S’mores Cookie Bars Irresistible and Easy Treat
If you crave a sweet treat that’s simple to make, you’ve found it! S’mores Cookie Bars combine gooey chocolate, melted marshmallows, and rich cookie dough in every bite. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps, list all the ingredients, and share tips to make these bars perfect. Get ready to impress your friends or treat yourself to this delightful dessert! Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make S’mores Cookie Bars, gather these ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed firmly
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheets, crushed finely)
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– Additional chocolate chips and mini marshmallows for topping
If you need a substitution, you can use coconut oil instead of butter. For gluten-free bars, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make these cookie bars, you will need:
– A 9×13 inch baking pan (metal or glass works well)
– Mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
– A spatula for spreading the dough
– An electric mixer for creaming butter and sugars
– Measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements
Having these tools ready will make your baking experience smooth and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking. Next, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. The parchment paper helps you lift the bars out later with ease.
To cream butter and sugars, take a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air and helps with the texture.
Mixing and Combining
Now it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the sugar mixture. Mix well after each egg. Then, pour in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. This mix creates a nice base for your bars.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs. Make sure everything is well mixed. This step ensures even flavor throughout the bars.
Next, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some flour streaks are okay. Finally, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Reserve a few for later.
Baking Process
Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan. Press it down lightly to smooth the surface. Now, sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top. Press them in slightly so they stick while baking.
Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or have a few moist crumbs.
After baking, remove the pan from the oven. Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into generous squares. Enjoy your S’mores Cookie Bars warm or at room temperature!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Bars
To make the best S’mores Cookie Bars, mixing is key. When you cream the butter and sugars, blend until light and fluffy. Use medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. This helps create a soft texture.
When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough. A few flour streaks are fine. This keeps your bars chewy and soft.
Serving Suggestions
These cookie bars shine when served warm. The chocolate melts, and the marshmallows are gooey. If you want a chilled treat, let them cool completely. They are still tasty cold!
Pair these bars with a glass of milk or a hot cocoa. Both drinks enhance the sweet, chocolatey flavors. You can even serve them with graham crackers for a fun twist! Enjoy these treats with friends and family for the best experience.
Variations
Flavor Adjustments
You can make S’mores Cookie Bars even more fun by changing up the flavors. Here are some ideas:
– Add-ins: Try mixing in chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a nice crunch. You can also stir in some creamy peanut butter for a rich twist.
– Chocolate types: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, use dark chocolate for a richer taste. Or, if you like sweet flavors, white chocolate will add a creamy touch.
Special Diet Options
If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these bars.
– Gluten-free alternatives: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has a good binding agent for the best texture.
– Vegan substitutions: For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and flax eggs instead of regular eggs. You can find many easy recipes online to make flax eggs by mixing ground flaxseed with water.
These variations let you personalize your S’mores Cookie Bars while keeping them delicious.
Storage Info
How to Store
To keep your S’mores Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. You can place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you want to store them longer, you can refrigerate them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before putting them in the fridge. For even longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap each piece in plastic, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy them later.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, these bars stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If refrigerated, they can last up to two weeks. In the freezer, they stay good for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the bars look dry or hard, they may not taste great anymore. You should also check for any unusual smells. If they smell off, it’s best to toss them out. Enjoy your S’mores Cookie Bars at their best!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I freeze S’mores Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze S’mores Cookie Bars. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to eat them, just thaw at room temperature.
What can I do if my bars are too dry?
If your bars are too dry, check the baking time next time. You may have baked them too long. To fix dry bars now, you can serve them with a scoop of ice cream. This adds moisture and flavor. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for extra richness.
Additional Queries
How do I adjust baking time for a different pan size?
To adjust baking time, keep the thickness of the batter in mind. A larger pan makes thinner bars, so they bake faster. Start checking for doneness five minutes early. If using a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker. They may need a few extra minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
Can I make S’mores Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these bars a day or two in advance. Just bake and cool them. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, wait to add any toppings until you are ready to serve.
Recipe Clarifications
How to tell when they are fully baked?
You can tell when they are fully baked by looking at the edges. They should be golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it has wet batter, give them a few more minutes.
Are there any variations for health-conscious eaters?
Yes, you can make S’mores Cookie Bars healthier. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Swap coconut oil for butter. You can also use dark chocolate chips for less sugar. For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax eggs. These changes can make your bars lighter while still being tasty.
In this blog post, we covered the essential ingredients and tools to make S’mores Cookie Bars. We provided step-by-step instructions from preparation to baking, along with helpful tips for the best results. You also learned about variations, storage, and common questions.
Enjoying these bars can be simple and fun. Whether you share them or savor them alone, these treats can bring joy to any occasion. Happy baking!
