Are you ready to indulge in a treat that’s both easy and irresistible? S’mores Cookie Bars combine the classic flavors of s’mores with the simplicity of cookie bars. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress. With gooey chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and a crunchy graham cracker base, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again. Let’s dive into the scrumptious details!
Ingredients
To make S’mores Cookie Bars, you need simple and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 large eggs
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
Each ingredient plays a key role. The butter makes the bars rich and soft. The sugars give sweetness and a nice texture. Vanilla adds a warm flavor that rounds everything out. Eggs help bind the mix together, while flour and baking soda give the bars structure.
The graham cracker crumbs are essential. They add that classic s’mores flavor. Chocolate chips bring a sweet, melty goodness. Lastly, mini marshmallows add a fun, gooey touch.
For the full recipe, check it out to see how to combine these ingredients into a delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the right temperature for baking.
2. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan. Lining helps with easy removal later.
3. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until it feels light and fluffy. This step adds air to the mix.
Mixing the Dough
4. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs. Mix until everything is fully combined.
5. In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; don’t overmix!
7. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and half of the mini marshmallows. Set aside the rest of the marshmallows for topping.
Baking Process
8. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Sprinkle the reserved mini marshmallows on top of the dough. This gives a nice finish.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set center.
11. Once done, cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
12. After cooling completely, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your tasty S’mores Cookie Bars! For the full experience, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cookie Bars
To make the best S’mores Cookie Bars, use room temperature ingredients. This helps the dough mix well. Cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense texture. Always cream your butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This will give your bars a nice lift. Another tip is to avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until combined to keep the texture soft and chewy.
Serving Suggestions
When serving S’mores Cookie Bars, presentation is key. Place them on a rustic wooden board for a charming look. You can drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flair. Adding a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs around the bars adds a nice touch. For drinks, pair them with cold milk or hot chocolate. They also go well with coffee for an adult twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overbaking the bars. They should be golden around the edges but soft in the center. This ensures they remain chewy. Also, be careful with the type of chocolate you use. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate works best. Dark chocolate can be too bitter for this sweet treat. Follow these tips for perfect S’mores Cookie Bars every time!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make these S’mores Cookie Bars even more fun. Try different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste. White chocolate gives a sweet twist. Peanut butter chips also work great! You can even mix them all. Adding nuts brings extra crunch. Chopped pecans or walnuts can enhance the texture.
Dietary Substitutions
If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the bars soft and tasty. For those who want vegan treats, swap eggs and butter. Use a flax egg for eggs and coconut oil for butter. Both options work well and taste amazing.
Mini Versions
Want smaller treats? You can make mini S’mores Cookie Bars! Just scoop the dough into small balls. Bake them as bite-sized cookies. You can also press the dough into mini muffin tins. This gives you perfect little bites. They are great for sharing or snacking on the go.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your S’mores Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep the bars soft and chewy. You can keep them at room temperature for about three days. For longer freshness, place the container in the fridge. Just remember to let them warm up a bit before you enjoy them again.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze S’mores Cookie Bars for up to three months. To do this, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy some, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This warms them up and makes them gooey again!
Shelf Life
At room temperature, S’mores Cookie Bars last about three days. If you store them in the fridge, they stay fresh for about a week. This makes it easy to enjoy them for longer!
FAQs
How do I know when S’mores Cookie Bars are done?
You can tell when S’mores Cookie Bars are done by checking the edges. They should turn a nice golden brown. The center should feel set but still soft. Stick a toothpick in the middle; it should come out mostly clean. This means your cookie bars are ready to enjoy!
Can I make S’mores Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make S’mores Cookie Bars ahead of time! Prepare the dough and place it in the pan. Cover it well and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready, just bake them as usual. If you want to reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
What should I serve with S’mores Cookie Bars?
S’mores Cookie Bars pair well with milk or hot chocolate. For a fun twist, serve them with ice cream. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate on top for extra sweetness. If you want a fruity touch, serve with sliced strawberries or raspberries.
S’mores Cookie Bars are easy and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients and simple steps, from mixing to baking. Remember to keep tips in mind for the best texture and flavor. You can even explore variations to fit your taste or dietary needs. Store them well for fresh bars later. Enjoy your delicious bars with friends and family. Embrace these tasty treats and share the joy of baking!
