Craving a sweet, campfire-inspired treat? Try these S’mores Cookie Bars! This easy recipe combines rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers in one delicious dessert. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are fun to make and even more fun to eat! In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to create your own batch. Let’s get started on this tasty adventure!
Ingredients
Required Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
To make these S’mores Cookie Bars, you need a mix of simple, tasty ingredients. First, gather your flour, baking soda, and salt. These form the base of the cookie.
Next, you will need butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. The butter must be soft to mix well. This mixture gives the bars their rich flavor and soft texture.
Don’t forget the vanilla extract and eggs. They add moisture and depth to the dough.
Now, for the fun part: the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs. These ingredients create that classic S’mores flavor. The chocolate brings sweetness, while the marshmallows add a gooey texture. The graham cracker crumbs give a crunchy bite.
Optional Ingredients
– Drizzle of melted chocolate
– Extra graham cracker crumbs for topping
– Mini marshmallows for garnish
For extra flair, consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. It looks great and tastes even better. You can also sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs for a crunch. Mini marshmallows make a cute garnish too. They add a fun touch, making your bars even more inviting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside.
Mixing Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Next, add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until it’s well combined.
Finalizing the Dough
1. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
2. Now, fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips, 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough.
3. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Baking Time
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown color.
2. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready.
Cooling and Serving
1. Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps them set.
2. For best results, cool them for a few more minutes on a wire rack.
3. Cut into squares for serving. Enjoy your delicious S’mores Cookie Bars!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To bake the perfect S’mores cookie bars, avoid overmixing the dough. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stop as soon as they come together. Overmixing can make the bars tough.
Check for doneness by looking for a golden brown color. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bars are ready. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you take them out.
Serving Suggestions
For a fun presentation, serve the bars on a wooden cutting board. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a special touch. You can also sprinkle extra graham cracker crumbs and mini marshmallows on top. This adds color and texture.
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. The cool, creamy textures balance the warm cookie bars perfectly.
Special Equipment
To make your baking easier, use a 9×13 inch baking pan. Grease it well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. A spatula helps spread the dough evenly in the pan.
A whisk works well for mixing dry ingredients. Use a large mixing bowl for creaming butter and sugars together. These tools make the process smooth and fun!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can switch up the flavors to make your S’mores Cookie Bars even better. Instead of using regular chocolate chips, try dark chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate brings a rich taste, while white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness. You can also explore using different brands or types of chocolate chips to find your favorite.
For sweeteners, consider using coconut sugar or honey. Coconut sugar gives a slight caramel flavor. Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture. Both options can give your cookie bars a unique twist.
Dietary Variations
If you need gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer great mixes that work well in baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
For vegan substitutions, use dairy-free butter and flax eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the bars just like eggs do.
Themed Adaptations
You can also create themed S’mores Cookie Bars for special occasions. For Halloween, add orange food coloring to the dough and top with candy corn. For Christmas, mix in crushed peppermint candies or holiday-themed sprinkles. These fun ideas can make your treats festive and exciting!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Store your S’mores cookie bars at room temperature. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you live in a hot area, refrigerate them for extra safety. These bars can last about five days.
Freezing Cookies
To freeze the bars, first let them cool completely. Next, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 10-15 seconds. This warms it up without making it too hot. You can also enjoy them cold for a tasty treat!
FAQs
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
You can use several fun options instead of graham cracker crumbs. Here are some ideas:
– Crushed cookies: Try vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits.
– Oreo crumbs: For a chocolate twist, crush Oreos.
– Almond flour: This adds a nutty flavor and gluten-free option.
– Bisquick: It works well for a quick substitute.
These options will give your bars a unique taste while still providing that crunchy base.
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these cookie bars in advance. Here are some tips:
– Mix the dough: You can mix the dough a day before. Store it in the fridge.
– Bake and cool: Bake them a day ahead. Store in an airtight container.
– Freeze: You can freeze the baked bars for up to three months. Just thaw before serving.
Making them early helps save time for your fun gathering.
How can I ensure my cookie bars are chewy?
Chewy cookie bars are a delight! Here are some simple techniques:
– Use brown sugar: This helps retain moisture.
– Don’t overbake: Bake until just golden brown. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
– Add extra marshmallows: They keep the bars soft and gooey.
These tips will make sure your cookie bars stay chewy and delicious.
Are S’mores Cookie Bars kid-friendly?
Absolutely! S’mores Cookie Bars are perfect for kids. Here’s why:
– Easy to make: Kids can help mix and spread the dough.
– Safe ingredients: They use common baking items, which are safe.
– Fun to eat: The gooey marshmallows and chocolate make them exciting.
These cookie bars are a sweet treat that kids will love to make and eat!
In this blog post, we explored how to make tasty S’mores Cookie Bars. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared fun variations and storage tips to keep your treats fresh. Remember, these cookie bars are simple, fun to make, and loved by kids. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with friends!
