S’mores cookie bars are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, combining the flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into a convenient and delicious bar form. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these bars offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 7-8 graham crackers (full, unbroken rectangles)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 2 regular-sized (1.55oz) Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, broken into squares
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 13×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides.
- Arrange graham crackers in a single layer to cover the bottom of the pan, breaking them into pieces as necessary to fit.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows until evenly distributed.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly over the graham crackers in the prepared pan, pressing down gently to form a flat layer. Sprinkle additional mini marshmallows on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cookie dough browns too quickly, cover the pan with foil to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and immediately place the Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar pieces on top of the warm bars, allowing them to melt slightly. Let the bars cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips:
- For easier cutting, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing.
- Customize your bars by adding crushed graham crackers or extra chocolate chips to the dough.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the irresistible combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows with these delectable s’mores cookie bars. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, dessert, or party treat, these bars are sure to please both kids and adults alike with their gooey, chocolatey goodness. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a delightful reminder of summer nights spent around the campfire, making memories with friends and family.
- Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, you can definitely experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your preferences. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolates like caramel or mint can add an interesting twist to the bars. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary depending on the type of chocolate you choose, so adjust the amount of sugar accordingly if needed. - Can I make substitutions for the graham crackers?
Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with other types of cookies or crackers if you prefer or if graham crackers are not available. Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies can work well as a base for these bars. Just ensure that the substitute cookies are sturdy enough to hold the cookie dough and toppings without becoming too soggy during baking. You may also consider crushing the substitute cookies into smaller pieces to create a similar texture to graham crackers. - How do I store leftover s’mores cookie bars?
To store leftover s’mores cookie bars, allow them to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If the weather is warm or if you live in a humid environment, you may want to store the bars in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming too soft or sticky. Properly stored, the bars can last for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the bars for longer-term storage. Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen s’mores cookie bars can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. - Can I make these s’mores cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free s’mores cookie bars by using gluten-free graham crackers or substituting the graham crackers with a gluten-free alternative, such as gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free cookies. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients used in the recipe, including the flour, chocolate chips, and marshmallows, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. Keep in mind that the texture and taste of the bars may vary slightly from the original recipe when using gluten-free ingredients, so you may need to adjust the baking time or add additional moisture to achieve the