Ultimate S’mores Cookie Bars: A Campfire Classic Reimagined

S’mores hold a special place in our hearts, evoking memories of crackling campfires, starry nights, and sticky, sweet fingers. The iconic combination of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and crisp graham cracker is pure nostalgia. Now, imagine taking all that beloved flavor and transforming it into something even more extraordinary, more convenient, and arguably, even more delicious. Enter the S’mores Cookie Bars: an ingenious twist that packs all the magic of a traditional s’more into a delightful, easy-to-share cookie bar. Instead of wrestling with a melting marshmallow over an open flame, you get a perfectly baked cookie base loaded with those familiar, irresistible s’mores elements.

This isn’t just a simple swap; it’s a radical reinvention. By trading the unpredictable outdoor heat for the controlled comfort of your oven, you unlock a new realm of s’mores enjoyment. No more waiting for that one marshmallow to perfectly toast, or battling with ingredients sliding off a flimsy cracker. With these S’mores Cookie Bars, you can effortlessly create a whole tray of blissful treats, bringing the joy of s’mores to any occasion, no campfire required. It’s the perfect harmony of a classic s’more, a chewy cookie, and even a hint of brownie-like indulgence, all in one magnificent bite. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite dessert!

A Decade-Long Dream: The Genesis of This S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe

Some recipes simply whisper to you from your collection, waiting for the perfect moment to be brought to life. This particular recipe for S’mores Cookies has been residing in my “must-make” file since way back in 2011. Yes, you read that right – a full decade! It became abundantly clear that after ten years of anticipation, it was high time these incredible treats finally saw the light of day. And what a discovery it was! Whether you prefer to call them S’mores Cookies or S’mores Cookie Bars, one thing is universally true: they are undeniably delicious. The name might vary, but the irresistible combination of flavors and textures remains a constant, delivering pure joy with every single bite. This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s the culmination of years of longing for the perfect s’mores experience, made accessible and effortlessly enjoyable for everyone.

Effortless Indulgence: Quick and Easy S’mores Cookie Bars

Say goodbye to the frantic dance around a campfire, patiently (or impatiently!) waiting for that one marshmallow to melt just enough to be pressed between crackers. And let’s not even begin to recount the tales of chocolate bars slipping, marshmallows dropping, and the general sticky chaos that often accompanies traditional s’mores assembly. S’mores Cookie Bars revolutionize the experience, making it incredibly quick and surprisingly neat. This innovative approach allows you to whip up a generous batch in a fraction of the time, perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring you have plenty of delightful leftovers for yourself.

The true magic unfolds when you take that first bite. Imagine the chewy texture of your favorite cookie, the rich fudginess reminiscent of a decadent brownie, and the unmistakable, comforting flavors of a classic s’more, all seamlessly blended into one remarkable bar. It’s a multi-layered sensory experience that transcends its individual components, offering a satisfying depth of flavor and a delightful interplay of textures. These bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of convenience and indulgence, proving that sometimes, the best innovations come from reimagining our most cherished traditions. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this quick and easy path to s’mores bliss.

Are S’mores Cookie Bars Still Truly S’mores? Absolutely!

This is a question often pondered by purists, but rest assured, S’mores Cookie Bars are unequivocally legitimate s’mores. The fundamental definition of a s’more centers around the sacred trifecta of gooey marshmallow, melting chocolate, and crisp graham cracker. Our cookie bars embrace and elevate this very essence, meticulously incorporating each core component. The base layer of graham crackers provides that familiar, slightly crumbly foundation. Nestled within and atop the rich cookie dough are generous pockets of chocolate and miniature marshmallows, which bake into luscious, molten goodness, replicating the iconic flavors and textures we all adore.

S’mores have been a beloved American tradition for generations, a staple of cub scouts, boy scouts, and girl scout campouts. The ritual of gathering around a blazing fire to craft these treats is etched into our collective memory, often providing a welcome distraction from pesky mosquitoes and the discomforts of sleeping on the ground. With s’mores chocolate chip cookie bars, you can certainly still enjoy them around a warm fire, capturing that nostalgic ambiance. However, you also gain the freedom to savor them anywhere, anytime, completely sidestepping the bug bites, the smoky clothes, and the need for a sleeping bag. It’s a modernized, versatile way to enjoy an old favorite, preserving the spirit of the s’more while enhancing its accessibility and enjoyment.

