What’s the ultimate summer treat in bar form? Rich, fudgy chocolate and gooey marshmallows come together in these easy homemade s’mores cookie bars, featuring a simple graham cracker crust. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert to try soon

s’mores cookie bars on a plate with marshmallows in the middle

Introduction

Imagine the perfect blend of gooey marshmallows, crunchy graham crackers, and rich chocolate, all in one delightful bar. S’mores cookie bars on a plate with marshmallows in the middle are not just a treat; they’re an experience. By using everyday ingredients and a straightforward recipe, you can create these scrumptious bars that are sure to impress both kids and adults. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dessert that’s both creative and delicious. Whether you’re planning a camping trip, a backyard barbecue, or just a cozy night in, these s’mores cookie bars are the perfect companion to any occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers provides a well-rounded flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this recipe accessible to everyone.
• Ease of preparation: The preparation and assembly of these bars are surprisingly simple. With a few basic steps, you can have a tray of s’mores cookie bars ready to go into the oven.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result looks and tastes like a professional dessert. The layered effect, with marshmallows in the middle, adds a fun and creative twist to traditional s’mores.

Key Ingredients

To make these incredible s’mores cookie bars, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need graham crackers for the crust, which provides a nice crunch and a bit of flavor. Next, you’ll need a mix of sugar, butter, and flour to help bind the crust together. For the chocolate layer, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference. The star of the show, of course, is the marshmallows. You can use mini marshmallows for a fun and evenly distributed marshmallow layer. Finally, to add some extra flavor and texture, you can sprinkle some chocolate chips on top. Practical substitutions include using different types of chocolate or adding nuts for extra crunch.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, prepare your crust by crushing the graham crackers in a food processor or placing them in a bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed graham crackers with sugar and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture into a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Bake the crust for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. While the crust is baking, prepare your chocolate layer by melting the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Step 3: Once the crust is ready, pour half of the melted chocolate over the crust. Immediately top the chocolate with mini marshmallows. You can use as many or as few as you like, depending on how marshmallow-heavy you want your bars to be. Then, pour the remaining chocolate over the marshmallows.
4. Step 4: For the final touches, sprinkle some additional chocolate chips on top (if desired) and place the dish back in the oven for about 2-3 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are toasted to your liking. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Handy Tips

• One of the most helpful kitchen tips for this recipe is to not overbake the crust. Graham cracker crusts can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt, so keep an eye on it. Also, if you’re finding that your marshmallows aren’t toasting as much as you’d like, you can try broiling the dish for a few seconds. However, be very cautious and keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when it comes to the chocolate and marshmallows. For the crust, you’re aiming for a light brown color, which should take about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). When melting the chocolate, it’s better to do it in short increments and stir well between each heating to avoid burning the chocolate. For toasting the marshmallows, a couple of minutes under the broiler or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) should suffice, but as mentioned, keep a close eye to achieve the perfect toast without burning.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these s’mores cookie bars comes from the graham cracker crust and the texture of the toasted marshmallows. To achieve the perfect crunch, ensure that your graham cracker crust is not overbaked and that your marshmallows are toasted to your desired level of crispiness. If you prefer a chewier marshmallow, you might reduce the toasting time. For an extra crunch, you could also sprinkle some chopped nuts over the top of the bars before the final layer of chocolate.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip for better results is to use high-quality chocolate. While it might be more expensive, the flavor difference is noticeable. Also, to make cleanup easier, line your baking dish with parchment paper before pressing in the graham cracker crust. This will make removing the bars and cleaning up afterward much simpler.

Storage Tips

• For storing leftover s’mores cookie bars, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you won’t be consuming them within that timeframe, you can also store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave in short increments until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these s’mores cookie bars, there are several cute and easy ways to package them. One idea is to wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a decorative tin or jar. You could also wrap a few bars together in a piece of parchment paper or a paper bag and tie with a ribbon. For a more rustic look, consider placing the bars in a mason jar and decorating the lid with a ribbon or a gift tag. Whatever method you choose, these bars are sure to be a hit as a gift for any occasion.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the graham cracker crust for an extra depth of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Instead of just using chocolate chips on top, try adding some chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, you could substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives. Similarly, you could use different types of chocolate or add-ins like peanut butter chips for a unique twist.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your crust turns out too hard, it might be overbaked. Conversely, if it’s too soft, it might not have been baked long enough. For the marshmallows, if they’re not toasting well, check your oven temperature and ensure you’re not overcrowding the dish.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, consider what you can substitute it with. For example, if you don’t have graham crackers, you could use digestive biscuits or even cookie crumbs as a substitute.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your bars while they’re baking. If the crust is getting too brown, it’s likely overcooking. If the marshmallows aren’t toasting, they might need a bit more time under the broiler or in the oven.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
• Is it gluten-free? The traditional recipe includes graham crackers, which contain gluten. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting the graham crackers with a gluten-free alternative.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! If you’re serving a larger crowd, you can easily double or even triple the recipe. Just ensure you have a large enough baking dish to accommodate the increased quantity.

Conclusion

Making s’mores cookie bars on a plate with marshmallows in the middle is a fun and rewarding baking project that’s perfect for any time of the year. With its combination of classic s’mores flavors and the ease of a bar dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and consider sharing some with friends and family as a thoughtful gift. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these bars are a great way to bring a little joy and sweetness into your life and the lives of those around you.