Smores Cookie Bars

S’mores Cookie Bars are the ultimate dessert fusion, combining the nostalgic charm of a classic campfire s’more with the convenience and deliciousness of a chewy chocolate chip cookie bar. If the thought of gooey toasted marshmallow, rich milk chocolate, and crisp graham cracker layers makes your mouth water, then prepare to fall head over heels for these irresistible bars. Featuring a sturdy graham cracker crust, a generous layer of melt-in-your-mouth Hershey’s milk chocolate, and a creamy marshmallow filling, all crowned with a delectable cookie crumble, these bars are designed to hit every sweet spot.

These magnificent S’mores Bars capture the essence of the beloved outdoor treat, bringing all its delightful components indoors for year-round enjoyment. No campfire? No problem! You can savor this decadent dessert anytime, anywhere, making it a perfect addition to any gathering, celebration, or simply as a comforting treat for yourself. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will transport you straight back to cozy evenings by the fire.

Indulge in Year-Round S’mores: Why These Bars Are a Must-Try

There’s something truly magical about s’mores, but the traditional campfire method isn’t always feasible. That’s where these S’mores Cookie Bars step in, offering all the beloved flavors and textures in a convenient, portable, and utterly delicious form. I recently re-baked and re-photographed this incredible chocolate and marshmallow dessert after a touching request from a dear friend. Her daughter was getting married in Michigan, and they wanted to serve these bars at a pre-wedding event at their stunning lakeside home. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive – imagine enjoying these glorious bars while watching a beautiful sunset over the water! It’s moments like these that truly highlight the special charm of this recipe.

• Effortless Entertainment: These bars are a fantastic dessert choice for any occasion, from casual summer picnics and backyard barbecues to festive holiday parties and even elegant pre-wedding gatherings. Their grab-and-go nature makes serving a breeze, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests.
• Superior to Traditional S’mores: While classic s’mores hold a special place in our hearts, these cookie bars offer a refined, less messy experience. They boast all the iconic s’mores components—graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow—but can be easily picked up and eaten, or elegantly plated with a fork. Many even prefer them to the traditional version due to their unique texture and balanced flavor profile.
• A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: S’mores are universally loved, and transforming them into a cookie bar only amplifies their appeal. Both kids and adults alike will adore the familiar flavors in this exciting new format. They are a guaranteed hit and will disappear quickly from any dessert table!
• No Campfire Required: Enjoy the taste of summer camping trips without the smoke, fire, or sticky fingers. These bars bring the cozy, nostalgic flavors of s’mores right into your kitchen, making them accessible all year long, regardless of the weather.
• Versatile and Adaptable: While perfect as is, these bars also offer room for customization. You can experiment with different types of chocolate, add nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors. Their inherent versatility makes them a joy to bake and a delight to eat.

If you’re a fan of s’mores-inspired treats, be sure to explore other delightful variations such as our S’mookies (S’mores Cookies), decadent S’mores Brownies with Graham Cracker Crust, and the incredibly easy S’mores Dessert Dip. Each offers a unique spin on the beloved classic!

Key Ingredients for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

Crafting the perfect S’mores Cookie Bar starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Quality and preparation make a significant difference in the final taste and texture.

• Kitchen Staples: Sugar, Flour, Salt – These fundamental ingredients form the backbone of the cookie bar dough. Use all-purpose flour for a tender crumb, granulated sugar for sweetness, and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors and enhance the chocolate.
• Butter – Always use unsalted butter at room temperature. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light and airy base for your cookie dough. It also contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture of the bars.
• Egg – A large egg, also at room temperature, acts as a binder, adding moisture and structure to the cookie dough. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, ensuring a smooth and consistent batter.
• Vanilla Extract – Opt for real vanilla extract for the best flavor. Its warm, aromatic notes complement the chocolate and marshmallow beautifully, elevating the overall taste of the bars. Avoid imitation vanilla for superior results.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs – You can purchase pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs for convenience, or easily make your own by pulsing whole graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground. These crumbs are crucial for both the delicious base and the crumbly topping, providing that authentic s’mores flavor.
• Baking Powder – This leavening agent helps the cookie dough rise slightly and achieve a desirable texture. Always check the expiration date, as baking powder can lose its potency over time. A quick freshness test: drop a spoonful into hot water; if it bubbles vigorously, it’s still active and ready to work its magic.
• Milk Chocolate Hershey Bars – The classic choice for s’mores! Five standard-sized Hershey bars provide the quintessential melty chocolate layer. Their familiar, creamy milk chocolate flavor is essential for capturing the true s’mores experience. You can break them into squares or chunks.
• Marshmallow Creme – A 7-ounce jar of marshmallow creme is the key to achieving that soft, gooey, melted marshmallow layer without the stickiness of traditional toasted marshmallows. It spreads easily and bakes into a delightfully fluffy, sweet filling.
• Chocolate Chips – An optional but highly recommended addition. Pressing a few tablespoons of chocolate chips into the top of the cookie dough before baking adds extra pockets of melted chocolate and a lovely visual appeal, hinting at the decadent layers within.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your S’mores Cookie Bars

Creating these delightful S’mores Cookie Bars is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these visual steps to assemble your layers of pure deliciousness:

Pro Tips for Baking S’mores Cookie Bars Success

Baking these S’mores Cookie Bars is a joyful experience, and with a few expert tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time. These insights will help you streamline the process and achieve the best possible results.

