Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe
Enjoy classic s’mores in every bite with an irresistible peanut butter twist. These bars are chewy, gooey, and perfect for dessert, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting. The one‑bowl preparation means easy cleanup while still delivering big flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all‑purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mini marshmallows, divided
3/4 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers, divided
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1–2 (1.55 oz) milk chocolate bar pieces (broken)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8‑inch baking dish with non‑stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
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Fold in 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers, and the chocolate chips.
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Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish.
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Bake for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the pan from the oven; sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mini marshmallows and 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers on top.
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Return to the oven and bake an additional 6–9 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center no longer looks wet.
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Remove from the oven and immediately top with the broken milk chocolate bar pieces. Let the chocolate melt and set.
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Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Servings and timing
Yield: 12 cookie bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 16 minutes
Total time: 26 minutes
Variations
• Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
• Swap the milk chocolate bar for dark chocolate for a less sweet version.
• Add chopped peanuts or peanut butter chips for an extra peanut punch.
• Substitute mini marshmallows with marshmallow fluff on top after baking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds to warm the chocolate and marshmallows. For longer storage, freeze cooled squares in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2–3 months; thaw before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent the marshmallows from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking dish with parchment paper or spray it thoroughly with non‑stick cooking spray before baking.
Can I make these bars gluten‑free?
Yes, substitute the all‑purpose flour with a gluten‑free 1:1 flour blend.
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely—chunky peanut butter adds extra texture.
What type of chocolate works best?
Use milk chocolate for classic sweetness or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13‑inch pan, adjusting bake time as needed.
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, freeze cooled bars in a sealed container for up to 2–3 months.
How do I keep the bars chewy and not dry?
Avoid overbaking and remove them when the center still looks slightly moist.
Can I add other mix‑ins?
Yes, try peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, or toffee bits.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Chill the bars briefly before slicing to help them hold their shape.
Can I make this without an electric mixer?
Yes, you can mix by hand; it may take a bit more effort but still works.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter S’mores Cookie Bars deliver all the beloved flavors of campfire s’mores with the added richness of peanut butter, making them an irresistible dessert for gatherings or simple sweet cravings. Easy to prepare, chewy in texture, and loaded with gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate, they are a must‑try treat for any dessert lover.
Peanut Butter S’mores Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peanut Butter S’mores Cookie Bars are a delicious twist on the classic campfire treat, combining a chewy peanut butter cookie base with gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add peanut butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Stir in graham cracker crumbs until fully incorporated.
- Spread about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle marshmallows and chocolate chips evenly over the dough.
- Drop remaining dough by spoonfuls over the top and gently spread it out as much as possible.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the top is golden and edges are set.
- Allow bars to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
- You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of marshmallows and chocolate chips based on your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
