells like dessert heaven. Let the bars cool completely in the pan for slices that show off those gorgeous layers.

How to Serve The Best s’mores cookie bars

Garnishes

A little flourish makes these already impressive bars even more irresistible. Try a drizzle of melted chocolate, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or scatter a few mini marshmallows on top for a picture-perfect finish that gives a cheeky wink to the campfire classic.

Side Dishes

If you’re making The Best s’mores cookie bars for a gathering, set them out with bowls of fresh berries or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy hot-and-cold contrast. They’re also fabulous with coffee or hot cocoa—perfect for cozy evenings!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve large squares at a backyard picnic, or cut them into smaller bites for a buffet-style dessert table. Wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie with string for adorable, giftable treats that make any occasion extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover The Best s’mores cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, and the texture stays wonderfully soft without getting soggy.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away, the bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars or the whole slab in plastic wrap, then again in foil or a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a grab-and-go snack that tastes freshly baked.

Reheating

To recapture that gooey s’mores magic, warm bars in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The chocolate and marshmallow will become just soft enough, resembling that just-off-the-fire experience.

FAQs

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff?

While mini marshmallows will melt, marshmallow fluff creates a smoother, creamier layer that’s easier to spread and slice. If using minis, you may end up with some air gaps but the result will still be tasty!

Do I have to chill the cookie dough layers?

Chilling helps the dough set and makes layering much easier—it also gives you those clean, defined layers that make The Best s’mores cookie bars so stunning.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and double the ingredients. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?

A food processor makes quick work, but a sturdy zip-top bag and a rolling pin work just as well. Aim for fine crumbs so they blend smoothly into the dough.

Will dark chocolate work instead of milk chocolate?

It sure will if you want a richer, less sweet bar! Customize The Best s’mores cookie bars to your taste by swapping in your favorite chocolate variety.

Final Thoughts

There’s something extra special about sharing The Best s’mores cookie bars with people you love—or sneaking yourself an extra piece with your coffee. With easy steps and big s’mores flavor, this recipe is a classic you’ll reach for again and again. Give them a try, and your inner campfire kid will thank you!

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