The Ultimate Portable Treat: S’mores Cookie Bars Travel Exceptionally Well

One of the most remarkable advantages of this S’mores Cookie Bar recipe is its incredible portability. Unlike their campfire cousins, which are notoriously messy and best consumed on the spot, these bars are designed for adventure. They are robust enough to handle transport, making them the ideal companion for virtually any outing. Heading to a high-energy game day tailgate? Pack a tray! Planning a relaxing afternoon picnic at the park? They’re perfect! Attending a potluck where you want to impress? These bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Speaking of sweet treats, peep my sweet Theo in the background! This adorable dog comes running whenever he hears the mixer. I have never met a pupper with such a sweet tooth – clearly, he knows good baking when he hears it! Even pets can’t resist the allure of homemade goodies.

Essential Ingredients for Delectable S’mores Cookie Bars

Crafting the perfect S’mores Cookie Bars begins with a selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that signature taste and texture. While the recipe is straightforward, paying attention to the details of your ingredients can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible treats:

• Graham Crackers: These form the essential foundation, providing the classic s’mores flavor and a delightful crispy base.
• Sugars (Granulated and Brown Sugar): A combination of both white and brown sugar ensures a balanced sweetness and contributes to the chewy, moist texture of the cookie dough. Brown sugar also adds a subtle caramel note.
• Butter: Softened butter is key for proper creaming with the sugars, creating a light and airy base for the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth to the cookie.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, providing structure and moisture to the dough, ensuring your bars are perfectly set and rich.
• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient, giving the bars their cookie-like structure.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly and achieve a tender crumb.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and intensifying all the other flavors in the dough.
• Hershey’s Chocolate Bars: While many recipes call for chocolate chips, using chopped Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (the classic campfire chocolate!) delivers an authentic s’mores flavor and melts beautifully into gooey pockets. Using divided bars ensures you have chocolate mixed throughout the dough and extra squares for topping.
• Miniature Marshmallows: The star of the s’more show! Miniature marshmallows melt into sweet, gooey pockets that provide that signature sticky, stretchy goodness.

Each of these ingredients contributes to the overall success of the S’mores Cookie Bars, creating a harmonious blend that is both nostalgic and excitingly new.

Step-by-Step Perfection: How To Make S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Creating these delightful S’mores Cookie Bars is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfectly baked, irresistibly gooey results every time. Precision in baking leads to perfection in taste!

To begin, preheat your oven to a steady 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking from the moment your pan goes in. While the oven preheats, take a large, sturdy cookie sheet and line it with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential here as it prevents sticking and makes for super easy cleanup, especially with gooey marshmallows involved.

Next, carefully arrange your graham cracker squares on the prepared baking sheet. It’s important to make sure they are touching, forming a continuous base for your cookie bars. This creates a solid foundation and prevents the cookie dough from seeping underneath, ensuring clean, defined bars. Once arranged, set the pan aside; it’s ready for its delicious topping.

In a large mixing bowl, preferably with an electric mixer (stand or hand mixer works well), cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, contributing to the cookie’s texture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually sift these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until thoroughly combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.

Now for the star fillings! Roughly chop two of your Hershey bars into small pieces. Gently fold these chopped chocolate pieces and the miniature marshmallows into the prepared cookie dough. Use a spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed without crushing the marshmallows too much. Once incorporated, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial; it helps the dough firm up, prevents the bars from spreading too much during baking, and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

After the dough has chilled, divide it into 24 equal-sized dough balls. A cookie scoop works wonders for achieving consistent sizing, ensuring even baking. Carefully place one dough ball on top of each graham cracker square on your baking sheet. They don’t need to be perfectly flat, as they will spread during baking.

Bake the bars for an initial 7 minutes. At this point, the dough will be partially set. Remove the pan from the oven and, while the cookies are still warm and pliable, gently press one remaining Hershey’s chocolate square into the top of each cookie. This creates those distinct, melting chocolate pools that are iconic to s’mores. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cookies are baked through and the edges are lightly golden. The chocolate will be perfectly melted and the marshmallows gooey.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the S’mores Cookie Bars to cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to cut them. Cooling is essential as it allows the chocolate and marshmallows to set, making for clean, precise cuts. Rushing this step will result in a sticky, gooey mess!

