Introduction – Bringing the Campfire Indoors
There’s something magical about the nostalgic taste of a s’more — that perfect trio of buttery graham crackers, velvety melted chocolate, and golden toasted marshmallows. Traditionally, you’d need a campfire and a cool summer evening to enjoy them. But what if I told you that you can recreate the same gooey, chocolatey bliss in your own kitchen — no camping gear required?
Enter S’mores Cookie Bars — a thick, chewy, and indulgent dessert that combines everything you love about classic s’mores with the satisfying bite of a cookie bar. They’re easy enough for weeknight baking yet impressive enough for parties, potlucks, and special occasions.
Imagine a soft graham cracker-infused cookie base, layered with generous pools of melted chocolate and topped with toasted marshmallows — all baked into one glorious square you can slice, share, or devour straight from the pan. That’s what we’re making today.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Campfire Needed – Bake indoors any time of year.
- Texture Heaven – Crisp edges, chewy center, gooey chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow in every bite.
- Customizable – Swap in your favorite chocolates, add nuts, drizzle caramel, or even make it gluten-free.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Store for days or freeze for months without losing flavor or texture.
- Crowd Pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike; the tray will vanish fast.
Quick Recipe Facts
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories (per bar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 40 minutes | 16 bars | ~285 kcal |
Ingredients – The Building Blocks of S’mores Bliss
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs – Finely crushed for a smooth dough texture.
- 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – For a slight rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted – Gives richness and a tender crumb.
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar – Adds depth and moisture.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Creates a slightly crisp edge.
- 1 large egg – Binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances all flavors.
Filling & Topping
- 1 ½ cups (270g) chocolate chips or chunks – Milk chocolate for classic flavor; mix with dark chocolate for depth.
- 1 ½ cups (75g) mini marshmallows – Toast to perfection in the oven.
- Extra graham cracker pieces (optional) – For garnish and crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep Your Baking Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting later.
Step 2 – Make the Cookie Dough Base
- In a medium bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla; whisk until fully combined.
- Fold in dry ingredients until you have a thick, slightly sticky dough.
Step 3 – Create the First Layer
- Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use clean hands or the back of a spoon for an even surface.
Step 4 – Add the Gooey Filling
- Evenly scatter chocolate chips/chunks over the dough layer.
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows across the top for that signature s’mores texture.
Step 5 – Finish with the Top Layer
- Break remaining dough into small pieces and gently press them over the marshmallows. It’s okay if some chocolate or marshmallow peeks through — it adds rustic charm.
Step 6 – Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake for 22–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and marshmallows are toasted.
- The edges should be firm while the center remains slightly soft.
Step 7 – Cool, Slice, and Serve
- Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing — this helps set the layers.
- Lift using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and serve.
Pro Baker’s Tips
- Room Temperature Egg – Helps the dough mix evenly and rise properly.
- Don’t Overbake – Bars continue to cook as they cool, so pull them when edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
- Clean Cuts – Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for neat squares.
- Double Batch for Parties – Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake a few minutes longer.
Flavor Variations
- Peanut Butter Lover’s – Add ½ cup peanut butter chips to the filling.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Salted Caramel – Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate before adding marshmallows.
- White Chocolate Raspberry – Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate and add a few dollops of raspberry jam.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free graham crackers and a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
How to Serve
These bars taste amazing slightly warm with gooey marshmallow pull and soft chocolate. Pair them with:
- A cold glass of milk
- Hot cocoa for extra indulgence
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold dessert treat
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Wrap individually, freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temp.
- Reheat – Microwave for 10 seconds to restore that fresh-baked gooeyness.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approx.)
- Calories: 285
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
(Nutritional info is approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, but chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly.
2. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours; bring to room temperature before pressing into the pan.
3. Why did my bars turn out dry?
Most likely overbaking. Remove from the oven as soon as edges are golden and center is just set.
4. Can I make these vegan?
Yes — use vegan butter, plant-based marshmallows, and dairy-free chocolate.
5. Do I need to refrigerate these bars?
Not unless your kitchen is very warm. Room temperature storage keeps the texture best.
Related Recipes to Try Next
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars – Creamy, nutty, and indulgent layered dessert.
- No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake – Perfect for hot weather.
- Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries – Bite-sized fruit and cheesecake heaven.
- Apple Cinnamon Enchiladas – Warm, spiced, and cozy.
Final Thoughts
S’mores Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert — they’re a memory in every bite. They take the essence of the campfire classic and transform it into a convenient, shareable treat that you can bake year-round.
So whether you’re making them for a family movie night, a school bake sale, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these bars promise to deliver pure joy.
