S’mores Cookie Bars capture everything magical about campfire treats and transform it into an easy, shareable dessert that comes together right in your kitchen—no firepit necessary! Imagine gooey marshmallow, melty chocolate, and buttery graham flavors layered into a tender, chewy bar you can slice and serve to a crowd. Whether you’re reviving summer memories or simply craving an indulgent treat, S’mores Cookie Bars deliver nostalgia and sweet satisfaction with every bite.

S'mores Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of S’mores Cookie Bars is in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a distinct role in creating those signature s’mores flavors and that tempting, chewy texture. These essentials are pantry-friendly, and a few clever swaps can make a big difference in the final bake. Here’s what you’ll need (plus why you need it):

Unsalted butter: Gives the bars a rich, creamy base and helps all the layers meld together. Be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

Packed brown sugar: Adds warmth, depth, and just a hint of chewiness to mimic that classic graham cracker sweetness.
Large egg: Binds everything together, ensuring your bars have the perfect tender texture without crumbling.

Pure vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor and enhances the marshmallow and chocolate notes.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure so the bars hold up for slicing (spoon and level for the best results!).

Graham cracker crumbs: The key to that unmistakable s’mores taste—use crushed crackers for a toasty, fragrant crunch.
Baking powder: Gives a little lift, so the bars stay light instead of dense.
Salt: Just a touch balances all the sweetness and brings the flavors to life.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty, just-sweet-enough chocolate makes every bite feel nostalgic.
Marshmallow creme: The gooey center! Store-bought “Fluff” or homemade both work brilliantly, swirling into the cookie base for irresistible softness.

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Be generous with the overhang—it makes lifting and cutting your finished S’mores Cookie Bars a breeze. This simple step guarantees easy clean-up and neatly sliced bars.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium-high for about 2 minutes. This step creates a light and fluffy base, ensuring every S’mores Cookie Bar is extra tender with that caramel-like sweetness from the brown sugar. Don’t rush here—creaming really matters!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until they’re fully combined. If things look a little curdled at this point, don’t worry—they’ll smooth out as the rest of the ingredients come together.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Pour this dry mixture into the wet base, then mix on medium speed until you have a thick, cohesive dough. You’ll notice the graham cracker aroma right away—it’s what brings this cookie dough to campfire territory!

Step 5: Assemble Layers

Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of your lined pan. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy—use your hands if needed. Spread an even blanket of marshmallow creme over this layer (it’s sticky, but do your best!). Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the marshmallow, then patch the remaining dough across the top. Don’t stress if some chocolate or marshmallow peeks through; those gooey, golden spots look delicious when baked.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is a lovely light golden brown. The kitchen will smell like toasty campfire sweetness! Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack after baking—this ensures clean slices and lets the layers set up perfectly.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into even squares and marvel at those gooey layers. Your S’mores Cookie Bars are now ready to share (or keep all to yourself).

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your S’mores Cookie Bars by dusting them with powdered sugar, drizzling with melted chocolate, or scattering mini marshmallows on top for a playful finish. Even a pinch of crushed graham cracker crumbs or flaky sea salt can add a touch of elegance and extra flavor pop.

Side Dishes

Pair these decadent bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a tall glass of cold milk, or even fresh berries for a bright, juicy contrast. If you want to go full-on cozy, hot cocoa or a mug of coffee makes the perfect partner for a warm S’mores Cookie Bar.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve S’mores Cookie Bars on a rustic wooden board or vintage tray for a camping-inspired vibe, or package them in parchment and twine for charming edible gifts. For parties, slice into smaller squares or bites and thread with skewers for a whimsical, interactive dessert table addition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and sliced, you can store S’mores Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer parchment or wax paper between each bar to prevent them from sticking together, keeping every bite as fresh and gooey as the day you baked them.

Freezing

Have extra bars or want to prepare in advance? Simply freeze S’mores Cookie Bars! Place cooled squares in a single layer on a sheet pan to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months, and you can thaw them at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring back that irresistible gooeyness, pop individual bars in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes. The marshmallow will melt slightly, the chocolate will get dreamy and soft, and you’ll swear you’re sitting fireside.

FAQs

Can I use homemade marshmallow creme for these bars?

Absolutely! Homemade marshmallow creme works beautifully in S’mores Cookie Bars and may even add a little extra flavor. Just aim for the same spreadable consistency as store-bought “Fluff” for best results.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe. The dough spreads just enough as it bakes, giving you those rich, chewy layers. That means less waiting and more sweet reward!

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can easily swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free graham crackers to make gluten-free S’mores Cookie Bars. Just make sure any substitutions are designed for baking, and check for doneness around the same time.

What’s the best way to crush graham crackers for the crumbs?

The easiest way is to pulse the crackers in a food processor until you have fine, sandy crumbs. In a pinch, you can also put the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin—kids love this part!

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for a lightly golden-brown top and set edges. The center will still be ever-so-slightly soft, but it will firm up as the bars cool. Overbaking can dry out the layers, so start checking around the 25-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that s’more magic without the campfire mess, S’mores Cookie Bars are pure joy in dessert form. Every bite’s a cozy memory—so gather your ingredients, share them with someone you love, and let the melty chocolate and marshmallow take you right back to summer nights!

S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: Mariam

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These S’mores Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, combining buttery graham cracker cookie layers with gooey marshmallow creme and rich chocolate chips. Perfect for satisfying your s’mores cravings without the need for a fire pit!

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.

Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream butter and brown sugar together, then add egg and vanilla.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients and mix.
Layer and Bake: Press cookie dough into pan, top with marshmallow creme and chocolate chips, then add remaining dough on top. Bake until golden brown.

Cool and Serve: Cool completely, then cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

You can mix in some chopped nuts or additional toppings for extra flavor.
For a gooier texture, slightly underbake the bars.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar

Calories: 280
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 120mg

Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g

Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: S’mores, Cookie Bars, Dessert, Chocolate, Marshmallow, Graham Cracker