S’mores Cookie Bars bring together the irresistible flavors of campfire s’mores and the convenience of a tray-baked treat. This article is your ultimate guide to making them from scratch—packed with pro baking tips, delicious variations, serving suggestions, FAQs, and more. If you’re craving gooey chocolate, toasty marshmallows, and buttery graham cracker cookie dough, you’re in the right place.
Why Everyone Loves S’mores Cookie Bars
There’s a reason why these cookie bars are stealing the spotlight in kitchens everywhere:
- Classic Flavor: Nostalgic campfire s’mores, reimagined for your oven.
- Simple Preparation: Easy ingredients, no firepit needed.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Portable and Shareable: Perfect for parties, picnics, or potlucks.
- Customizable: Endless variations to suit every craving.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Graham Cracker Cookie Base
- Unsalted Butter – 1/2 cup (softened)
- Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup
- Brown Sugar – 1/2 cup, packed
- Egg – 1 large
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – 1 1/2 cups (about 10 full crackers)
- Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
For the Filling
- Milk Chocolate Bars – 4 bars (around 7 oz), broken into pieces
- Mini Marshmallows – 1 1/2 cups
Optional Toppings
- Crushed Graham Crackers – For a crunchy garnish
- Melted Chocolate Drizzle – For extra indulgence
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Electric mixer or mixing spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy lift-out.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Layer the Bars
- Press two-thirds of the cookie dough into the bottom of the pan.
- Layer with chocolate pieces, then mini marshmallows.
- Crumble remaining dough over top, letting marshmallows peek through.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and marshmallows are toasted.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Let cool completely before slicing.
- Optional: Add toppings like chocolate drizzle or graham cracker crumbles.
Why This Recipe Works
- Graham Cracker Dough creates a soft yet sturdy base.
- Milk Chocolate melts just enough for gooey richness.
- Toasted Marshmallows provide that nostalgic, sticky finish.
Flavor Variations to Try
Peanut Butter S’mores
Add a layer of peanut butter under the chocolate or swirl it into the dough.
Sea Salt & Dark Chocolate
Replace milk chocolate with dark and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Caramel Infusion
Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallow layer before baking.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour and certified GF graham crackers.
Cookie Crust Swap
Try using crushed Biscoff or chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers.
Tips for the Best S’mores Bars
- Use Room Temperature Butter: For a smooth and consistent dough.
- Don’t Overbake: The bars should be slightly soft when removed from the oven.
- Cool Completely: For clean slicing and best texture.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: It makes a noticeable difference.
- Marshmallow Management: If you prefer them less gooey, bake slightly longer.
Serving Ideas
Presentation Tips
- Cut into squares or rectangles and stack on a serving tray.
- Wrap in parchment for party favors or picnic treats.
Pair With:
- Hot Chocolate or Coffee
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Fresh Berries for a tangy contrast
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Bake and cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
- Shelf Life: Up to 3 days at room temp, or 5 days refrigerated.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting While Warm: Let them cool or they’ll fall apart.
- Uneven Dough Layers: Spread bottom evenly for structure.
- Using Fluff Instead of Marshmallows: It won’t toast properly.
- Skipping the Liner: Parchment makes removal easy and prevents sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chocolate chips instead of bars?
Yes, though bars melt smoother. Use about 1 cup of chips.
Can I add nuts?
Chopped walnuts or pecans are a great addition.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13″ pan and bake 25–30 minutes.
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
You can, but the flavor and texture might differ.
Are these suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Wrap individually or pack in festive tins.
Final Thoughts
S’mores Cookie Bars deliver all the cozy nostalgia of a campfire treat, minus the hassle. With their rich chocolatey centers, golden marshmallow tops, and buttery graham base, they’re a dessert worth repeating. Customize them to suit your taste, gift them to loved ones, or savor them fresh out of the pan—you can’t go wrong.