For easy and clean cutting, I highly recommend using a pizza cutter. It glides through the bars effortlessly, giving you perfect squares or rectangles every time. Once cooled and cut, store your S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness.

Love Them? Don’t Forget to Pin This Recipe!

If you’re as enchanted by these delicious s’more cookie bars as we are, make sure you save this recipe for future baking adventures! Don’t let this incredible twist on a classic get lost in the depths of your browser history. Pin it directly to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so it’s always just a click away when that s’mores craving strikes!

Creative Twists: Delicious Variations on S’mores Cookie Bars

While the classic S’mores Cookie Bar recipe is undeniably perfect as is, there’s always room to get creative and customize these treats to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different additions to elevate the flavor profile or add exciting new textures. Here are a few fantastic ways to “trick out” your bars and make them truly your own:

• Coconut Lover’s Dream: For those who adore the tropical touch, add a generous half cup of shredded coconut to the cookie dough mix. It introduces a lovely chewiness and a delicate flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Peanut Butter Perfection: Introduce a nutty richness by swirling in a few spoonfuls of creamy or crunchy peanut butter into your cookie dough. The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow is a match made in heaven.
• Colorful Candy Crunch: For a festive look and an extra burst of flavor, decorate the tops of your bars with mini M&Ms or other small colorful candies before baking. This adds a delightful crunch and a playful splash of color.
• Caramel Surprise: For an extra layer of chewy indulgence, place a single caramel candy underneath each cookie dough ball before baking. As the bars bake, the caramel will melt and create a soft, gooey layer of rich, buttery sweetness.
• Dark Chocolate Decadence: If you prefer a less sweet and more intense chocolate experience, swap out the milk chocolate Hershey bars for dark chocolate. This adds a sophisticated bitterness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet marshmallows.
• Nutty Additions: Beyond peanut butter, consider folding in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds into the cookie dough for added texture and a rich, earthy flavor.
• Spice It Up: A tiny pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder can significantly enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle complexity to your bars.

These variations offer endless possibilities, allowing you to tailor your S’mores Cookie Bars to suit different tastes and occasions. Don’t hesitate to mix and match to discover your signature s’mores creation!

Beyond the Bar: More S’mores Inspired Recipes to Explore

If you’re utterly captivated by the delightful combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker, just like we are, then you’re in for a treat! The world of s’mores-inspired desserts is vast and exciting. Dive deeper into this beloved flavor profile with these other fantastic recipes that bring the essence of s’mores to new and creative forms:

• S’mores Brownies (pictured above): Indulge in fudgy brownies topped with toasted marshmallows and chocolate for a truly decadent experience.
• S’mores Yogurt Two Ways: A lighter, yet still satisfying, take on s’mores that’s perfect for breakfast or a guilt-free snack.
• Another creative way to enjoy S’mores Treats: Discover more unique and fun recipes that capture the s’mores magic.
• You will absolutely love this S’mores Cream Pie: A creamy, rich pie featuring all the classic s’mores components in a sophisticated dessert form.

These recipes prove that the s’mores flavor profile is incredibly versatile and can be adapted into a wide array of sweet delights, each offering a unique way to enjoy this timeless treat.

Discover Even More Delicious Bar Recipes!

If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and crowd-pleasing nature of these S’mores Cookie Bars, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other fantastic bar recipes. Bars are perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply having a batch of ready-to-eat treats on hand. They’re often easier than individual cookies and just as delightful. Broaden your baking horizons with these highly recommended bar recipes:

• Carrot Cake Bars: All the classic flavors of carrot cake, but in an easy-to-serve bar format, complete with luscious cream cheese frosting.
• Rhubarb Crumble Bars: A wonderfully tart and sweet seasonal treat, featuring a buttery crumble topping and a vibrant rhubarb filling.
• Lemon Cheesecake Bars: Bright, zesty, and creamy, these bars offer a refreshing burst of citrus in a convenient, portable dessert.
• Strawberry Sour Cream Bar: A delightful blend of sweet strawberries, tangy sour cream, and a satisfying crumb topping, perfect for spring and summer.
• Mint Brookies: The best of both worlds – a brownie and a cookie in one, with a refreshing hint of mint, creating an irresistible treat.

