Why You’ll Love S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe
These cookie bars are rich, chewy, and packed with chocolate flavor.
The creamy chocolate cremeux filling makes them extra indulgent.
Mini marshmallows create the classic gooey s’mores texture everyone loves.
They’re easier to make than traditional s’mores and perfect for sharing.
The bars can be made ahead and chilled for clean slices and better texture.
They taste amazing warm or cold straight from the fridge.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chocolate cremeux filling:
1 cup milk
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
150 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cookie dough:
142 g unsalted butter, melted
100 g light brown sugar
100 g granulated white sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
295 g plain flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
200 g mini marshmallows
65 g milk chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced) or 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with baking paper.
To make the chocolate cremeux filling, add the milk, egg yolks, and sugar to a medium saucepan. Whisk until combined.
Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches the consistency of thin pouring cream. If using a thermometer, heat to 82°C/180°F.
Place the chopped dark chocolate in a large bowl and set a strainer over the top. Pour the custard mixture through the strainer onto the chocolate.
Add the vanilla extract and stir until smooth and glossy. Blend briefly with an immersion blender or handheld mixer for an extra silky texture.
Transfer the cremeux to the refrigerator to chill while preparing the cookie dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with a handheld mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth and fully combined.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated.
Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Scatter two-thirds of the cookie dough into the prepared pan in small clumps, then press it evenly across the bottom of the pan.
Bake the base for 15 minutes.
Pour the chilled chocolate cremeux over the baked cookie layer.
Reserve a handful of marshmallows, then scatter the remaining marshmallows evenly over the chocolate layer.
Drop the remaining cookie dough over the top in small clumps.
Sprinkle the reserved marshmallows and chocolate chips over the surface.
Bake for another 20 minutes until golden around the edges.
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
For extra toasted marshmallows, lightly torch the marshmallows on top before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 16 bars
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: Approximately 3 hours
Variations
Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter filling.
Add crushed graham crackers between the cookie base and chocolate layer for a more traditional s’mores flavor.
Mix peanut butter chips into the cookie dough for a nutty twist.
Use large marshmallows cut into smaller pieces if mini marshmallows are unavailable.
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
Swap the chocolate chips for caramel chips or white chocolate chips.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For the best texture, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds for gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead since they need time to chill and set properly.
What is chocolate cremeux?
Chocolate cremeux is a rich and creamy custard-based chocolate filling with a silky texture.
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, but homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor.
Why do the bars need refrigeration?
Chilling helps the chocolate cremeux set so the bars slice neatly.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
Yes, chocolate chips can be substituted, although chopped chocolate melts more smoothly.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should look golden brown while the center remains slightly soft.
Can I make these without marshmallows?
Yes, but the marshmallows give the dessert its classic s’mores flavor and texture.
Do I need a kitchen torch?
No, the torch is optional and only adds extra toasted marshmallow flavor on top.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work well.
Are these bars very sweet?
They are rich and sweet, but the dark chocolate helps balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
S’mores Cookie Bars are the ultimate layered dessert for chocolate and marshmallow lovers. With a buttery cookie crust, creamy chocolate filling, gooey marshmallows, and melty chocolate chips, every bite tastes like an upgraded version of classic campfire s’mores. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these bars are guaranteed to disappear quickly.
S’mores Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These decadent s’mores cookie bars combine a rich chocolate cremeux filling, gooey marshmallows, and buttery cookie dough for an indulgent dessert. Perfectly chewy, chocolatey, and inspired by classic campfire s’mores.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (250ml)
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 150 g dark chocolate (semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 142 g unsalted butter, melted
- 100 g light brown sugar
- 100 g granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 295 g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 200 g mini marshmallows
- 65 g milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan forced) / 350F. Line a 9-inch square baking tin with baking paper.
- To make the chocolate cremeux filling, add the milk, egg yolks, and sugar to a medium heavy-based saucepan and whisk well.
- Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly to the consistency of thin pouring cream or reaches 82C/180F.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a large bowl and strain the custard over the chocolate.
- Add the vanilla extract and stir until smooth and fully combined. Blend briefly with an immersion blender or handheld mixer for an extra silky texture.
- Transfer the cremeux to the refrigerator to chill until needed.
- For the cookie dough, beat the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a large bowl for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix just until combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix on low speed until the dough comes together.
- Scatter two-thirds of the cookie dough into the prepared pan in small clumps, then press evenly into the base. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Pour the chilled chocolate cremeux over the baked cookie base.
- Reserve a handful of marshmallows, then scatter the remaining marshmallows over the chocolate layer.
- Top with the remaining cookie dough in small clumps.
- Scatter the reserved marshmallows and milk chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours to fully set.
- For extra toasted marshmallows, lightly torch the marshmallows on top before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Chilling the bars helps the chocolate filling set properly for cleaner slices.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- A kitchen torch can be used for a classic toasted marshmallow finish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
