S’more Cookie Bars

Introduction:
Homemade S’more Cookie Bars bring the beloved flavors of classic s’mores into an easy-to-make bar form. With layers of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and a buttery graham cracker crust, these cookie bars are perfect for any gathering or a sweet treat at home. They’re sure to remind you of campfires and summer nights, making them a nostalgic favorite for both kids and adults alike!

Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
S’mores are a cherished campfire tradition, but making them can be a bit messy and time-consuming. These S’more Cookie Bars capture that same beloved flavor in a more convenient form, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or a quick dessert at home.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• For the Crust and Topping:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Cookie Dough:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for topping)

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust:
   • In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
3. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
4. Assemble the Bars:
   • Spread half of the cookie dough over the graham cracker crust, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the remaining mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the dough.
   • Add the remaining cookie dough on top, gently pressing it down. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mini marshmallows and chocolate chips on top.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The marshmallows on top will be gooey and slightly toasted.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Perfect S’more Cookie Bars:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh graham crackers and quality chocolate chips will enhance the flavor of your bars.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the bars remain soft and chewy.
3. Add Extra Marshmallows: For an extra gooey texture, add more mini marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of baking.

Variations and Customizations:

1. Nutty S’mores: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
2. Flavored Chocolate: Experiment with flavored chocolate chips, such as caramel or peanut butter chips, to change up the flavor profile.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers and a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

• Lower Sugar Option: You can reduce the sugar in the cookie dough to make it a bit healthier.
• Portion Control: These bars are rich and sweet, so cut them into smaller portions for a lighter treat.

FAQ:

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
2. Can I freeze S’more Cookie Bars?
   Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. What can I use instead of marshmallows?
   If you’re not a fan of marshmallows, you can substitute them with a layer of caramel sauce or a different type of sweet topping.