From fruity and tangy to rich and chocolatey, this selection of bar recipes offers something for every palate and every occasion. Happy baking!

Ready to Bake? Let’s Make Some S’mores Cookie Bars!

Now that you have all the inspiration and instructions, there’s nothing left but to gather your ingredients and get baking! These S’mores Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a ticket to happy memories, effortless entertaining, and pure, unadulterated sweet joy. So preheat that oven, get your mixer ready, and prepare to create a batch of treats that will have everyone asking for “s’more!” Enjoy every single delicious bite.

LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!

4.50 from 14 votes

Print Recipe

S’Mores Cookie Bars

Graham crackers layered with a chocolate marshmallow cookie dough and baked before slicing into these delicious and simple s’mores cookie bars. This easy recipe offers all the classic flavors of a campfire s’more, reimagined into a convenient and shareable bar, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Additional Time: 1 hr (for chilling dough)

Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins

Course: Bars

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, graham crackers, Hershey chocolate, miniature marshmallows, recipe, s’mores cookie bars, s’mores cookies, smore bars, easy dessert, baked s’mores

Servings: 2 dozen

Calories: 221 kcal per serving

Equipment

• Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
• Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
• Rubber Spatulas
• Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
• KitchenAid Hand Mixer
• 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
• KitchenAid Classic Pizza Wheel

Ingredients

• 12 graham cracker sheets (broken in two to make 24 squares)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 11 Tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (divided, 2 for dough, 2 for topping)
• 1 heaping cup miniature marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire surface for easy removal.
2. Carefully place graham cracker squares on the prepared baking sheet, arranging them side-by-side so they touch, forming a single, continuous layer. Set this pan aside.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
5. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
6. Roughly chop two of the Hershey bars into small, irregular pieces. Gently fold these chopped chocolate pieces and the heaping cup of miniature marshmallows into the cookie dough with a spatula until evenly distributed.
7. Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling process helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
8. After chilling, divide the dough into 24 equal-sized balls. For best results, use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing. Place one dough ball directly on top of each graham cracker square on your prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. While the cookies are still warm, gently press one square of the remaining Hershey’s chocolate onto the center of each cookie.
10. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cookie edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The chocolate should be nicely melted, and the marshmallows gooey.
11. Allow the S’mores Cookie Bars to cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to cut them. This is crucial for clean cuts, as the melted chocolate and marshmallows need to firm up.
12. Once cooled, use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the bars along the graham cracker lines. A pizza cutter works exceptionally well for clean, even portions!
13. Store any leftover S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and delightful chewiness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 bar |
Calories: 221 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 33g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 31mg |
Sodium: 162mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 19g

Wednesday Christmas Cookie Recipes

Looking for more festive baking inspiration? Explore these wonderful Christmas cookie recipes from our friends!

• Andes Peppermint Oatmeal Cookies from Christmas Tree Lane
• Cherry Pecan Thumbprint Cookies from Family Around the Table
• Chocolate Linzer Cookies from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Cinnamon Spiral Cookies from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Dark Rum Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies from Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
• Easy Sugar Sprinkle Cookies from Palatable Pastime
• Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies from Frugal & Fit
• Gingerbread Cookie Bars from Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Ginger-Lemon Delights from Sweet Beginnings
• Glazed Orange Carrot Cookies from The Spiffy Cookie
• Italian Ricotta Cookies from Jen around the world
• Melted Snowman Cookies from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
• Mexican Wedding Cookies from Shockingly Delicious
• Pecan Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies from Kate’s Recipe Box
• Pistachio Rose Cookies from Magical Ingredients
• Reindeer Cookies from Devour Dinner
• S’Mores Cookie Bars from An Affair from the Heart
• S’Mores Drop Cookies from Daily Dish Recipes
• Snickerdoodles from Leftovers Then Breakfast
• Speculoos Cookies from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Stained Glass Cookies from Art of Natural Living
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies from Take Two Tapas
• White Chocolate Espresso Cookies from Blogghetti

adapted from the original recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything