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S'mores Cookie Bars transform the classic campfire treat into convenient squares that layer buttery graham crackers, marshmallow-studded cookie dough, and melty chocolate bar pieces for an irresistible dessert experience. Each bite delivers the nostalgic combination of toasty marshmallow, rich chocolate, and sweet graham cracker without requiring an actual campfire. The cookie dough element adds a chewy dimension that elevates these bars beyond traditional s'mores while maintaining all the beloved flavors.
I first made these bars for my nephew's birthday party last summer after he requested "something with s'mores but not actual s'mores." The moment I set them on the dessert table, both kids and adults swarmed around them. My sister-in-law, who typically avoids sweets, asked for the recipe before leaving. What surprised me most was watching my father, who had always insisted he disliked marshmallows, return for a second piece and then carefully wrap a third to take home. The combination of familiar flavors in a new format seems to win over even the most skeptical dessert eaters.
Essential Elements
- Graham crackers: Form the critical foundation that delivers authentic s'mores flavor. Traditional honey graham crackers provide ideal sweetness and distinctive honey notes.
- Cookie dough: Creates chewy middle layer that holds everything together. The addition of vanilla enhances marshmallow flavor while brown sugar contributes caramel undertones.
- Marshmallows: Provide signature gooeyness throughout bars with beautiful toasted appearance on top. Regular size marshmallows cut into quarters work better than mini marshmallows for proper distribution.
- Chocolate bars: Hershey's milk chocolate bars deliver the most authentic s'mores experience. Their perfect thickness allows proper melting while maintaining some structure.
- Brown sugar: Contributes subtle molasses flavor that complements graham crackers beautifully. Light brown provides ideal balance but dark brown works for deeper flavor profile.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors while adding warm aromatic notes. Pure extract rather than imitation makes noticeable difference in final flavor.
Creation Method
- Prepare cookie canvas
- Line baking pan with parchment paper allowing overhang on sides for easy removal. This crucial step enables cutting bars while still warm when chocolate remains perfectly melty.
- Build graham foundation
- Arrange whole graham crackers in single layer across entire pan bottom. Slight overlap is fine as crackers will soften during baking and integrate with cookie layer above.
- Create cookie mixture
- Beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, adding eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated. Mix in dry ingredients just until combined, avoiding overmixing which toughens dough.
- Incorporate marshmallows
- Fold majority of marshmallow pieces into cookie dough using gentle motion to maintain their shape. Reserve some marshmallows for topping placement after spreading dough.
- Layer components carefully
- Spread marshmallow-studded cookie dough evenly over graham cracker base using offset spatula slightly moistened with water to prevent sticking. Press reserved marshmallows into top surface for visual appeal.
- Bake to golden perfection
- Bake until edges turn golden brown while center remains slightly soft. Cookie layer will appear puffy with marshmallows on top beautifully toasted to golden brown.
- Add chocolate finale
- Place chocolate bar pieces across warm surface immediately after removing from oven. The residual heat melts chocolate to perfect consistency without completely liquefying it.
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The first time I attempted these bars, I completely overbaked them waiting for the center to look "done." What I discovered was that slight underbaking is essential for achieving that perfect gooey texture reminiscent of traditional s'mores. My kitchen rule now is to remove them when the edges are just turning golden but the center still looks slightly underdone. The carryover cooking as they cool creates perfect texture. I've also learned to embrace the messiness of cutting them while still warm - the gooey factor is what makes them irresistible, and attempting perfectly clean cuts defeats the whole s'mores experience.
Serving Suggestions
Present bars on platter with vanilla ice cream alongside for create-your-own dessert sandwiches. Offer small glasses of cold milk which perfectly complements rich chocolate and sweet marshmallow combination. Consider serving slightly warmed with coffee for sophisticated dessert experience that contrasts bitter and sweet flavors.
Flavor Variations
Incorporate mini chocolate chips into cookie dough layer for double chocolate experience throughout. Substitute cinnamon graham crackers for traditional variety creating subtle spiced undertone. Add thin layer of peanut butter atop graham crackers before adding cookie dough for nostalgic peanut butter cup variation.
Storage Solutions
Keep bars at room temperature in airtight container up to three days maintaining optimal texture balance. Refrigerate during extremely warm weather to prevent chocolate from becoming too soft. Microwave refrigerated bars for 10-15 seconds before serving to restore original gooey texture.
The summer I introduced these bars at our neighborhood block party, three different neighbors asked for the recipe before the evening ended. What makes these treats truly special isn't just their delicious flavor combination but how they transform an ordinary gathering into something that feels nostalgic and special. I've noticed people lingering longer at the dessert table when these bars appear, sharing stories of favorite camping trips and childhood memories. The combination of familiar flavors in a convenient form creates something that bridges generations - grandparents appreciate the nostalgic flavors while kids love the messy, gooey texture that makes eating dessert an adventure.
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