Ooey Gooey Smores Bars

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delightful **S’mores Cookie Bars**! Imagine your favorite campfire treat – gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crisp graham crackers – transformed into a convenient, irresistible bar that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere, without the need for a roaring fire. These aren’t just any dessert bars; they’re a celebration of classic s’mores flavors, elevated into a sophisticated yet simple-to-make confection that’s perfect for any occasion.

Our **S’mores Bars** are meticulously layered with all the beloved components of traditional s’mores. We start with a buttery graham cracker cookie crust, pile on generous chunks of milk chocolate, and crown it with a luscious marshmallow creme filling, all finished with a crumble topping that bakes to golden perfection. The result is a decadent, portable, and utterly satisfying dessert that captures the essence of summer nights but can be savored all year long. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this sweet sensation!

Why These S’mores Cookie Bars Are an Absolute Must-Try

There’s a special magic about s’mores that evokes memories of summer evenings and shared laughter. But let’s face it, the campfire experience isn’t always practical. That’s where these amazing **S’mores Cookie Bars** come in! They offer all the beloved flavors and textures of the classic treat in a convenient, mess-free bar format, making them an ideal dessert for any gathering. I recently re-photographed and updated this recipe after a wonderful experience where a dear friend made them for her daughter’s pre-wedding event by a beautiful Michigan lakeside home. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive – imagine enjoying these glorious bars as the sun sets over a tranquil lake!

• **Effortless Entertainment:** These bars are a fantastic addition to summer picnics, backyard barbecues, birthday parties, or even elegant pre-wedding festivities. Their easy-to-serve nature makes them perfect for feeding a crowd without fuss.
• **Unmatched Convenience:** Say goodbye to sticky fingers and smoky clothes! These bars encapsulate all the s’mores components into a neat, sliceable square that can be picked up and eaten, or elegantly plated with a fork. Plus, many find them even more enjoyable than traditional s’mores due to their balanced textures and flavors.
• **Year-Round Indulgence:** While s’mores are often associated with summer, these cookie bars allow you to indulge in that nostalgic taste whenever a craving strikes, no matter the season or weather.
• **Crowd-Pleasing Perfection:** Every single person who tries these bars, from kids to adults, gives them an enthusiastic seal of approval. Their familiar and comforting flavors make them an instant hit.

If you’re a true s’mores aficionado, you might also enjoy exploring these other delightful s’mores-inspired creations: S’mookies (S’mores Cookies), S’mores with Graham Cracker Crust, and this Easy S’mores Dessert Dip. Each offers a unique twist on the classic, but these **S’mores Cookie Bars** truly stand out as a must-bake!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

Crafting these heavenly bars begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Kitchen Staples: You’ll need basic pantry items like granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. These form the foundation of our delicious cookie dough.
• Unsalted Butter (at room temperature): Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness of the recipe. Room temperature butter is crucial for achieving a smooth, fluffy creamed mixture with the sugar, leading to a tender cookie bar.
• Large Egg (at room temperature): Similar to butter, a room temperature egg incorporates more evenly into the batter, ensuring a consistent texture throughout the bars. It binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Always opt for real vanilla extract over artificially flavored versions. The quality of vanilla significantly impacts the overall flavor profile of your baked goods, adding warmth and depth.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the iconic base and crumble topping of our s’mores bars. You can purchase pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs for convenience, or easily make your own by pulsing whole graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives the cookie dough its lift and contributes to a lighter texture. Always check the expiration date on your baking powder, as it loses potency over time. To test its freshness, simply drop a spoonful into a cup of very hot water; if it bubbles vigorously, it’s still active and ready to use.
• Milk Chocolate Hershey Bars: The classic choice for s’mores! You’ll need about 5 standard-sized Hershey bars (around 1.55 oz each) to create a substantial layer of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. Feel free to substitute with your favorite milk chocolate, or even a mix of milk and semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
• Jar of Marshmallow Creme: This is the secret to the gooey, sweet marshmallow layer without the mess of toasting individual marshmallows. Marshmallow creme spreads easily and bakes beautifully, creating that signature soft, sticky texture. A standard 7-ounce jar is perfect for this recipe.
• Chocolate Chips (optional): For an extra boost of chocolatey goodness, you can press a few tablespoons of chocolate chips into the top of the cookie dough before baking. This adds another layer of texture and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting S’mores Cookie Bars

Making these irresistible S’mores Cookie Bars is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve perfect results every time:

Mastering Your S’mores Cookie Bars: Expert Tips & Tricks

Achieving bakery-quality S’mores Cookie Bars is easier with a few insider tips. Here’s how to ensure your bars are perfectly delicious every time:

• **Efficiency of Bar Cookies:** One of the greatest advantages of making cookie bars, as opposed to individual cookies, is the sheer efficiency! Instead of scooping, rolling, and baking multiple batches of cookies, you simply press the dough into a pan and bake. While layered bars like these require a tiny bit more effort, the overall process is still significantly faster and less tedious than traditional cookie baking.
• **Streamlined Prep:** This recipe cleverly uses the same cookie mixture for both the base layer and the crumble topping, which saves a step and means fewer dishes to wash. Furthermore, the marshmallow cream and Hershey bar filling layers don’t require additional bowls, keeping your kitchen cleaner and your prep time shorter.
• **The Magic of Non-Stick Foil:** I highly recommend lining your baking pans with non-stick aluminum foil. This simple step is a game-changer! Not only does it prevent your precious bars from sticking to the pan, but it also creates a convenient “sling” that allows you to easily lift the entire slab of cooled bars out of the pan. This makes cutting into neat squares a breeze and simplifies cleanup immensely.
• PRO Tip for Easy Removal: Even if you don’t have non-stick foil, regular aluminum foil sprayed generously with your favorite non-stick cooking spray works wonders. The key is to leave an overhang of foil on two opposite sides of the pan, which you can use as handles to lift the bars out once cooled.
• PRO Tip for Spreading Marshmallow Creme: Marshmallow creme is notoriously sticky and can be a challenge to spread evenly. To conquer this, simply use a knife or offset spatula that has been dipped in warm water or lightly greased. The moisture or grease will prevent the creme from sticking to your utensil, allowing for a smooth, uniform layer.
• **Topping Customization:** The first time I made this recipe, I completely covered the marshmallow cream with the remaining cookie dough. However, I’ve found that letting some of the marshmallow peek through creates a beautiful visual and a lovely caramelized texture on top. I also like to sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips over the crumble topping before baking. This not only adds more chocolate flavor but also hints at the delicious layers hidden beneath the surface. If you prefer a flatter, more “stackable” bar, you can gently press down on the crumble topping before baking to create a more even surface.
• **Cooling is Key:** Patience is a virtue when it comes to cutting bars. Ensure your S’mores Cookie Bars are completely cooled before attempting to slice them. If you cut them while warm, the chocolate and marshmallow layers will be too soft and messy, making it difficult to achieve clean edges. Chilling them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour can also help with cleaner cuts.

Rest assured, these tips will help you create S’mores Cookie Bars that are not just delicious, but also beautifully presented. The whole family, and any guest, will give these bars their enthusiastic seal of approval!

Variations, Serving, and Storage for Your S’mores Cookie Bars

While these **S’mores Cookie Bars** are perfect as is, there’s always room for a little customization and thoughtful serving to make them even more special. Here are some ideas:

Creative Variations:

• **Chocolate Choices:** Experiment with different types of chocolate! Swap classic milk chocolate Hershey bars for dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet bar, or use white chocolate for a creamy contrast. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chopped caramels into the topping.
• **Nutty Additions:** For a delightful crunch and added flavor, sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the graham cracker crust mixture, or on top of the marshmallow layer before the final crumble.
• **Spice It Up:** A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the graham cracker cookie dough can add a subtle, warm complexity that complements the s’mores flavors beautifully.
• **Peanut Butter Twist:** Swirl a few spoonfuls of peanut butter into the marshmallow creme before spreading, or even add a thin layer of peanut butter over the chocolate bars for a “Reese’s S’mores” experience.

Perfect Serving Suggestions:

• **Warm and Gooey:** For the ultimate indulgence, gently warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. This will make the chocolate extra melty and the marshmallow wonderfully gooey, mimicking the campfire experience.
• **With Ice Cream:** A warm s’mores cookie bar served alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is an unforgettable dessert combination. The contrast of warm and cold, and the creamy ice cream with the rich bar, is simply divine.
• **Coffee or Milk Companion:** These bars are a natural pairing with a cup of hot coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a mug of hot cocoa.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:

• **Room Temperature Storage:** Store leftover S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they remain wonderfully soft and chewy for several days.
• **Refrigeration:** If you prefer a firmer bar, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the texture of the cookie portion might firm up slightly. Allow them to come to room temperature or gently warm them before serving for optimal enjoyment.
• **Freezing for Longer Storage:** These bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled and cut into individual squares, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen bars to an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat.

Explore More S’mores-Inspired Delights

If these **S’mores Cookie Bars** have ignited your passion for all things s’mores, then you’ll love these other fantastic recipes that capture the magic of this iconic treat:

• Pretzel S’mores Bites, from Erin at Well Plated – an utterly addictive bite-sized treat that combines sweet and salty flavors!
• S’mores Eclair Cake, from Jennifer at Princess Pinky Girl – a luscious, layered no-bake dessert featuring creamy marshmallow and rich chocolate frosting.
• S’mores Cookie Cake – a giant, shareable cookie cake bursting with s’mores goodness.
• S’mores Cream Puffs – a sophisticated twist on the classic, with light choux pastry filled with s’mores flavors.
• S’mores Ice Cream Sundae – a frosty, layered delight perfect for cooling down on a warm day.
• Discover more of our Best Dessert Recipes for all your sweet cravings.
• And for more convenient treats, explore our collection of Cookie Bars Recipes.

I sincerely hope you enjoy baking and savoring this incredible S’mores Cookie Bars recipe! This recipe was originally shared in March 2016, and I’ve loved updating it with fresh photos and even more helpful tips to make your baking experience the best it can be. Happy baking!

The Recipe:

S’mores Cookie Bars

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes

Yield
16 bars

Cookie Bars with all the magnificent flavors of s’mores!

Ingredients

• 1 stick of butter (4 ounces), at room temperature
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 ⅓ cups flour
• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 standard-sized Hershey bars
• 1 7-ounce jar of marshmallow creme
• 3 tablespoons chocolate chips, optional

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°. Line an 8-inch pan with nonstick foil or regular foil sprayed with cooking spray.
2. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy.
3. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.
4. Stir in flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Mix until blended.
5. Press half of the dough into the prepared pan.
6. Lay chocolate bars over the dough. Spread with marshmallow creme. A damp knife will make this process easier.
7. Scatter bits of remaining dough over the marshmallow; carefully press to form a layer (you can completely cover the marshmallow creme or leave some openings).
8. Sprinkle with a few tablespoons of chocolate chips if desired.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely, then remove from pan using foil and cut to serve.

Notes

May double recipe in a 9 x 13 pan.

Recipe adapted from Hugs and Cookies.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1 bar

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 265Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 153mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 3g

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