Name: The Best s’mores cookie bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup Butter, softened, salted or unsalted; ⅓ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 &½ cup AP flour; ½ cup graham crackers, finely crushed (about 3.5 sheets); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; 5 standard Hershey bars; 1 & ½ cup Marshmallow fluff

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the campfire classic in one handheld treat, your dreams are about to come true with The Best s’mores cookie bars. Imagine gooey marshmallow, velvety chocolate, and that signature graham cracker crunch, all embraced by chewy golden cookie layers. This recipe captures everything nostalgic about s’mores—there’s no need for a tent or open flame! Whether you’re prepping dessert for a backyard party or simply want to indulge your sweet tooth, these bars are a crowd-pleasing sensation that deliver the taste of summer in every bite.

The Best s’mores cookie bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These delicious bars are shockingly easy to make, and each ingredient plays a starring role in recreating the classic s’mores experience with a twist. Gather these basics, and you’ll be amazed at how they combine for The Best s’mores cookie bars you’ve ever tasted.

Butter: Softened butter is the secret to that rich, tender cookie base and perfect golden color.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate and marshmallow.
Granulated sugar: Brings lightness and the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Egg: Acts as the binder that holds the cookie dough together and ensures a soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon goes a long way to round out the classic cookie flavor.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and classic cookie bite.
Graham crackers: Crushed and folded in, they deliver that unmistakable toasty graham flavor you love in s’mores.
Salt: A pinch makes all the sweet flavors pop and balances the richness perfectly.
Baking soda: Gives your cookie bars a slightly soft lift and chewy texture.
Hershey bars: The nostalgia is real—these milk chocolate bars melt into the dreamiest layer.
Marshmallow fluff: Way easier (and less sticky) than marshmallows, this creates the essential gooey s’mores center.

How to Make The Best s’mores cookie bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grab an 8×8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides—this makes it so much easier to lift the bars out later. Go ahead and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mix looks fluffy and ultra-creamy. This is where your cookie bars get their irresistible start, so don’t shortcut this step!

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack in your egg and drizzle in vanilla extract. Beat until everything’s silky and smooth. Your dough will begin smelling incredible right about now.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Graham Crackers

Add the all-purpose flour, crushed graham crackers, salt, and baking soda. Mix just until everything’s blended—over-mixing can make your bars tough instead of tender, so as soon as the flour disappears, you’re good.

Step 5: Create the Cookie Layers

Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to fully cover the bottom. Carefully lift it out by the parchment and place it in the fridge. Then re-line your pan with fresh parchment and repeat the process to make a second dough layer using the rest of your dough—you’ll need this for the top.

Step 6: Layer on the Chocolate and Marshmallow

Take your delicious Hershey bars and lay them across the first dough layer, breaking them apart as needed so there are no gaps. Next, dollop the marshmallow fluff over the chocolate and gently spread, making sure every corner has some goopy marshmallow goodness.

Step 7: Add the Top Cookie Crust

Now for the magical part—gently flip that second chilled cookie dough layer you made earlier over the top, so it covers all the marshmallow. Take your time and patch any little tears—no one will notice once baked.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. You want a gorgeous golden top, and the whole kitchen will smell heavenly. The hardest part? Letting the bars cool completely before slicing in. This is what gives you that perfect, clean s’mores cross-section.

How to Serve The Best s’mores cookie bars

Garnishes

If you want these bars to look bakery-level, sprinkle a few crushed graham crackers or mini chocolate chips on top right after baking. For extra flair, a pinch of flaky sea salt balances the sweetness and makes every bite pop.

Side Dishes

Pair The Best s’mores cookie bars with something cool and creamy, like vanilla ice cream or a scoop of frozen yogurt. For a lighter touch, serve alongside fresh berries—strawberries or raspberries work wonders with gooey chocolate and marshmallow.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut the bars into triangles and stack them on a rustic wooden board for a casual get-together, or serve individual bars in cupcake wrappers for grab-and-go parties. For a cozy twist, warm up slices and serve on plates with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a dollop of whipped cream—guests will swoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cookie layers soft and the marshmallow nice and gooey—plus, they’re just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

To freeze The Best s’mores cookie bars, let them cool completely, then slice and layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for a low-effort treat whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

If you love your s’mores extra gooey and warm, zap individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate will melt just enough, and that marshmallow layer will return to its original, stretchy glory.

FAQs

Can I use mini marshmallows instead of fluff?

Absolutely! While marshmallow fluff gives the bars a smooth, even layer, you can substitute with mini marshmallows if that’s what you have. Just scatter them generously over the chocolate before adding the top layer of dough.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges. If you gently press the surface, it should spring back—not jiggle. Letting them cool completely ensures they finish setting for perfect slices.

What can I use if I can’t find Hershey bars?

Any milk chocolate bar will work! You can use chocolate chips as well, but the key to The Best s’mores cookie bars is to keep a thick chocolate layer, so choose something that will melt into generous puddles.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. The bars will be just as gooey and delicious, and you’ll have plenty to share at your next potluck or party.

Do these s’mores bars work with gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour and gluten-free graham crackers for a delightful gluten-free version—expect a slightly different texture, but all the nostalgic flavor remains.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that sparks joy, you simply can’t go wrong with The Best s’mores cookie bars. Each bite is a throwback to childhood summer nights, minus the sticky fingers and smoky campfire. Gather your ingredients, grab a pan, and treat yourself to this ooey-gooey, chocolate-marshmallow masterpiece—you’ll want to make them again and again!

The Best s’mores cookie bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These s’mores cookie bars are the perfect treat that combines the classic flavors of a s’more with the convenience of a cookie bar. A buttery cookie base is layered with chocolate bars and marshmallow fluff, creating a gooey and delicious dessert.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugars: Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
Add dry ingredients: Mix in the flour, graham cracker crumbs, salt, and baking soda until just combined.
Layer the cookie bars: Press half of the dough into the pan. Layer with chocolate bars and marshmallow fluff. Top with the remaining dough.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes at 350F. Let cool completely before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American