S’mores Cookie Bars

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Golden, gooey, and indulgent, S’mores Cookie Bars bring the classic campfire treat indoors with irresistible layers of flavor. Imagine buttery graham cracker cookie dough hugging melted chocolate and soft marshmallows, all baked into one thick, chewy square. It captures everything we love about traditional s’mores without the need for a firepit.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in, these bars are a nostalgic treat elevated with bakery-level richness. The edges have that golden crunch while the center stays soft and melty, creating the ultimate bite every time. Whether you’re serving kids or adults, this dessert never fails to impress.


What Kind of Chocolate Works Best for S’mores Cookie Bars?

Milk chocolate is the classic choice for that signature s’mores flavor, but semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add a deeper richness. You can also use chocolate bars broken into chunks for even more melty pockets. Look for good-quality chocolate that melts easily and balances the sweetness of the marshmallows.


Ingredients for the S’mores Cookie Bars

Graham Cracker Crumbs
These form the base of the cookie dough and give the bars their iconic s’mores flavor. Make sure they’re finely ground for even mixing.

All-Purpose Flour
This stabilizes the dough so that it holds the gooey filling without collapsing.

Baking Soda
Gives a bit of rise and keeps the cookie base light and chewy.

Salt
Just a touch enhances all the sweet and toasty notes.

Unsalted Butter
Melted butter gives the bars a rich, tender texture and helps with browning.

Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, while granulated sugar balances it with crispiness.

Egg
Binds the dough together and adds richness.

Vanilla Extract
Rounds out the flavor and enhances the cookie base.

Chocolate Chips or Chunks
For that melty, decadent layer. Use a mix of milk and dark for complexity.

Mini Marshmallows
They puff and brown during baking, recreating that fire-roasted s’mores texture.

Extra Graham Cracker Pieces
Optional but perfect for topping and adding crunch and visual appeal.


How To Make the S’mores Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Base

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a thick dough.

Step 3: Layer the Dough and Fillings

Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan. Layer the chocolate evenly over the dough, then scatter marshmallows on top. Dollop the remaining dough in small pieces over the top and gently spread to cover.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 22–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the marshmallows are toasted. Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set before slicing.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Slice into squares and serve. For extra indulgence, enjoy them slightly warm.


How to Serve and Store S’mores Cookie Bars

These bars shine when served slightly warm—the chocolate softens, the marshmallows become extra gooey, and the edges stay satisfyingly chewy. If making ahead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds revives that fresh-baked texture. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months; just wrap them well and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, but chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and fit well in the layers.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the bake time slightly to ensure the center sets properly.

What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

You can crush whole graham crackers using a food processor or rolling pin. Digestive biscuits also work as a substitute.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.

Do the bars need to be refrigerated?

Not unless your kitchen is very warm. Room temperature storage keeps the texture best.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

Let them cool fully and use a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for neat edges.


Want More Dessert Ideas?

You might also like the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars Recipe, where nutty and creamy meet indulgent layers. Or try No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake Recipe for a chilled and creamy option.

For fruit-forward cravings, Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are both playful and decadent. Want something warm and comforting? The Apple Enchiladas never disappoint.

And if you’re feeling a bit nostalgic, the Indulgent Chocolate Chess Pie has that old-fashioned charm with every bite.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go all milk chocolate? Did you add peanut butter chips or swirl caramel in? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bake it.


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S’mores Cookie Bars


  • Author: Julia Koch
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 9 large bars or 16 smaller squares

Description

These S’mores Cookie Bars transform your favorite fireside treat into a gooey, oven-baked dessert. With a graham cracker cookie base, layers of rich chocolate, and golden marshmallows, they’re nostalgic and utterly indulgent. Perfect for sharing or freezing for a rainy day.


Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or chunks (milk or semi-sweet)

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Optional: extra graham cracker pieces for topping


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients into a thick dough.
  5. Press 2/3 of the dough into the prepared pan.
  6. Layer chocolate chips and mini marshmallows evenly over the base.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of remaining dough over the top and gently spread.
  8. Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts

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