• The Ease of Cookie Bars: One of the greatest advantages of making cookie bars is their sheer convenience. Forget the tedious process of scooping, rolling, and baking individual cookies on multiple sheets. With bars, you simply press the dough into a baking pan and pop it into the oven. While layered bars like these require a tiny bit more assembly, the overall effort is significantly reduced compared to traditional cookies.
• Streamlined Dough Preparation: For this specific recipe, the base layer and the crumble topping are made from the same versatile cookie dough mixture. This clever approach saves you an extra step in preparation and reduces the number of dishes you’ll need to wash. Plus, the filling—composed of delicious chocolate bars and marshmallow creme—requires no additional mixing bowls, making cleanup even simpler.
• Lining Your Baking Pan: To guarantee easy removal and cleanup, I highly recommend lining your baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil. This special foil prevents the bars from sticking to the pan, ensuring they lift out effortlessly once cooled. If non-stick foil isn’t available, regular aluminum foil works just as well; simply remember to spray it thoroughly with your favorite non-stick cooking spray before pressing in the dough.
• PRO Tip: The Foil Sling Method: Besides preventing sticking, lining your pan with foil creates a convenient “sling.” After the bars have completely cooled, you can use the foil overhang to gently lift the entire slab out of the pan. This makes transferring the bars to a cutting board for neat slicing incredibly easy and keeps your pan sparkling clean.
• Taming Sticky Marshmallow Creme: Spreading marshmallow creme can be a bit challenging due to its sticky nature. To achieve a smooth, even layer over the chocolate, a simple trick is to use a wet knife or an offset spatula that has been dipped in warm water. The moisture on the blade helps the marshmallow creme glide smoothly without sticking, making the process much more manageable.
• Achieving the Perfect Topping: The first time I baked this recipe, I completely covered the marshmallow creme with the remaining cookie dough. However, I’ve found that allowing some of the marshmallow to peek through the top creates a visually appealing “toasted” effect and adds to the rustic charm of the bars. Additionally, sprinkling a few extra chocolate chips over the top hints at the delicious chocolate layer hidden beneath the surface, making them even more enticing. If you prefer a flatter, more stackable bar, gently press down on the scattered dough bits before baking to create a more even surface.
• Cooling is Crucial: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to baking bars! Allow your S’mores Cookie Bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to lift them out or cut them. This ensures that the chocolate and marshmallow layers have set properly, preventing a gooey mess and allowing for clean, defined slices. Rushing this step can result in crumbling bars.
• Storage Suggestions: Once cooled and cut, store your S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you’re planning to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Rest assured, every batch of these bars has received the enthusiastic seal of approval from my entire family. Not that I ever doubted it, but it’s always nice to have a consensus!

Explore More S’mores-Inspired Delights

If you’re as enamored with the s’mores flavor profile as we are, you’ll love these other fantastic s’mores-inspired dessert recipes from our kitchen and beyond. Each offers a unique way to enjoy that classic combination of graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow!

• Pretzel S’mores Bites, from Erin at Well Plated – These addictive, bite-sized treats offer a delightful salty-sweet crunch that you won’t be able to resist.
• S’mores Eclair Cake, from Jennifer at Princess Pinky Girl – A luscious, layered no-bake dessert featuring creamy marshmallow, rich chocolate frosting, and a light eclair base for an elegant twist.
• S’mores Cookie Cake – A giant, shareable cookie cake loaded with all the s’mores goodness, perfect for celebrations.
• S’mores Cream Puffs – Light and airy cream puffs filled with a s’mores-flavored cream, offering a sophisticated take on the classic.
• S’mores Ice Cream Sundae – A delightful cold treat layered with s’mores components, ideal for cooling down on a warm day.
• For even more sweet ideas, browse our collection of Best Dessert Recipes.
• And if you love the convenience of bar desserts, check out our extensive range of Cookie Bars Recipes.

We genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring this S’mores Cookie Bars recipe as much as we do! This recipe was originally published in March 2016, and we’ve recently refreshed it with updated photos and expanded text to provide you with the best possible baking experience.

The Recipe:

S’mores Cookie Bars

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes

Yield
16 bars

These decadent Cookie Bars combine all the magnificent flavors of classic s’mores into an easy-to-make, portable dessert. Enjoy gooey marshmallow, melty milk chocolate, and a buttery graham cracker cookie crust anytime, no campfire needed!

Ingredients

• 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 5 standard-sized Hershey’s milk chocolate bars
• 1 (7-ounce) jar of marshmallow creme
• 3 tablespoons chocolate chips, optional (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to create a “sling” for easy removal. If using regular foil, spray it thoroughly with cooking spray.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Form the Base Layer: Take about half of the prepared cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your lined 8-inch baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to create a firm, smooth layer.
6. Add Chocolate and Marshmallow: Arrange the Hershey’s milk chocolate bars in a single layer over the pressed cookie dough base. Open the jar of marshmallow creme and dollop spoonfuls of it over the chocolate layer. For easier spreading, use a knife or offset spatula that has been dipped in warm water. Gently spread the marshmallow creme evenly over the chocolate.
7. Top with Crumble: Crumble the remaining half of the cookie dough over the marshmallow layer. You can choose to completely cover the marshmallow creme or leave some openings to allow the marshmallow to peek through and get lightly toasted. Gently press the dough crumbs down lightly if you prefer a more even, stackable surface.
8. Optional Chocolate Chips: If desired, sprinkle a few tablespoons of chocolate chips over the top of the crumbled dough for an extra chocolatey finish.
9. Bake and Cool: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the edges are set. The marshmallow layer will be bubbly. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. Cooling is essential for the layers to set properly.
10. Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into 16 squares. Clean the knife periodically for neat slices. Serve and enjoy your homemade S’mores Cookie Bars!

Notes

This recipe yields 16 delicious bars. You can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9 x 13-inch pan for a larger batch.

Recipe adapted from a beloved family favorite, Hugs and Cookies.

For best results, ensure all cold ingredients like butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them cream together smoothly, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cookie dough.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1 bar

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 265Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 153mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 3g

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