Gooey Smores Cookie Bars Recipe Perfect for Dessert

The smell of melted chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and buttery graham crackers coming together in the oven is like pure magic. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey bar that perfectly combines the nostalgia of campfire s’mores with the cozy comfort of a homemade dessert. The first time I made these gooey s’mores cookie bars, I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe destined to be a family favorite. It was one of those moments where you take a deep breath and smile—because you’ve just created something truly irresistible.

Years ago, my sister and I used to roast marshmallows over the stovetop when we couldn’t wait for a camping trip. Fast forward to now, and these cookie bars bring back all those sweet memories in the most delicious way. My kids can’t stop sneaking pieces off the cooling rack, and honestly, I can’t blame them. These bars are dangerously easy to make and even easier to devour!

Perfect for potlucks, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in, this recipe has been tested and tweaked to deliver dessert bliss every single time. Whether you’re gifting them to friends or saving the batch just for yourself (no judgment here), you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under an hour and requires zero fancy equipment.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easy to grab at the store.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday dessert table, or just a treat-yourself moment, these bars fit the bill.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and cookie dough is universally loved by kids and adults alike.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The gooey texture and layered flavors will make you close your eyes with every bite.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance between crispy graham cracker layers and the soft chewiness of the cookie dough. Add in the gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate, and you’ve got a dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting. Plus, you can easily adapt it for dietary needs or flavor preferences, making it versatile enough for anyone to enjoy.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• For the base:
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (finely crushed)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the cookie dough:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the filling:
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Optional: You can swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour and gluten-free graham crackers.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (preferably in different sizes)
• Hand or stand mixer (or a sturdy whisk if mixing by hand)
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper for easy removal
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use two smaller pans or a square 8×8-inch pan—just adjust the baking time slightly. A silicone spatula works well for spreading out the cookie dough evenly, and parchment paper is a lifesaver for quick cleanup.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang for easy lifting later.
2. Make the graham cracker base: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Assemble the bars: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the graham cracker base, followed by an even layer of marshmallows. Carefully spread the cookie dough over the marshmallows, using a spatula or your hands to gently press it down.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the marshmallows look slightly toasted. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Note: If your cookie dough is sticking too much while spreading, lightly grease your hands or spatula for easier handling.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Chill the cookie dough for 10-15 minutes before spreading if it feels too soft.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper—it makes lifting and cutting the bars so much easier.
• If you prefer extra gooey bars, underbake by 1-2 minutes.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
• To avoid overmixing the dough, stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.

Trust me, these small tips make a big difference in achieving that perfect gooey texture and balanced flavor.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour.
• Seasonal Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies for a holiday-inspired version.
• Flavor Boost: Mix in peanut butter chips or caramel bits for extra indulgence.

Personally, I’ve added crushed Oreos to the cookie dough for a fun variation, and let’s just say it’s worth trying!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these cookie bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra decadence. Pair them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa—especially during chilly evenings.

To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen bars in the oven or microwave for that fresh-baked taste.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these gooey s’mores cookie bars are undoubtedly indulgent, they offer a comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing. Each bar is approximately 250-300 calories, depending on portion size. Key ingredients like chocolate and marshmallows are rich in flavor, while the graham cracker base adds texture and nostalgic charm.

For those looking for dietary options, the recipe can easily be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free needs—making it accessible for more people to enjoy.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert recipe that combines nostalgia, comfort, and downright deliciousness, gooey s’mores cookie bars are the answer. With their irresistible layers and easy prep, they’re bound to become a staple in your home. Honestly, every bite feels like a warm hug, and who doesn’t need more of that?

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Feel free to share your own twists or tag me in your creations—I’d love to see what you come up with. Here’s to sweet moments and delicious memories!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought cookie dough as a shortcut. Just make sure to spread it evenly over the marshmallows.

What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?

Place them in a resealable bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. Alternatively, use a food processor.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container.

How do I make these bars dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips, and swap out regular marshmallows for vegan marshmallows.

What’s the best way to reheat these bars?

Pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.

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