S’mores Cookie Bars bring all the nostalgic flavors of a classic campfire treat into an easy-to-make dessert bar. With a buttery graham cracker cookie base, gooey marshmallow creme, and rich chocolate chips, these bars deliver the perfect balance of chewy, soft, and crunchy textures. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday gathering, or weekend baking project, S’mores Cookie Bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of classic s’mores without a campfire
- Soft, chewy, and gooey texture in every bite
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, and bake sales
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Great make-ahead dessert
- Rich chocolate and marshmallow flavor
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 heaping cup marshmallow creme
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 for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until light and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the marshmallow creme over the dough layer.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly across the marshmallow layer.
- Flatten pieces of the remaining dough and place them over the chocolate chips. Some chocolate and marshmallow will remain visible.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Tricks
- Lightly grease your spatula before spreading the marshmallow creme.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it becomes too sticky.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
- Add mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra gooeyness.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
Notes
- Both light and dark brown sugar work well.
- Graham cracker crumbs can be homemade or store-bought.
- For extra chocolate flavor, mix milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Marshmallow creme creates a smoother texture than regular marshmallows.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Bar)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 20g
FAQ
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of marshmallow creme?
Yes, but marshmallow creme creates a more even and gooey layer. Mini marshmallows may melt differently.
How do I keep S’mores Cookie Bars soft?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes. Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
What size baking pan should I use?
An 8-inch square pan creates thicker bars, while a 9-inch square pan produces slightly thinner bars.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Absolutely. Milk chocolate provides a more traditional s’mores flavor.
Why is my dough sticky?
The dough is naturally soft. Chilling it briefly can make it easier to handle.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 10 days for extended freshness.
Freezer
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Thawing
Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving.
Similar Recipes
S’mores Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 heaping cup marshmallow creme
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 for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until light and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the marshmallow creme over the dough layer.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly across the marshmallow layer.
- Flatten pieces of the remaining dough and place them over the chocolate chips. Some chocolate and marshmallow will remain visible.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Both light and dark brown sugar work well.
- Graham cracker crumbs can be homemade or store-bought.
- For extra chocolate flavor, mix milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Marshmallow creme creates a smoother texture than regular marshmallows.
Conclusion
S’mores Cookie Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the classic combination of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Easy to make and packed with gooey, chewy goodness, these bars deliver all the flavor of traditional s’mores in a convenient handheld treat. Make a batch for your next gathering and watch them disappear.