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 family gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night in. Their irresistible combination of sweet and savory elements makes them a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars quickly.
• Gooey Goodness: The combination of melted chocolate and vegan marshmallows creates a deliciously gooey texture.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual dessert night, these bars fit right in.
• Customization Options: Feel free to add nuts or swap out different types of chocolate to make it your own.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will enjoy helping prepare this recipe, making it a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making S’mores Cookie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for a fluffy texture.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Perfect size for creating thick, chewy cookie bars that bake evenly.

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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 Base

• 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

For the Filling

• 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). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine grachicken chicken ham crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
2. Mix until fully combined.
3. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In another large bowl:
1. Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. Fold in chocolate chips gently to maintain their shape.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread half of the cookie dough over the grachicken chicken ham crust:
1. Layer mini vegan marshmallows evenly over this dough.
2. Sprinkle broken grachicken chicken ham cracker pieces on top.
3. Dollop remaining cookie dough over everything gently, spreading it out without pressing too hard.

Step 5: Bake

Place your assembled pan in the preheated oven:
– Bake for 25–28 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let cool slightly before cutting into bars:
– Serve warm for extra gooeyness! Enjoy your delicious S’mores Cookie Bars!

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 looking for a sweet snack, these bars will please any crowd.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic choice that complements the gooeyness of the bars.
• Chocolate Ice Cream – For chocolate lovers, this pairing adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Mint Chocolate Chip – A refreshing twist that provides a burst of minty freshness.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Chocolate Sauce – Enhance the chocolate flavor by drizzling warm chocolate sauce on top.
• Caramel Sauce – Add richness and sweetness with a drizzle of caramel for a decadent touch.
• Peanut Butter Sauce – For a nutty flavor, warm peanut butter and drizzle it over the bars.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

• Berries – A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing contrast.
• Banana Slices – Sliced bananas add creaminess and tropical flair to each bite.

How to Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars

Creating the ultimate S’mores Cookie Bars is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always choose fresh eggs and quality chocolate for rich flavors.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mix just until combined to ensure soft and chewy bars.
• Press Crust Firmly – Ensure the grachicken chicken ham cracker crust is well-packed for stability.
• Bake Until Golden – Keep an eye on baking time; look for golden edges but moist centers.
• Let Cool Slightly Before Cutting – Allowing them to cool helps prevent crumbling when slicing.

Best Side Dishes for S’mores Cookie Bars

These side dishes pair wonderfully with S’mores Cookie Bars, making your dessert experience even more enjoyable.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy texture contrast.
3. Chocolate Fondue – Dip fruits or pretzels into warm chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.
4. Nutty Granola Bars – Crunchy granola bars offer a hearty complement to the soft cookie bars.
5. Chilled Milkshakes – A thick milkshake pairs perfectly with the gooeyness of s’mores cookie bars.
6. Popcorn with Sea Salt – The salty crunch of popcorn contrasts nicely with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking S’mores Cookie Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect measurements: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can alter the texture. Always measure ingredients accurately for best results.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step may cause your bars to spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for about 30 minutes for better structure.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Oven temperatures can vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for perfectly baked bars.
• Cutting too soon: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool slightly before cutting; this helps them set and makes slicing easier.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing S’mores Cookie Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating S’mores Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat with a lid on for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about S’mores Cookie Bars.

How do I ensure my S’mores Cookie Bars are gooey?

To keep your S’mores Cookie Bars gooey, avoid overbaking them. They should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! You can customize your S’mores Cookie Bars by using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

Are these S’mores Cookie Bars vegan-friendly?

You can make these cookie bars vegan by using plant-based butter and ensuring that all other ingredients are dairy-free, including chocolate chips.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or different flavored chips to create unique versions of your S’mores Cookie Bars!

Final Thoughts

These S’mores Cookie Bars combine all the beloved flavors of classic s’mores into a convenient dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Their versatility allows you to customize with various chocolates and toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its gooey goodness!