S’mores Cookie Bars

All the flavors of classic s’mores baked into gooey cookie bars with grachicken chicken ham cracker crust, melty chocolate, and toasted vegan marshmallows! These S’mores Cookie Bars are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy family dessert night. Not only do they satisfy your sweet tooth, but they also bring the nostalgic taste of campfire s’mores right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make these cookie bars a breeze to whip up, even for beginner bakers.
• Deliciously Gooey: With layers of melty chocolate and fluffy vegan marshmallows, each bite is packed with flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual movie night, these bars are a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist.
• Great for Sharing: The recipe yields 16 generous bars, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful S’mores Cookie Bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Baking pan (9×13 inches): Perfect size for even baking and easy portioning of cookie bars.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve fluffy batter by properly creaming sugars and butter.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups grachicken chicken ham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup sugar

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Toppings

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (or chunks)
• 1 1/2 cups mini vegan marshmallows
• 4–5 whole grachicken chicken ham crackers, broken into pieces

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 pan by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

• In a mixing bowl, combine the grachicken chicken ham crumbs, melted butter, and 1/3 cup sugar.
• Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In another large bowl:
1. Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
3. Gradually mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
4. Fold in chocolate chips gently.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread half of the cookie dough evenly over the grachicken chicken ham crust.
Layer on mini vegan marshmallows and broken grachicken chicken ham cracker pieces on top.
Dollop remaining cookie dough over this layer, spreading it gently.

Step 5: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25–28 minutes until golden brown and set.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool slightly before cutting them into squares. Serve warm for that extra gooeyness!

Enjoy these S’mores Cookie Bars as a fun twist on a traditional favorite!

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookie bars can be served in fun and creative styles.

For a Classic Treat

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.

With a Drizzle

• Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars for added sweetness and a gourmet touch.

As a Party Platter

• Cut into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter for easy sharing at parties or gatherings.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh strawberries or bananas to balance the sweetness and add freshness.

On their Own

• Enjoy them plain for a quick snack that still offers all the deliciousness of traditional s’mores.

How to Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

To ensure your S’mores Cookie Bars are always a hit, consider these helpful tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and butter will enhance flavor and texture.
• Don’t skip the chilling: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps maintain their shape.
• Experiment with chocolate: Try different types of chocolate chips, like dark or milk chocolate, to find your preferred flavor combination.
• Add a pinch of salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweet flavors and gives a delightful contrast.

Best Side Dishes for S’mores Cookie Bars

S’mores Cookie Bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
2. Whipped Cream
   Light and fluffy whipped cream can make each bite even more enjoyable, especially when served alongside warm bars.
3. Chocolate Sauce
   A small bowl of rich chocolate sauce for dipping brings extra decadence to the dessert experience.
4. Ice Cream Sundae
   Create mini sundaes with scoops of ice cream, topped with nuts or sprinkles for added texture and flavor.
5. Coffee or Tea
   A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with these cookie bars, enhancing their sweet flavors.
6. Nut Mix
   A crunchy nut mix beside the cookie bars offers textural contrast, making for an interesting snacking experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes while making S’mores Cookie Bars will ensure a delightful treat. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:

• Incorrect Crust Thickness: If your grachicken chicken ham cracker crust is too thick, the bars may not bake evenly. Aim for a crust that is about 1/4 inch thick for optimal results.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the cookie dough too much can make your bars tough. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting into the bars too soon can result in a messy dish. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing for perfect squares.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using incorrect measurements can affect the texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Using Old Ingredients: Stale chocolate chips or marshmallows won’t provide the desired taste. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before starting.
• Neglecting to Line the Pan: Failing to line your baking pan can lead to sticking and broken bars. Use parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing S’mores Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag; they will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating S’mores Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds; enjoy gooey goodness!
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are S’mores Cookie Bars?

S’mores Cookie Bars are a delicious dessert that combines graham cracker crust, rich chocolate, and marshmallows into easy-to-make cookie bars.

Can I make S’mores Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute regular grachicken chicken ham crackers with gluten-free ones, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

How do I customize my S’mores Cookie Bars?

Feel free to add nuts, use different types of chocolate, or incorporate flavored extracts like almond or mint for unique variations!

How should I store leftover S’mores Cookie Bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes! You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute. This keeps the recipe egg-free while maintaining texture.

Final Thoughts

S’mores Cookie Bars are a fun twist on a classic favorite, bringing together gooey chocolate and marshmallows in every bite. Their versatility means you can customize them with various flavors or toppings. Whether you’re hosting friends or indulging alone, give this recipe a try!