S’mores Cookie Bars combine all the gooey, chocolatey joy of a classic campfire s’more—graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate—but wrap it all in the form of a chewy, oven-baked cookie bar. They’re layered, easy to slice, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in. These bars offer all the nostalgia of s’mores without the smoke, mess, or need for a fire pit. Just one bite, and you’ll be hooked.
1. What Are S’mores Cookie Bars?
S’mores Cookie Bars are a layered dessert bar that channels the classic flavors of a traditional s’more. They typically feature:
- A buttery graham cracker crust or base
- A chewy cookie dough layer (often with chocolate chips)
- Marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows
- Melted chocolate chunks or bars (like Hershey’s)
They’re baked until golden and slightly gooey, then cooled and cut into squares or bars. You get the crispy graham cracker base, the sweet richness of melted chocolate, and the pillowy marshmallow topping—all in one compact bite.
Why they’re awesome:
- Easy to bake, no fire required
- Make-ahead friendly
- Crowd-pleasing for all ages
- Customizable (add peanut butter, caramel, or extra chocolate)
2. How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the crust & dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff
- 2–3 full-size Hershey bars (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly. - Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until a thick dough forms.
- Stir in chocolate chips or chunks.
- Layer the Bars
- Press two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Spread a layer of marshmallow fluff or sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the base.
- Add broken pieces of Hershey bars or extra chocolate chunks over the marshmallows.
- Drop remaining dough in spoonfuls over the top and gently spread—it’s okay if marshmallows peek through.
- Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. The center should look slightly underdone—it’ll firm up as it cools. - Cool and Slice
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Wipe the blade between slices for neater results.
Pro Tips:
- Want extra gooey bars? Add more marshmallows halfway through baking so they don’t melt completely.
- Too sticky to spread? Lightly wet your hands or a spatula to help spread the dough over marshmallow layer.
3. Healthier Swaps & Nutritional Info
While S’mores Cookie Bars are a treat, you can adjust the ingredients to make them a bit lighter (without losing the fun).
Lighter Ingredient Swaps:
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar
- Try whole wheat flour for added fiber
- Replace some butter with unsweetened applesauce
- Use dark chocolate for antioxidants and lower sugar
- Add a sprinkle of oats to the dough for texture and fiber
Some Benefits (Really!):
- Marshmallows are fat-free (but sugary—watch portions)
- Dark chocolate has antioxidants and can improve mood
- Graham crackers add whole grain and crunch
- Great for portion control when sliced into small bars
4. Creative Variations of S’mores Cookie Bars
Get playful with flavors! Here are a few mouthwatering twists:
Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Swirl creamy or chunky peanut butter into the marshmallow layer or mix into the dough.
Salted Caramel S’mores Bars
Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallow layer before baking and finish with a pinch of sea salt.
Nutella-Stuffed S’mores Bars
Spread a thin layer of Nutella over the crust for a rich, hazelnut twist.
S’mores Blondies
Add white chocolate chips or butterscotch instead of regular chocolate, and use brown butter in the dough for extra richness.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free flour and certified GF graham crackers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
5. Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Whether you’re serving these bars warm, cold, or in between, here’s how to make the most of them:
Best Ways to Serve:
- Warm with ice cream: Heat a bar for 15 seconds and serve with a scoop of vanilla
- With a drizzle: Top with chocolate syrup or caramel
- Party platter: Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange with berries and cookies
- Holiday treat box: Wrap individually and gift during holidays or birthdays
Perfect Pairings:
- Milk (of course)—classic combo!
- Iced coffee or cold brew
- Hot chocolate with marshmallows
- Espresso or cappuccino for contrast
- Chai latte for warm spice
6. Storing and Freezing S’mores Cookie Bars
These bars store and freeze surprisingly well—great for meal prepping desserts!
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days
- Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm, especially in summer
Freezing:
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- To enjoy: thaw at room temp for 30–60 minutes or warm gently in the microwave
FAQs About S’mores Cookie Bars
1. Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes! Fluff spreads easily and melts smoothly, but it can be sticky—use a greased spatula to spread. Mini marshmallows create a toastier top and more texture.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake, cool, slice, and store. They stay fresh for 3–4 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
3. What’s the best chocolate to use?
Classic Hershey bars give that nostalgic s’mores flavor. But dark chocolate chunks or semi-sweet chips add richness. Use your favorite!
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free graham crackers. Check that your chocolate and marshmallows are gluten-free too.
5. Can I make them without eggs?
Yes! Use egg replacers like flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), or use commercial egg substitutes.
6. Are these too messy to serve at parties?
Not at all! Let them cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges. Use cupcake liners or parchment squares for easy grab-and-go serving.
7. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes—use a large sheet pan or two 9×13 pans. Keep an eye on baking time; it may increase slightly with more batter.
8. What should I do if the top layer is hard to spread?
Dampen your hands or spatula, or slightly warm the dough before spreading. It doesn’t need to cover every inch—gaps let the marshmallows peek through.
9. Can I use pre-made cookie dough?
You can! Refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough makes this recipe even easier. Just press into the pan and bake as directed.
10. How do I make the top golden without burning the marshmallows?
If marshmallows are on top, cover loosely with foil for the first half of baking, then remove it to allow browning. Watch closely during the last 5 minutes.
Conclusion
S’mores Cookie Bars are everything you love about a campfire treat—only better. They’re gooey, chocolatey, chewy, and loaded with nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, baking with the kids, or need a foolproof dessert for a crowd, this recipe delivers. Bake a batch today and bring the magic of s’mores right into your kitchen—no flames required. 🔥🍫⛺🍪