Introduction to S’mores Cookie Bars
Every bite of S’mores Cookie Bars takes you straight to a cozy campfire gathering, where sweet nostalgia meets gooey delight. These bars are not just about flavor; they boast a delightful combination of textures. Imagine the crunch of buttery graham crackers, the soft chewiness of cookie dough, and the silky smoothness of marshmallow crème—what's not to love?
What Makes S’mores Cookie Bars Irresistible?
These bars embody the spirit of s'mores without the mess of toasting marshmallows over an open flame. They're incredibly simple to whip up and come together in about 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for both spontaneous cravings and planned gatherings. Plus, each layer adds depth:
- Graham cracker crumbs provide a delightful crunch.
- A rich layer of chocolate chips brings a comfortingly sweet element.
- The marshmallow crème ensures every bar is luscious and gooey.
As you slice into these treats, the melted chocolate and soft marshmallow peek out, inviting you to take a bite. If you want to discover how to make these mouth-watering bars, read on! For additional baking tips, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction. This recipe is destined to become a favorite for gatherings with friends or cozy nights at home. Enjoy every delicious bite of these S’mores Cookie Bars!
Ingredients for S’mores Cookie Bars
Creating the perfect S’mores Cookie Bars requires some simple yet essential ingredients. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring these delightful treats to life!
- Unsalted Butter: Start with ½ cup (8 tablespoons or 113g), softened to room temperature. This is key for that perfectly creamy texture.
- Brown Sugar: You’ll need ¾ cup (150g), packed. This adds a deep, rich sweetness that complements the s'mores flavor.
- Egg: One large egg at room temperature helps bind the ingredients together, creating a deliciously chewy bar.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile, making each bite irresistible.
- All-Purpose Flour: One cup (125g), spooned and leveled, is needed for the cookie base. This gives structure to your bars.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use 1 cup (120g), which you can make from about 8 full-sheet graham crackers. This is a must for that authentic s’mores taste!
- Baking Powder and Salt: Just ½ teaspoon of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt enhance the flavors beautifully.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: One cup (180g) adds that melty, chocolatey goodness we all crave in a s'mores dessert.
- Marshmallow Creme: A heaping cup is perfect for that gooey marshmallow center. You can use store-bought “Fluff,” or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own homemade marshmallow creme.
Gather these ingredients and let’s create some S’mores Cookie Bars that will impress everything from new friends to date nights!
Preparing S’mores Cookie Bars
Making S’mores Cookie Bars is a delightful way to revisit childhood memories while indulging in a sweet treat that’s perfect for any gathering. Follow these simple steps to bring this delicious recipe to life.
Gather your ingredients
Before you get your hands doughy, it’s crucial to gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheets)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 heaping cup marshmallow creme
Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking pan with parchment paper! This ensures easy removal once your delectable creation is ready.
Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, you’ll want to cream the unsalted butter and brown sugar together. Beat them on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until it looks fluffy and smooth. It’s a fun step where all the magic begins! Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until combined. You might notice the mixture seems a bit curdled; don’t worry, that’s totally normal!
For extra tips on this step, you can check out this guide on how to cream butter and sugar.
Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. This combination not only binds the bars but also provides that essential graham cracker flavor. Gradually mix this dry blend into the creamed mixture at medium speed until everything is well combined. You’ll see it transform into a sticky yet heavenly dough.
Assemble your bars
Now comes the fun part: assembling your S’mores Cookie Bars. Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough into the prepared pan—don’t stress if it’s a bit uneven! Next, spread a layer of marshmallow creme on top carefully; it can be quite sticky. Then sprinkle your chocolate chips evenly. Finally, mold the remaining cookie dough into flat pieces atop the chocolate chips, letting some of the delicious layers peek through.
Bake to golden perfection
Place your creation in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the bars should be lightly golden brown when done. Once they’re baked to perfection, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely. This patience pays off big time when you finally cut into those gooey, chocolate-filled delights!
Now that you know how to prepare your S’mores Cookie Bars, you can enjoy this sweet adventure any time you want! Whether it's for a casual night in or a backyard get-together, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Variations on S’mores Cookie Bars
S’mores Cookie Bars with a Twist
Want to elevate your S’mores Cookie Bars experience? Try adding a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella to the marshmallow layer for a deliciously creamy surprise. You could also sprinkle in some chopped nuts for added crunch, or switch up the chocolate by using dark chocolate chips or white chocolate for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free S’mores Cookie Bars
For those following a gluten-free diet, creating S’mores Cookie Bars is simple! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the graham cracker crumbs are also gluten-free, which are available at many grocery stores or online. Enjoy the same gooey, sweet goodness without the gluten!
