S’mores Cookie Bars Easy Gooey Dessert Recipe

Name: S’mores Cookie Bars Easy Gooey Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150 g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (120 g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full graham crackers); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (180 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 heaping cup marshmallow creme

Pin1

1 Shares

Jump to Recipe

A batch of S’mores Cookie Bars always reminds me of late summer nights and sticky fingers around a campfire. However, instead of smoke and roasting sticks, these bars bring that same flavor right into your kitchen. Each bite blends chocolate, graham cracker cookie dough, and gooey marshmallow in one cozy dessert.

The Classic S’mores Flavor in an Easy Dessert Bar

Traditional campfire treats taste wonderful, yet they can feel messy and slow to prepare. However, S’mores Cookie Bars turn those familiar flavors into a simple baked dessert.

Instead of assembling each s’more one by one, you layer graham cracker cookie dough, marshmallow creme, and chocolate chips in a pan. Then the oven does the rest. As a result, you get all the flavors of a campfire treat in neat dessert bars.

Soft, Chewy, and Gooey Texture Everyone Loves

Texture makes these bars special. The graham cracker cookie dough bakes into a soft and slightly crumbly base.

Meanwhile, the marshmallow creme melts into a gooey layer that stretches with every bite. At the same time, chocolate chips soften into little pockets of rich sweetness. Together, they create the irresistible texture that makes S’mores Cookie Bars disappear fast.

Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert for Parties and Gatherings

These bars also work well when you need a dessert ahead of time. You can bake them earlier in the day or even the night before.

Once cooled, the bars slice easily and travel well. Because of that, S’mores Cookie Bars make a great choice for potlucks, birthday parties, bake sales, or weekend family dinners.

The Inspiration Behind This Campfire-Inspired Dessert

Classic s’mores combine toasted marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers. Campfires create the magic.

However, bakers wanted a version that worked anytime. So dessert lovers started baking S’mores Cookie Bars, which recreate those flavors using graham cracker cookie dough instead of plain crackers.

What Makes These Bars Different from Traditional S’mores

Traditional s’mores require roasting marshmallows and assembling each sandwich.

In contrast, S’mores Cookie Bars layer everything into a baking pan. The dough forms a cookie base while marshmallow creme and chocolate chips melt inside. Because of this method, the bars turn soft, chewy, and slightly crumbly after baking.

Cookie Dough Base Ingredients

To create the graham cracker cookie dough, gather the following ingredients:

1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 graham crackers)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

These ingredients form a soft cookie dough that tastes like graham crackers with a caramel hint from the brown sugar.

Marshmallow and Chocolate Filling

The filling brings the classic s’mores flavor.

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 heaping cup marshmallow creme

Marshmallow creme spreads easily and melts smoothly, so it creates a thick gooey layer inside the bars.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Oven

First, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Meanwhile, line an 8 inch or 9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

Leave some parchment hanging over the sides. Later, this helps lift the S’mores Cookie Bars out of the pan.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar

Next, place softened butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.

Beat the mixture for about three minutes until it becomes smooth and fluffy. This step builds the soft cookie texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla for Flavor

Then add the egg and vanilla extract.

Mix again until everything blends smoothly. Also scrape the bowl if needed so the ingredients combine evenly.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Meanwhile, in another bowl combine:

flour
graham cracker crumbs
baking powder
salt

Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Form the Sticky Graham Cracker Cookie Dough

Next add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.

Stir until a sticky dough forms. The dough should feel soft and slightly thick.

Step 6: Press the Dough Base into the Pan

Now press about two thirds of the dough into the prepared pan.

Use your hands or a spatula to create a thin, even layer. The dough may feel sticky, which is normal for S’mores Cookie Bars.

Step 7: Add Marshmallow Creme and Chocolate Chips

Next spread the marshmallow creme evenly over the dough layer.

Then sprinkle chocolate chips across the marshmallow layer.

Step 8: Add the Top Dough Layer

Flatten small portions of the remaining dough.

