If you dream of the magic of campfires but crave an oven-baked treat, Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows are calling your name! Imagine a buttery, golden cookie layered with melty chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and just enough graham cracker crunch. These bars hit every nostalgic, comfort-food note, making them a total crowd-pleaser for summer parties, cozy nights in, or just when a s’mores craving strikes. They’re indulgent, easy to bake, and guaranteed to disappear fast whenever you set them out!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple, letting a handful of key ingredients create all the fun, flavor, and gorgeous texture classic s’mores are known for. Each element brings its own spark—for that signature chew, a rich chocolate melt, or a fluffy marshmallow surprise in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the dough a rich, tender crumb and helps everything mix together smoothly.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel note that complements the graham cracker flavor.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Boosts sweetness and helps the bars brown up perfectly.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the dough and contribute to that thick, cookie-like bite.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances every other flavor and brings a wonderful aroma when the bars are baking.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups): The solid foundation for soft, sliceable bars with structure.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise and gives a classic cookie texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet elements for perfect flavor.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 1/2 cups): That unmistakable s’mores taste and a little bit of crunchy tenderness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Melts beautifully throughout for pools of deep, gooey chocolate in every bite.
- Mini Marshmallows (2 cups): Toasts and melts while baking, just like by the campfire!
- Hershey’s Chocolate Bar, square pieces (optional garnish): Classic s’mores topping for a fun, Instagram-worthy finish.
How to Make Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get an even bake, and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes lifting and slicing the bars a total breeze and ensures nothing sticky will stubbornly cling to your pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, blend together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture is fluffy and light—this step creates that irresistible cookie bar foundation. Don’t rush this part; fluffy butter means super-tender bars.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in those eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Watch how everything comes together into a silky, luscious batter—this is where the magic (and the heavenly smell) truly begins!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and the graham cracker crumbs. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet batter. Stir gently until everything is mostly combined—overmixing can toughen your bars, so go easy here.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Time for those glorious chocolate chips! Use a spatula to fold them in until they’re evenly distributed—every single bite of these Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows will be loaded with melty chocolate.
Step 6: Assemble & Layer the Bars
Spread half the cookie dough into your prepared pan, pressing it into the corners. Layer the mini marshmallows evenly all over, then gently use the rest of the dough as a topping. Don’t worry if some marshmallows peek out here and there—they’ll puff and toast, just like a real s’more.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You want the top to be golden and set, but keep an eye out—overbaking can dry things out. The finished Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows should look invitingly gooey in the center.
Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Garnish
Let the bars cool completely in the pan for easy cutting (this is the hardest part, but it’s so worth it). Once cool, lift the bars out and slice. For that classic touch, press a few Hershey’s chocolate bar squares into the top of each bar while still just slightly warm.
How to Serve Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows
Garnishes
For a true campfire experience, top each bar with extra Hershey’s chocolate just before serving. You can also drizzle with melted chocolate, sprinkle extra mini marshmallows, or dash a touch of flaked sea salt for a fancy twist on these beloved Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of fresh whipped cream. Both options melt into all the chocolaty edges and make each bite even more decadent. A fresh fruit salad alongside is great if you want to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these bars on a rustic wooden board for picnic vibes, or serve warm with skewered marshmallows for a playful touch. At parties, wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie with string for a grab-and-go treat. For summer birthdays, layer crumbled bars into parfait glasses with extra marshmallows and chocolate sauce—s’mores trifle style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows keep incredibly well! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft, moist, and full of gooey charm without drying out.
Freezing
Want to have s’mores magic ready at a moment’s notice? Freeze the baked and completely cooled bars in layers, separated with parchment. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, and they’ll hold up for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or a couple hours at room temp before digging in.
Reheating
For the ultimate gooey texture, microwave an individual bar for 10–15 seconds. The marshmallows will puff up and the chocolate will melt just right. You can also warm them briefly in a low oven if you’re serving a crowd and want everyone to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the bars a little sweeter and even more reminiscent of classic s’mores flavors. Go with your favorite, or mix them—there’s no wrong answer here for Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Everything else stays the same, so everyone can enjoy these bars.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
You can easily double the ingredient amounts and use two 9×13 pans, or bake one thicker batch in a half-sheet pan. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time and watch that the center is set before removing from the oven.
My bars came out dry—what happened?
Chances are they baked too long. Check for doneness at the shorter end of the baking window, and remember: slightly underbaked is better than overbaked for Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows. Also, measure ingredients carefully and avoid packing flour or crumbs too tightly into the cup.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Yes! Prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes so it spreads easily, then assemble and bake as directed for ultra-fresh results.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a soft spot for campfire flavors, these Gooey S’mores Cookie Bars with Chocolate & Marshmallows are the ultimate treat to bake at home. They’re easy, fun, and packed with every cozy, chocolaty, marshmallow-y sensation you love. Give them a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly they become everyone’s new favorite!