By exploring these variations, you'll find the perfect way to customize your cookie bars to suit every taste. Happy baking!
Cooking tips and notes for S’mores Cookie Bars
Creating the perfect S’mores Cookie Bars is a delightful experience! Here are some handy tips to ensure your bars turn out just right:
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy cookie dough, making for better texture.
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Sticky Marshmallow Creme: When spreading marshmallow creme, lightly spray your spatula with cooking spray to prevent sticking. It will make layering much easier!
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Graham Crackers: If you can’t find graham crackers, try using ground digestive biscuits. They yield a similar flavor and can be easier to find in some countries.
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Baking Pan Size: For larger gatherings, use a 9×13 inch pan and double the ingredients. Adjust the baking time to about 35-38 minutes for perfect bars.
Happy baking! If you'd like to learn more about baking tips, check out my favorite resources like King Arthur Baking or America's Test Kitchen.
Serving Suggestions for S’mores Cookie Bars
The S’mores Cookie Bars you've just baked are a decadent treat that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
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Ala Mode Delight: Serve warm bars topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic twist on dessert. The melting ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and gooey marshmallow.
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Dipping Option: Cut the bars into smaller pieces and serve with a side of chocolate sauce or melted peanut butter for dipping. This adds an interactive element to your dessert!
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S’mores Platter: Create a dessert platter by including additional graham crackers, chocolate squares, and mini marshmallows alongside your S’mores Cookie Bars for guests to customize their experience.
Pair these bars with a chilled glass of milk or a refreshing iced coffee for a fabulous afternoon snack. Enjoy!
Time Breakdown for S’mores Cookie Bars
Preparation Time
Getting ready to make your delicious S’mores Cookie Bars only takes about 15 minutes. It’s a simple process of gathering your ingredients and mixing them together.
Cooking Time
Once everything is prepped, you’ll pop those bars in the oven for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the top is that perfect light golden brown.
Total Time
Considering the cooling time, you’re looking at a total of 3 hours before you can indulge. But trust us; the wait is absolutely worth it! Enjoy with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a stellar treat.
For more tips and a deeper dive into the recipe process, check out Sally's Baking Addiction for step-by-step instructions!
Nutritional Facts for S’mores Cookie Bars
Calories
Each scrumptious serving of S’mores Cookie Bars packs an energizing 190 calories. Perfect for an afternoon treat, these bars will satisfy your cravings without overwhelming your daily intake.
Sugars
With about 13 grams of sugar per bar, the S’mores Cookie Bars can indulge your sweet tooth in a delightful way. Using marshmallow creme and semi-sweet chocolate chips gives them that nostalgic s'mores flavor.
Carbohydrates
These bars boast approximately 24 grams of carbohydrates, predominantly from the graham cracker crumbs and flour. This balance will keep you fueled, making them a delightful pick for a sweet snack during a busy day.
For more on understanding how to fit treats like these into a balanced diet, check out resources from Harvard Health and WebMD.
FAQ about S’mores Cookie Bars
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of marshmallow creme?
It's best to steer clear of using regular marshmallows in your S’mores Cookie Bars. While tempting, standard marshmallows tend to melt away into the dough, leaving behind unsightly “craters.” Instead, marshmallow creme holds its shape beautifully and contributes to that iconic s’mores texture. Trust us, it makes all the difference!
How do I store leftover S’mores Cookie Bars?
If you find yourself with leftovers (a big "if," since these bars are notoriously delicious), simply cover them and store at room temperature for up to one week. You can also place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and tasty.
Can I freeze S’mores Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! To freeze your S’mores Cookie Bars, allow them to cool completely, then cut them into squares. Layer the pieces between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-friendly container. They can be frozen for up to three months! When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bring back to room temperature before serving.
For more tips on cookie storage, check out this helpful guide.
Conclusion on S’mores Cookie Bars
In summary, these S’mores Cookie Bars are the ideal treat for any occasion. They blend classic flavors with an easy-to-make recipe, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and enjoy the deliciousness together! For more delightful recipes, check out Sally's Baking Addiction.
S’mores Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 8-inch square baking pan
- 9-inch Square Baking Pan
- Electric Mixer
- Glass Mixing Bowl
- whisk
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup light or dark brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned & leveled
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs about 8 full-sheet graham crackers
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 heaping cup marshmallow creme store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
- Whisk flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Pour into the wet ingredients and beat until combined.
- Press ⅔ of the dough into prepared pan. Spread marshmallow creme on top. Layer chocolate chips, then mold remaining dough into pieces over them.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
- Lift bars out using parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares.
- Cover and store leftovers at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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