Get ready to indulge in the gooey delight of S’more Cookie Bars! These bars combine chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers for a treat that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to create this irresistible dessert and impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
To make S’more Cookie Bars, you need a few key ingredients that come together to create a sweet treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Butter, sugars, and eggs
– 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– Dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
– 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Mix-ins: chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs
– 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips
– 1 cup (about 50g) mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup (50g) graham cracker crumbs (plus extra for topping)
These ingredients work together to give the bars their rich flavor and chewy texture. The butter and sugars create a sweet base, while the chocolate chips and marshmallows add gooey goodness. The graham cracker crumbs bring that classic S’mores taste. For the full recipe, check out the details!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Baking Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your bars bake evenly. Next, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. Lining the pan makes it easy to remove the bars later.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Now, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, 1 cup of mini marshmallows, and 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs. Mix until everything is well-distributed. Save about 1/4 of the dough for later. Spread the remaining dough evenly in your prepared baking pan. Press it down to create a smooth layer.
Now, you can sprinkle a layer of mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the bottom layer of dough. Finally, take your reserved dough and crumble it over the top. Your S’more Cookie Bars are almost ready to bake!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture for your S’more cookie bars, focus on your mixing. Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step adds air to your dough. It helps create a soft and chewy bar. Avoid overmixing when you add the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined ensures a tender texture.
Baking Time and Temperature Adjustments
Baking at the right temperature is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for 25-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want the edges to turn golden brown. The center should feel firm when you touch it. If your oven runs hot, check them a few minutes early.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas
Serve your S’more cookie bars warm for a gooey treat. You can drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flair. A dollop of whipped cream adds a nice touch. Finish with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for crunch. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Enjoy the sweet, campfire-like taste!
Variations
Alternative Mix-ins
You can change the mix-ins to fit your taste. Try using peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips. You can also add chopped nuts for a crunchy bite. If you love fruit, toss in dried cherries or cranberries for a sweet twist. Swap the marshmallows for caramel bits for a gooey treat. Each mix-in gives a new flavor.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Options
If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. Check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free for a vegan choice. For the butter, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. These swaps keep the great taste while making it suitable for everyone.
Seasonal Adaptations and Flavor Enhancements
Seasonal flavors can make these bars even more special. In fall, add pumpkin spice to the dough for a cozy vibe. In winter, mix in peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive touch. For summer, use fresh berries instead of chocolate. Each season lets you play with flavors and create unique bars.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing
To keep your S’more cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These bars stay tasty at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigeration works well, extending their shelf life to about a week.
Freezing S’more Cookie Bars
You can freeze S’more cookie bars for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut the bars into pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
How to Reheat for Optimal Enjoyment
To enjoy your S’more cookie bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. This will make the chocolate melt slightly, giving that fresh-baked feel. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
FAQs
How can I make S’more Cookie Bars without eggs?
You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute for eggs. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/2 a mashed banana for each egg. This will keep your bars moist. You can also try using flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This mix works well in baking.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you like. Milk, dark, or white chocolate all taste great. You can also mix them for a fun twist. Chopping chocolate bars into chunks adds a rustic feel. Remember to keep the chocolate pieces large so they melt beautifully while baking.
What are some creative ways to serve these bars?
You can cut the bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for extra flair. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor. For a fun twist, pair the bars with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips!
In this article, we explored the simple yet delightful path to making S’more Cookie Bars. We covered the key ingredients, from butter and sugars to those tempting mix-ins like chocolate chips and graham cracker crumbs. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you in baking these treats. We also discussed tips for achieving the right texture and presented fun variations.
As you bake, remember that creativity can elevate your bars. Enjoy experimenting, and share your tasty creations with friends. Happy baking!
