S’mores Cookie Crumb Bars: The Ultimate Gooey, Chocolaty Dessert Experience

There’s an undeniable magic to s’mores. That perfect trinity of toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crisp graham cracker evokes memories of campfires, starry nights, and pure, simple joy. While the traditional s’mores is a classic for a reason, sometimes you crave that iconic flavor profile in a more convenient, bake-at-home format. Enter the S’mores Cookie Crumb Bars: an irresistible dessert that reimagines the beloved s’mores by replacing the fragile graham cracker with two robust, flavorful cookie layers, all while perfectly sandwiching a gooey core of marshmallows and rich chocolate. It’s the ultimate dessert for any occasion, from backyard BBQs to cozy indoor treats, offering all the nostalgia without the sticky campfire mess.

Why These S’mores Cookie Crumb Bars Will Become Your New Obsession

If you’re anything like me, the love for s’mores runs deep. My kitchen has become a testament to the endless possibilities of this classic combination, from S’mores Ice Cream to S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups, and S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. While each twist offers its unique charm, these S’mores Cookie Crumb Bars stand out. They transform the s’mores experience into a truly portable and shareable dessert bar, perfect for satisfying a crowd or stashing away for a personal indulgence. The ingenious part lies in the cookie layers themselves – crafted with graham cracker crumbs, they deliver that signature s’mores flavor directly into the cookie, creating a harmonious blend that feels both familiar and excitingly new. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie that tastes like a graham cracker, encasing a generous layer of melted Hershey’s chocolate and fluffy marshmallow. It’s a game-changer.

Crafting the Perfect Layers: A Journey to Gooey Perfection

The beauty of these cookie bars is in their thoughtful construction. You start with two delightful graham cracker-infused cookie layers that cradle the iconic s’mores filling. The base layer is a sturdy yet tender cookie, providing the perfect foundation. On top of this, you arrange classic Hershey’s chocolate bars – because nothing quite says “s’mores” like that distinctive milk chocolate snap. The chocolate is then generously topped with a creamy layer of marshmallow fluff. Finally, the remaining cookie dough is crumbled over the marshmallow, creating a beautiful, golden-brown topping that bakes into a soft, chewy crust.

My journey to perfecting these bars wasn’t without its delicious detours. During my first attempt, I opted for large marshmallows as the middle layer, envisioning a thick, chewy center similar to my Crispy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Brownies. While the thought was good, the execution proved… messy. Those marshmallows puffed up dramatically in the oven, leading to an unexpected eruption of sticky, sweet goodness all over the bottom of my oven. The bars were still incredibly tasty, mind you, but the cleanup was an adventure, and the top cookie layer sagged into the gaps left by the retreating marshmallows. It was a learning experience!

For the second batch, I made a crucial pivot to marshmallow fluff. And let me tell you, it was a revelation! The fluff melted down into a beautifully smooth, even layer that held its shape much better. It didn’t puff up excessively, preventing both the oven mess and the sunken top layer. The result was a perfectly consistent, gooey marshmallow experience in every bite. So, take it from me: marshmallow fluff is the secret weapon for these bars, ensuring a flawless texture and an easier baking process. While traditional s’mores demand toasted marshmallows, in the context of these bars, the fluff truly shines, providing that familiar taste and texture without the fuss.

A Small Confession (and Why You’ll Forgive Me)

Here’s a small confession: you don’t actually toast the marshmallow fluff in this recipe. I know, I know – it’s a “s’mores” recipe, and toasting is practically sacred! But trust me on this one. The marshmallow fluff, when baked between the cookie layers, transforms into a wonderfully gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience that perfectly complements the chocolate and graham cracker cookies. You get all the essential flavors and textures without needing a torch or an open flame. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive this slight technicality (especially after you’ve baked up a pan or two and tasted the pure delight). These bars truly capture the essence of s’mores in every bite, offering a delightful twist on a classic without sacrificing any of the joy.

S’mores Cookie Crumb Bars

Yield:
16 squares

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
45 minutes

S’mores Cookie Crumb Bars transform the traditional s’mores into an irresistible dessert by replacing the graham crackers with two delectable cookie layers while still sandwiching marshmallows and chocolate in the middle.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 chocolate bars (1.55 ounces each, like Hershey’s milk chocolate)
• 2 cups marshmallow fluff (roughly 7 ounce jar)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting, or lightly grease the pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until incorporated and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Reserve 1 1/4 cups of the prepared dough for the top crumb layer. With the remaining dough, press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared 8×8 inch pan to form the base cookie layer. Place the chocolate bars on top of the dough; typically, four whole bars fit perfectly, and you can break up the fifth bar to fill in any gaps, ensuring full chocolate coverage. Carefully spread the marshmallow fluff evenly over the chocolate layer. Take the reserved dough and crumble it over the marshmallow fluff, gently pressing the pieces together to cover as much of the fluff as possible.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top cookie layer is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the top cookie layer (avoiding the marshmallow) comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to remove and cut them. This cooling time is crucial for the bars to set properly and for clean slices.

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Tips for Success & Serving Your S’mores Cookie Crumb Bars

Achieving bakery-quality S’mores Cookie Crumb Bars is simple with a few key tips. First, ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted – this helps achieve that light and creamy texture when beaten with sugar. Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added; just mix until combined to keep the bars tender. When pressing the bottom layer, make sure it’s even so the bars bake uniformly. Cooling the bars completely before cutting is perhaps the most crucial step. The marshmallow and chocolate need time to set, or you’ll end up with a delicious but very messy slab instead of clean squares.

These bars are incredibly versatile for serving. Enjoy them at room temperature for a chewy, satisfying treat. For an extra decadent experience, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds; the chocolate will re-melt, and the marshmallow will become incredibly gooey again. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert. They are perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply as a comforting homemade dessert. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness.

Explore More S’mores Delights!

My passion for s’mores is truly endless, and these S’mores Cookie Crumb Bars are just one testament to the incredible versatility of this classic flavor combination. If you’ve fallen in love with these bars, I encourage you to explore other creative s’mores recipes from my collection. There’s a whole world of toasted marshmallow and melted chocolate waiting to be discovered, each offering a unique take on this beloved campfire treat. Dive in and find your next s’mores obsession!

Source: Adapted from Hershey’s Chocolate Lover’s Cookbook

You Will Also Love These S’mores Recipes:

S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

S’mores Blossom Cookies

Single Serving S’mores Peanut Butter Cup Brownie

Strawberry S’mores Tart

S’mores Ice Cream