Name: S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7-8 full sheets of graham crackers (unbroken rectangles); 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup light brown sugar, gently packed; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour (stirred, spooned & leveled); ¾ tsp salt; ¾ tsp baking soda; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 2 regular sized Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars (two 1.55 oz / 43g bars), broken into squares; Additional mini marshmallows (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that’s bursting with gooey, chocolatey, and crunchy goodness, then you’re going to adore this S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe. It takes everything you love about classic campfire s’mores and transforms it into an easy-to-make, shareable dessert that’s perfect for indoors any time of the year. Layers of crispy graham crackers, rich cookie dough, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows come together in the most irresistible way, making these bars an instant family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white pan filled with a sheet of baked bars that are cut into small square pieces arranged in a 4x4 pattern. The bars have a light brown base layer that looks soft and slightly crumbly, topped with small white toasted marshmallows and chunks of melted milk chocolate distributed unevenly on the surface. A woman's hand is holding one square piece close to the camera showing its layers clearly with the melted chocolate on top and the soft brown base. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, from adding texture and flavor to helping create that perfect balance of chewy, crisp, and melty layers. Although the list might look long at first, these simple pantry staples come together quickly and effortlessly.

7-8 graham crackers: These form the crunchy, honeyed base that is the signature of any s’mores-inspired treat.
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, room temperature): Adds richness and moisture to the cookie dough, making it wonderfully soft.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to a slight crisp on the edges.
¾ cup light brown sugar (gently packed): Brings a hint of caramel-like depth and chewiness.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and ensure a tender crumb.
2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
3 cups all-purpose flour (stir, spoon, & level): Provides the structure for these bars to hold their shape while staying soft inside.
¾ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.
¾ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough rise just enough for a light, tender texture.
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Scattered throughout for pockets of rich, melty chocolate.
1 cup mini marshmallows: Adds the irresistible gooey pockets that make these bars truly scream s’mores.
2 regular sized Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars (two 1.55oz/43g bars, broken into squares): Melted on top for that classic s’mores chocolate finish.

How to Make S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Graham Cracker Base

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a generous 2-inch overhang on the sides. This will help you lift out the bars easily later on. Next, arrange the graham crackers in a single layer covering the entire pan. You might need to break some to fit perfectly, but don’t worry—the cracks will be hidden under all the delicious layers to come!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened unsalted butter with both the granulated and brown sugars. This step is key for creating a fluffy, light texture in your cookie dough, so don’t rush it. Once the mixture is smooth, add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix just until everything is fully incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so no buttery goodness gets left behind.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, which helps the bars bake uniformly without any pockets of salt or leavening agent.

Step 4: Mix Dough and Add Chocolate and Marshmallows

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, followed by the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Stir gently until everything is just combined—overmixing can make the bars tough, and we’re aiming for soft and tender here!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Evenly press the cookie dough on top of the layered graham crackers in your pan, smoothing it down so there are no gaps. For an extra delightful toasted marshmallow look, sprinkle more mini marshmallows on top if you like. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye towards the end and cover with foil if the edges start browning too quickly while the middle is still baking.

Step 6: Add the Final Chocolate Layer and Cool

Remove the pan from the oven and immediately place the broken Hershey’s Milk Chocolate squares on top, allowing the residual heat to melt them into a glossy, decadent finish. Let the bars cool in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes before carefully lifting them out by the parchment overhang. Cutting into these warm, melty bars is pure joy, but a little patience means they will hold together beautifully.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe

Three square slices of golden-brown cookie bars are stacked slightly uneven on a white plate. The top layer of each bar is soft and lightly crisp, with melted milk chocolate chunks spread unevenly across it, and small bits of white marshmallows peeking out. The middle layer shows gooey melted dark chocolate embedded in the cookie dough, with hints of melted marshmallows adding texture. The base layer is a well-baked cookie crust in a light golden color. In the blurred background, there is a partially open Hershey's chocolate bar, small white marshmallows, a white bowl filled with marshmallows, and a glass bowl with chocolate chips, all set on a wooden surface replaced here by a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these bars are already showstoppers on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can take their appearance and flavor up a notch. You can also sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or toasted marshmallows on top before serving for that extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

Pair these S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a tall glass of cold milk. The creamy, cool elements balance the warm sweetness of the bars perfectly and turn dessert time into something truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your S’mores Cookie Bars into decadent dessert sandwiches by layering the bars around ice cream or spreading a layer of peanut butter or Nutella inside before sandwiching. They also make fantastic portable treats for picnics and potlucks when cut into bite-sized squares and packed in a pretty container.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store leftover S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bars soft and gooey, but if your kitchen is particularly warm, consider refrigerating them to prevent excessive melting.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for that just-baked feeling.

Reheating

To bring out the fresh-baked warmth and melted chocolate goodness, reheat bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. Just don’t overheat, as the chocolate can harden when cooled again.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chips instead of the Hershey’s chocolate bars on top?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips or chunks work well as a topping. Just scatter them on the warm bars right out of the oven and let them melt slightly for that gooey chocolate layer.

Are mini marshmallows essential for this recipe?

Mini marshmallows create the signature gooey pockets in these cookie bars and help layer the texture beautifully. Though you can substitute with regular-sized marshmallows cut into smaller pieces, the mini ones melt more evenly and integrate seamlessly.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. The texture will be just as delicious, though baking times may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without them falling apart?

Using the parchment paper overhang, gently lift the entire slab out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to get neat edges and prevent sticking.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

You can double the ingredients, but be sure to use a larger baking pan or divide the batter between two pans to ensure even baking. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep a close eye for doneness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a good S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe that pairs the timeless charm of campfire s’mores with the convenience of a delicious baked treat. Whether you're making them for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in, these bars will bring smiles and warm memories to the table. Give this recipe a try — I promise it will become one of your most beloved desserts in no time!