Name: S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened, salted or unsalted; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup graham crackers, finely crushed (about 3.5 sheets); 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp baking soda; 5 standard Hershey bars; 1 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 3 reviews

If you’re a fan of all things gooey, chocolatey, and nostalgic, you’re absolutely going to love this S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe. It’s like taking all the magic of a classic campfire s’more and turning it into a dessert bar that’s easy to slice, share, and enjoy anytime—no fire pit required! I promise, once you try this, you’ll want to make it over and over, and I’ve packed in all my best tips to help you nail it perfectly.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: You get the crunchy graham cracker, rich chocolate, and melty marshmallow all in one bite.
Simple Yet Impressive: No crazy techniques here—just straightforward steps for a delicious payoff.
Gooey Middle, Crisp Edges: The two cookie dough layers sandwich a plush filling that stays soft but holds together beautifully.
Adaptable & Shareable: Easy to cut into bars that are perfect for potlucks, parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe keeps it simple but packs in key ingredients that genuinely elevate the flavor and texture. The combination of graham cracker crumbs right in the dough and classic Hershey bars bring that authentic s’mores vibe home.

S'mores Cookie Bars, easy s'mores dessert bars, chocolate marshmallow cookie bars, campfire s'mores treats, gooey s'mores bars - Flat lay of a soft pat of butter, a small mound of light and dark brown sugar crystals side by side, a single clean whole brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth vanilla extract, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, a small heap of finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, a pinch of coarse salt crystals, a small mound of baking soda powder, five unwrapped Hershey chocolate bars arranged neatly, and a dollop of fluffy marshmallow creme in a small white bowl, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create that tender, chewy cookie base.
Brown sugar & Granulated sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar keeps the texture right.
Egg: Binds everything together and helps the bars set perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
All-purpose flour: The structure base for the cookie bars.
Graham crackers (finely crushed): This little secret adds authentic s’mores flavor and a touch of crunch straight in the cookie layer.
Salt & Baking soda: Salt enhances flavors while baking soda gives just the right rise.
Hershey bars: The classic chocolate that melts just right in the middle.
Marshmallow fluff: Keeps the bars gooey and gives that soft, pillowy layer we all love.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to fit your flavors or mood. I often swap out the classic Hershey bars for milk chocolate chips or even peanut butter cups if I’m feeling adventurous. You really can’t go wrong!

Variation: Once, I added a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top of the marshmallow layer before putting the top cookie dough layer—it gave a delightful texture contrast and a subtle tropical twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. I always press the parchment so it fits snugly because it really helps pop the bars out after baking. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer. This step is crucial because it creates that tender crumb you want in your cookie layers.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mix. Beat just until combined; don’t overmix or you risk making the dough too tough. This step adds structure and flavor to your bars.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients Gently

Now, whisk together your all-purpose flour, crushed graham crackers, salt, and baking soda separately. Slowly add this to your wet ingredients and mix just until no flour streaks remain. The graham cracker crumbs add that unmistakable s’mores aroma and texture throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix here to maintain tenderness.

Step 4: Divide Dough & Freeze One Half

Press half of your dough evenly into the prepared pan. Here’s my little trick: after pressing, carefully remove the parchment with the dough and pop it in the freezer while you line the pan again and press the other half of the dough. Freezing it makes it much easier to flip and layer later without it falling apart—it’s a game changer.

Step 5: Layer Chocolate and Marshmallow Fluff

Break your Hershey bars into pieces to cover the other cookie dough half (the one still in the pan). Spread the marshmallow fluff evenly on top of the chocolate. This step is pure comfort food magic—make sure you get that marshmallow layer as smooth as you can for the best ooey-gooey texture.

Step 6: Flip and Layer the Frozen Dough

Carefully lift the frozen dough from the freezer and flip it over onto the marshmallow layer. Working gently is key here so the dough stays intact and covers everything nicely. This creates the perfect sandwich effect.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. The smell while they’re baking is basically irresistible. Once out, give them plenty of time to cool fully before slicing—this keeps the layers neat and lets the marshmallow settle just right. If you cut too soon, things get messy fast (been there!).

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Pro Tips for Making S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe

Freeze the Dough Layer: This makes flipping the dough less sticky and easier to work with, minimizing cracks and tears.
Use Quality Chocolate: Hershey bars are classic, but a good quality milk chocolate bar melts creamier and tastes richer.
Even Marshmallow Spread: Smoothing the fluff carefully ensures every bite has the perfect gooey texture without oozing over the sides.
Patience is Key: Letting the bars cool completely is tough (I get it!) but it’s essential to keep slices clean and layers distinct.

How to Serve S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe

S'mores Cookie Bars, easy s'mores dessert bars, chocolate marshmallow cookie bars, campfire s'mores treats, gooey s'mores bars - The image shows a stack of three s'mores bars with three clear layers in each piece. The top and bottom layers are golden brown, crumbly cookie crust with a slightly rough texture. The middle layer is thick and creamy with a bright white marshmallow filling. Between the marshmallow and cookie layers is a rich, smooth, dark brown chocolate layer. The stack sits on a white marbled surface, with the background softly blurred to keep focus on the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple because the bars speak for themselves. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra crushed graham cracker crumbs sprinkled on top add a nice visual and subtle texture. For a holiday twist, a drizzle of caramel sauce is divine.

Side Dishes

These bars are a sweet treat on their own, but pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes things up a notch. For something a little different, I love serving them alongside fresh berries to balance all that richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party, I slice the bars into bite-size squares and arrange them on a wooden board with little bowls of mini marshmallows and chocolate chips — making it a build-your-own s’mores bar experience! It’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The texture stays soft and the marshmallow stays nice and gooey without getting sticky or hard.

Freezing

These bars freeze incredibly well. I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep perfectly for up to a month and thaw quickly on the counter when you want a quick treat.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds just to soften the marshmallow and chocolate without melting everything into a mess. You want warm and gooey, but still holding their shape.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs instead of crushing sheets?

Absolutely! Store-bought graham cracker crumbs work just fine, just measure out the same amount the recipe calls for. Crushing your own can add a fresher crunch but either way works well.
Why do we freeze half the dough before layering?

Freezing the dough makes it firm and less sticky, which helps when flipping it over onto the marshmallow layer—otherwise, it can tear or stick to everything.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to use gluten-free graham crackers as well to keep the recipe safe and delicious.
How should I cut the bars to avoid them falling apart?

Make sure the bars are fully cooled and firmed up before slicing. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat edges and less sticking.

Final Thoughts

This S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe is one of those feel-good desserts that always brings a smile to my face. It hits that perfect sweet spot between crunchy, gooey, and chocolatey—just like the classic you remember from campfires, but without the mess and with way less effort. I hope you give it a try soon and come to love it as much as I do. Honestly, keep some handy for surprise guests or those late-night snack cravings—they’re total crowd-pleasers!