Are you ready to satisfy your sweet cravings? S’mores Cookie Bars offer the classic campfire treat in an easy, delicious format. With gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and buttery cookie goodness, this recipe will steal your heart. I’ll guide you through simple steps to create the ultimate dessert. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore fun variations, these bars will become a favorite. Let’s dive into this irresistible treat!
Ingredients
List of essential ingredients for S’mores Cookie Bars
To make S’mores Cookie Bars, you need some key ingredients. Here’s the list:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
These ingredients come together to create a sweet and gooey treat.
Substitutions for common ingredients
You can make some easy swaps if you don’t have certain items. Here are a few ideas:
– Instead of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter. Just skip the added salt.
– If you want to cut sugar, try using coconut sugar. It has a nice flavor too.
– For eggs, you can use flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water.
– If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
These swaps keep your bars tasty and fun.
Optional toppings and add-ins
Want to make your S’mores Cookie Bars even better? Here are some tasty add-ins and toppings:
– You can add crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
– Try using white chocolate chips for a different taste.
– Consider drizzling caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.
– Add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors.
These options let you customize your bars to your liking. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps provided.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the baking dish and oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking. Next, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Grease it well with butter or line it with parchment paper. The parchment paper helps with easy removal later.
Mixing wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. Then, add in 2 large eggs one by one. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely flavor to your cookie bars.
Combining dry ingredients and forming the dough
In another bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly. Gradually add the dry mix to your wet mix. Stir just until combined; don’t overmix! Now, fold in 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Save some chocolate chips for the top.
Assembling and baking the layers
Pour half of your cookie dough into the prepared dish. Spread it out evenly. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of mini marshmallows over this layer. Top with the reserved chocolate chips. Now, take the rest of the cookie dough and dollop it on top. Spread it gently to cover as much as you can. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely before lifting them out and cutting into squares. Enjoy your S’mores Cookie Bars! For more details, check the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
How to achieve the perfect texture
To get the right texture for your S’mores Cookie Bars, focus on the butter. Use softened butter, not melted. This helps the bars stay chewy. Mix the sugars and butter well until light and fluffy. Don’t overmix the dough when adding dry ingredients. This keeps them tender. The addition of mini marshmallows adds a soft, gooey bite that makes each square even better.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is using cold butter. It won’t cream well with the sugars, leading to dense bars. Another error is overbaking. Keep an eye on your bars. You want them golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Also, don’t skip the step of reserving chocolate chips. They add a lovely finish on top.
Cooling and cutting suggestions
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This makes them easier to cut. If you used parchment paper, lift the whole thing out to cool. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. For cleaner cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This helps prevent sticking. For the best taste, serve them fresh, but they still taste great even after a few days. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details you need!
Variations
Alternative flavor combinations (e.g., peanut butter, mint)
You can twist the classic S’mores Cookie Bars by adding new flavors. For a nutty treat, mix in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter. This will give your bars a rich and savory taste. If you want a fresh kick, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. It pairs well with chocolate and marshmallows. You can also add crushed mint candies on top for an extra crunch!
Gluten-free options for S’mores Cookie Bars
If you need a gluten-free version, it’s easy to make adjustments. You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum for the best texture. For graham cracker crumbs, look for gluten-free options or make your own using gluten-free cookies. This way, you can enjoy S’mores Cookie Bars without worry!
Vegan adjustments for the recipe
To create vegan S’mores Cookie Bars, you can replace the eggs and butter. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. For butter, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Ensure that the chocolate chips and marshmallows are also vegan-friendly. With these swaps, you can enjoy a plant-based treat that still tastes amazing!
You can find the Full Recipe for these delightful bars above.
Storage Info
Best practices for storing leftovers
To keep your S’mores Cookie Bars fresh, let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. This will help keep them soft and chewy. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking. Enjoy them within a week for the best taste.
How to freeze S’mores Cookie Bars
You can freeze these cookie bars for later. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating instructions for optimal freshness
To enjoy your S’mores Cookie Bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are warm. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a quick treat. This gives you that fresh-baked taste again!
FAQs
Can I make S’mores Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make S’mores Cookie Bars ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool. Once cool, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to five days. You can also freeze them. Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for about three months.
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, use crushed cookies or biscuits. Digestive biscuits work great. You can also try using vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies. Just crush them into fine crumbs, and you will get a similar texture and flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
To check if the bars are done, look for golden brown edges. Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick is wet with batter, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use different types of chocolate! Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate work well. You can mix different kinds too. Get creative! This gives your S’mores Cookie Bars a new twist.
In this article, we explored how to make delicious S’mores Cookie Bars. We covered essential ingredients, substitutions, and optional toppings. I shared tips for perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. We also looked at fun variations and best storage methods.
These bars are tasty and easy to customize. Whether you want a classic flavor or a twist, you can enjoy them your way! Happy baking!
