Love the taste of s’mores? Imagine that flavor packed into a sweet, chewy cookie bar! In this guide, I’ll show you how to make S’mores Cookie Bars that are sure to please. With layers of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers, these treats are easy to bake and hard to resist. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create your new favorite dessert!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
To make S’mores cookie bars, you need simple ingredients. Start with butter. It gives a nice, rich flavor. You’ll also need both granulated and brown sugar. This mix makes the bars sweet and chewy. Eggs help bind all the ingredients together. They add moisture too.
Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma and taste. All-purpose flour is the base of the cookie. Baking soda helps it rise, while salt balances the sweetness. For that classic S’mores flavor, graham cracker crumbs are key.
Chocolate chips bring a melty goodness to the bars. Mini marshmallows add that gooey texture we all love.
Kitchen Tools Required
– Mixing bowls
– Spatula
– Baking dish (9×13-inch)
– Parchment paper (optional)
You will need a few tools to make these bars. A mixing bowl helps you combine the ingredients easily. A spatula is perfect for spreading the dough. A 9×13-inch baking dish is necessary for baking. Using parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out after baking. With these ingredients and tools ready, you are set to create a delightful treat! To see the complete process, check the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease or line your baking dish with parchment paper.
Mixing the Ingredients
– In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy.
– Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until combined.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Building the Layers
– Pour half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
– Sprinkle 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the first layer of dough.
– Top it with the remaining cookie dough, spreading it carefully to cover the marshmallows and chocolate.
Baking and Cooling
– Bake your S’mores cookie bars for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden-brown edges and test with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
– Let the bars cool completely in the pan. If you used parchment paper, lift them out. Cut into squares and enjoy!
For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cookies
To make great S’mores cookie bars, avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can make the bars tough. Mix just until the flour disappears. This keeps the bars soft and chewy.
Also, choose high-quality chocolate chips. Good chocolate adds rich flavor. Look for semi-sweet or dark chocolate, depending on your taste. Quality ingredients really shine through in this treat.
Serving Suggestions
For a special touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the bars. This adds a lovely shine and extra sweetness.
You can also serve the bars with ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs well with the warm cookie bars. It creates a delicious contrast and takes the treat to the next level.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your cookie bars turn out dry, add a splash of milk. This can help restore moisture. You can also try baking for a shorter time next time.
For underbaked bars, simply return them to the oven. Bake for a few more minutes until firm. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. Adjusting the baking time can lead to perfect results every time.
For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section.
Variations
You can make S’mores cookie bars even more fun and tasty with some easy changes.
Alternative Ingredients
– Using gluten-free flour: You can swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. This keeps the bars chewy and delicious for everyone. Look for a blend that works well in baking.
– Experimenting with different chocolate types: Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate chips. Each type brings a unique taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combo.
Flavor Twists
– Adding peanut butter chips: Adding peanut butter chips gives your bars a nutty twist. The sweet and salty mix makes each bite extra special.
– Mixing in nuts or dried fruit: Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries can bring a tangy flavor. Be creative and find what you love.
Seasonal Variations
– Holiday-themed S’mores bars: For the holidays, add festive touches. You can use colored marshmallows or sprinkle festive candies on top. It makes your bars look great and taste even better.
– Incorporating spices like cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon can warm up your bars. This simple spice can make a big taste difference, especially in fall or winter.
Feel free to play around with these ideas to create your own special S’mores cookie bars. Enjoy the process and the tasty results! For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your S’mores cookie bars fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Enjoy these treats within a week for the best taste.
Long-Term Storage
If you want to save your cookie bars for later, freezing is a great option. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw on the counter for about an hour.
Shelf Life
S’mores cookie bars last about a week at room temperature. Check for signs of spoilage, like a dry or hard texture. If they have an off smell or changed color, it’s best to throw them away. Enjoy your treats while they are fresh! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section.
FAQs
How do you make S’mores cookie bars from scratch?
To make S’mores cookie bars from scratch, follow these easy steps:
1. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or use parchment paper.
2. Cream the Base: In a bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 3/4 cup of brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Add 2 large eggs, mixing one at a time. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry: Fold the dry mix into the wet mix. It’s okay to have some flour streaks.
6. Add S’mores Elements: Fold in 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
7. Layer the Dough: Spread half the dough in the dish, then top with 1 cup of mini marshmallows and some reserved chocolate chips.
8. Top Off: Spread the rest of the dough over the marshmallows.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on the edges.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.
Can I use gluten-free ingredients?
Yes, you can make gluten-free S’mores cookie bars. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour offer great options. They usually give similar results in texture and taste. Also, check your graham crackers. Some brands make gluten-free versions.
How do I know when my S’mores cookie bars are done?
To tell if your S’mores cookie bars are done, look at the edges. They should be golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs, the bars are ready. If it’s wet with batter, bake a few more minutes.
What’s the best way to store leftover bars?
To keep your S’mores cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can stay at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them well in plastic wrap and freeze. They last up to three months in the freezer.
Are these cookie bars customizable?
Absolutely! You can make these cookie bars your own. Try different types of chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate. Add peanut butter chips or nuts for extra crunch. You could even mix in dried fruits for a fun twist. Explore your taste and get creative with the recipe! For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
You can make delicious S’mores cookie bars using simple ingredients and tools. Start by mixing butter, sugars, and eggs. Layer the dough with chocolate chips and marshmallows for a tasty treat. Remember to store them right for the best flavor.
Explore variations, like adding peanut butter chips or trying gluten-free flour. These bars are easy to adjust to your taste. Now that you know how to make and store them, enjoy sharing these treats. You’ll impress family and friends with your baking skills!