Place these pieces across the chocolate layer. Leave small gaps so some chocolate and marshmallow stay visible after baking.

Step 9: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes.

The top should turn lightly golden and the edges should look set.

Step 10: Cool Completely and Slice into Bars

After baking, allow the pan to cool completely on a rack.

Then lift the parchment out and cut the S’mores Cookie Bars into squares.

Stacked s’mores cookie bars with marshmallow and melted chocolate — Soft and gooey stacked S’mores Cookie Bars with melted chocolate and marshmallow.

Why Marshmallow Creme Works Better Than Marshmallows

Regular marshmallows melt into the dough during baking. As a result, they disappear instead of forming a layer.

However, marshmallow creme stays soft and spreadable. Because of this, S’mores Cookie Bars keep their gooey center.

How to Handle the Sticky Dough Easily

The dough often feels sticky because of the graham cracker crumbs and butter.

However, lightly wetting your fingers or using parchment paper makes pressing the dough much easier.

How to Get Clean, Neat Bar Slices

Cooling fully helps the bars set.

Then use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts. As a result, your S’mores Cookie Bars will have clean edges.

Variations and Substitutions

Using Digestive Biscuits Instead of Graham Crackers

Sometimes graham crackers are hard to find.

In that case, finely crushed digestive biscuits work well. They create a similar flavor and texture in the cookie dough.

Trying Different Chocolate Options

Semi sweet chocolate chips create a balanced sweetness.

However, milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars also work well in S’mores Cookie Bars.

Doubling the Recipe for a Larger Pan

If you need more servings, double the recipe.

Bake the bars in a 9 by 13 inch pan instead. Then increase the baking time to about 35 to 38 minutes.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store S’mores Cookie Bars at Room Temperature

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature.

They stay fresh for up to one week.

How to Freeze the Bars for Later

These bars freeze very well.

First cool them fully. Then slice and layer them with parchment in an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months.

Best Way to Thaw and Serve

Place frozen S’mores Cookie Bars in the refrigerator overnight.

By the next day they will thaw perfectly and taste just as soft and chewy.

Recipe Overview and Baking Details

Prep Time, Bake Time, and Yield

Prep time: about 15 minutes
Bake time: about 25 minutes
Total time: about 3 hours including cooling
Yield: about 16 bars

Each serving contains roughly 280 calories, 14 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 22 g sugar, and 3 g protein.

Texture, Flavor, and Serving Suggestions

These S’mores Cookie Bars taste rich, chocolatey, and lightly caramel flavored.

The texture stays soft and chewy with pockets of melted chocolate and gooey marshmallow. Serve them slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

More Such Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cookie is used for S Mores?

Classic s’mores use graham crackers rather than cookies. However, S’mores Cookie Bars use a graham cracker cookie dough that recreates the same flavor in baked form.

What is a smore bar?

A s’more bar is a dessert that layers graham cracker cookie dough, marshmallow filling, and chocolate in a baking pan. After baking, the dessert is sliced into bars.

What are they called s mores?

The name “s’mores” comes from the phrase “some more.” People loved the campfire treat so much that they always asked for another one.

What chocolate bars do you use for S Mores?

Milk chocolate bars are the traditional choice. However, many recipes, including S’mores Cookie Bars, use semi sweet chocolate chips because they balance sweetness nicely.

S’mores cookie bars cut into squares with marshmallow and chocolate chips — Freshly baked S’mores Cookie Bars with gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

Few desserts capture cozy nostalgia like S’mores Cookie Bars. They bring together chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker flavors in one soft and gooey dessert.

Best of all, they bake easily in a single pan. So whenever you crave a campfire style treat without leaving the kitchen, these bars deliver that sweet comfort every time.

For more dessert inspiration and baking ideas, follow along here:
https://www.pinterest.com/kai_recipes/
https://web.facebook.com/kairecipe/

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These S’mores Cookie Bars