Smore Cookie Bars have this magical ability to transport me right back to childhood campfires, even when I’m just making them in my own kitchen. I remember one summer, my dad surprised us with a batch of these gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy delights, and they were an instant hit. The smell of toasted marshmallows and rich chocolate filling the house is just pure happiness. These easy smores cookie bars are so simple to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion. Seriously, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that tastes like a dream, these homemade smores cookie bars are it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Smore Cookie Bars

You’re going to adore these delightful bars for so many reasons:

The taste is pure nostalgia – a perfect blend of chewy cookie, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallow.
They are incredibly quick to prepare, making these easy smores cookie bars a weeknight dessert winner.
While they’re a treat, they’re surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
These bars are a huge hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for any family gathering.
You get that classic campfire flavor without needing a bonfire!
The texture is divine – you’ll especially love how wonderfully chewy smores cookie bars turn out.
They’re a fantastic portable dessert for picnics, parties, or bake sales.
They offer a satisfying sweetness that perfectly complements milk chocolate and graham crackers.

Smores Cookie Bar Ingredients

Gathering these simple smores cookie bar ingredients is the first step to pure dessert bliss. I always make sure my butter is perfectly softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture. The packed brown sugar is key for that wonderfully moist and chewy base, while the mini marshmallows become gorgeously gooey when baked. You’ll need:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened – this makes creaming with sugar easy and creates a tender crumb.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar – for sweetness and structure.
1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar – adds moisture and a caramel-like depth.
1 large egg – binds everything together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the sweet flavors.
1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour – the foundation of our cookie base.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps the bars rise slightly.
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
1 cup (170g) milk chocolate chips – for that essential melty chocolate layer.
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows – they toast up beautifully for that s’mores magic.
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs – brings in the classic graham cracker flavor.

Amazing Smore Cookie Bars: 10-Minute Prep - Smore Cookie Bars - additional detail

How to Make Smore Cookie Bars

Let’s dive into how to make smores cookie bars that are perfectly gooey and delicious. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, bringing that campfire magic right into your kitchen. Get ready for some serious dessert satisfaction!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the bars out so much easier later!
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup (113g) softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates the perfect tender base for our bars.
Step 3: Beat in the 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This dry mix ensures your bars have the right texture.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; we want tender bars, not tough ones!
Step 6: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. This forms the delicious bottom crust of your chocolate graham cracker cookie bars.
Step 7: Bake this base for 10 minutes. You’ll see it start to set up slightly.
Step 8: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the 1 cup (170g) milk chocolate chips evenly over the partially baked cookie base.
Step 9: Generously top the chocolate chips with the 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows and then the 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs.
Step 10: Crumble the remaining cookie dough loosely over the marshmallow and graham cracker layer. Don’t worry about covering it perfectly; a rustic look is part of the charm!
Step 11: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for the marshmallows to be beautifully golden brown and the cookie dough to be set and lightly golden. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
Step 12: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for them to set properly. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out. Cut into bars and enjoy your amazing homemade smores cookie bar recipe!

Amazing Smore Cookie Bars: 10-Minute Prep - Smore Cookie Bars - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Smore Cookie Bars Recipe

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for these bars is simple with a few insider tricks. I’ve found these tips make all the difference in creating truly standout treats that everyone will rave about. Follow these and you’ll be well on your way to dessert perfection!

For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your graham cracker crumbs in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the bars.
Don’t overbake the cookie base! It only needs 10 minutes to set slightly before adding the toppings.
Use a kitchen torch to perfectly toast your marshmallows for that authentic campfire char, or pop them under the broiler for a minute, watching VERY closely.

What’s the secret to perfect chewy smores cookie bars?

The secret to perfectly chewy smores cookie bars lies in the brown sugar and not overmixing the dough. Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture and chewiness. Mixing the dough just until combined prevents developing too much gluten, which can lead to tougher bars. For more on baking science, check out King Arthur Baking’s ingredient properties.

Can I make smores cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. For the complete bars, let them cool completely, then store at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 3 days. If you’re looking for other make-ahead dessert ideas, consider these easy cinnamon rolls.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade smores cookie bars?

A common mistake is overbaking, which dries out the cookie base and makes the marshmallows hard. Another pitfall is overmixing the dough, leading to tough bars. Lastly, make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best cookie texture. Understanding ingredient temperatures is key, much like when making buttermilk pancakes.

Best Ways to Serve Smore Cookie Bars

These delightful dessert smores cookie bars are fantastic on their own, but I love serving them in a few special ways. For a truly decadent experience, try warming them slightly before serving. A quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave brings back that gooey chocolate and marshmallow magic. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, of course, but I also think a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside them is pure heaven. Imagine that warm, chewy bar melting into cold, creamy ice cream – it’s divine! For a similar comforting dessert, try our berry crumble.

Nutrition Facts for Smore Cookie Bars

Let’s take a look at the approximate nutritional breakdown for these delicious smores cookie bar treats. Knowing the details can help you fit them into your overall eating plan.

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Smore Cookie Bars

Properly storing your delicious smores cookie bars ensures they stay fresh and gooey. Once they’ve completely cooled in the pan, use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift them out. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need to keep them longer, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. They’re a fantastic make-ahead treat, perfect for when you crave these easy smores cookie bars without the fuss. For other make-ahead recipes, consider our homemade tomato sauce.

Reheating is simple and brings back that wonderful gooeyness. For a quick refresh, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer a slightly crisped edge, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and gooey again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smore Cookie Bars

What are smores cookie bars?

Smore cookie bars are a delightful dessert that captures all the classic flavors of campfire s’mores – graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow – in an easy-to-eat bar format. They typically feature a chewy cookie base, a layer of melty chocolate, and a toasted marshmallow topping, all baked together in a pan.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! While milk chocolate chips are traditional and melt beautifully, feel free to experiment. Dark chocolate chips offer a richer flavor, while semi-sweet chips provide a good balance. You could even try chopped chocolate bars or peanut butter chips for a twist! For a different chocolate experience, explore our pappardelle with beef ragu which uses a rich sauce.

Is there a smores bar recipe with cookie dough that doesn’t require baking?

While this recipe involves baking for that classic toasted marshmallow flavor, there are no-bake versions that use a cookie crumb base. However, for the signature gooey, slightly toasted marshmallow and set cookie texture, baking is usually preferred. This smores bar recipe with cookie dough offers that satisfying baked element.

How do I get the perfect marshmallow topping?

To get that perfect golden-brown, toasted marshmallow topping, you can either bake the bars until the marshmallows are just golden, or you can broil them for a minute or two at the very end, watching them extremely closely to prevent burning. A kitchen torch also works wonders for individual marshmallow browning!

Variations of Smore Cookie Bars You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, don’t be afraid to get creative with these smores cookie bar variations! These simple tweaks can transform your dessert game. For a richer, fudgier experience, consider making smores brownie cookie bars by adding cocoa powder to the cookie dough. If you’re looking for a lighter, cake-like texture, try transforming your recipe into smores blondie bars by omitting the cocoa and perhaps adding a touch more brown sugar. You can also swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile. For a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free flour blend and ensure your graham cracker crumbs are also gluten-free. If you enjoy baking with grains, you might find our article on barley interesting.