S’mores Cookie Bars – A Campfire Classic in Dessert Bar Form

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

S’mores Cookie Bars bring the nostalgic flavors of the classic campfire treat into a convenient, crowd-pleasing dessert bar. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, gooey chocolate, fluffy marshmallow, and chewy cookie dough, these bars are rich, indulgent, and easy to make. They capture everything you love about s’mores without the mess of a fire pit. Perfect for parties, bake sales, potlucks, or simply a family dessert night, these bars are a surefire hit with both kids and adults. Since they’re baked in one pan and sliced into squares, they’re also easy to transport and share. With every bite, you’ll get that familiar graham, chocolate, and marshmallow combination, elevated by the soft cookie topping.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs – Form the buttery base layer of the bars.

Unsalted butter – Used in the crust and dough, adding richness and chew.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookie dough.

Brown sugar – Adds depth and moisture to the cookie layer.

Egg – Binds the cookie dough together.

Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the flavor.

All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookie dough.

Baking soda – Helps the dough rise slightly.

Salt – Balances sweetness.

Milk chocolate bars – Classic s’mores flavor and melty chocolate layer.

Mini marshmallows – Toasty, gooey layer that makes the bars irresistible.

Additional graham crackers – Optional, for a crunchy topping.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

For the crust, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes to set.

Meanwhile, prepare the cookie dough by creaming butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.

Remove the crust from the oven. Layer chocolate bars evenly over the crust, followed by a layer of mini marshmallows. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough over the marshmallows, spreading gently to cover most of the surface. Add a few extra marshmallows and crushed graham crackers on top for decoration.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cookie layer is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares for clean cuts.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars. Preparation takes 20 minutes, baking requires 30–35 minutes (including crust pre-bake), and cooling adds another 30 minutes. Total time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds to re-melt the chocolate and marshmallows. Bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Peanut butter s’mores bars – Add peanut butter chips or spread peanut butter over the crust before layering chocolate.

Dark chocolate version – Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Nutty crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.

Cookie butter swirl – Add a swirl of cookie butter or Nutella to the marshmallow layer.

Mini version – Bake in a muffin tin for individually portioned s’mores cookie cups.

Holiday twist – Add festive sprinkles or colored marshmallows for seasonal celebrations.

Extra gooey – Add more marshmallows on top in the last 5 minutes of baking for extra meltiness.

Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free graham crackers and flour.

FAQs

Do I need to toast the marshmallows first?

No, they will toast naturally as the bars bake.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate bars?

Yes, but chocolate bars give a more authentic s’mores texture.

How do I keep the bars from being too sticky?

Let them cool fully before slicing, and use parchment paper for clean edges.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature.

What’s the best way to cut these bars?

Chill them slightly before slicing with a sharp knife.

Can I add extra marshmallows on top?

Yes, but add them during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, just cut them into smaller pieces.

Conclusion

S’mores Cookie Bars are a fun and delicious twist on the classic campfire treat, delivering gooey chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and buttery cookie goodness in every bite. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With endless variations and a nostalgic flavor profile, they’re a dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.