You know that magical moment when you bite into a perfectly toasted marshmallow sandwiching melted chocolate between graham crackers? I’ve been chasing that campfire flavor since I was a kid making smores with my cousins at summer camp. But let’s be real – building a bonfire in my tiny apartment kitchen isn’t exactly practical. That’s why I’m obsessed with these no-bake smores cookie bars that capture all that nostalgic goodness without the smoke alarm serenade!
These bars come together in about 10 minutes flat – just enough time for the butter to melt while you crush the graham crackers. The best part? No oven required (except for that quick broil at the end to get those marshmallows perfectly golden). I’ve brought these to every potluck and movie night for years, and they always disappear faster than you can say “more smores please!”
Why You’ll Love These Smores Cookie Bars
Listen, I know you’re going to adore these bars as much as I do – they’re basically happiness in dessert form! Here’s why they’re my go-to treat:
- No-bake magic: No waiting for the oven to preheat or worrying about overbaking. Just mix, press, and broil for that perfect golden finish.
- 5 simple ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry right now. Graham crackers? Check. Chocolate chips? Double check.
- Kid-approved: My nieces go wild for these (and I may or may not hide a few pieces for myself).
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a potluck or midnight snack attack, these bars disappear faster than you can say “smores!”
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to regular smores again. The only problem? You might eat the whole pan yourself!
Ingredients for Smores Cookie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these addictive no-bake treats – I promise it’s nothing fancy, just good old-fashioned smores ingredients with a twist!
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (that’s about 16 full sheets crushed – I just toss them in a zip-top bag and roll with a rolling pin until they’re fine but still have a bit of texture)
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter (salted works too, but I prefer controlling the salt myself)
- 1/4 cup sugar (regular granulated is perfect here)
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (milk chocolate for classic smores flavor, but dark chocolate lovers can go rogue!)
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (these melt better than large ones – though I won’t judge if you sneak a few big ones on top!)
See? Told you it was simple! Now let’s turn these pantry staples into magic.
How to Make Smores Cookie Bars
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these irresistible bars! I promise it’s so easy you could do it half-asleep (though maybe wait until morning if you’re actually half-asleep – melted chocolate waits for no one).
Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust
First, line your 8×8 pan with parchment paper – trust me, this makes life so much easier when you’re trying to lift those sticky bars out later. Mix your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it looks like wet sand. Now here’s the important part – press it FIRMLY into the pan. I mean really get in there with your fingers or the back of a measuring cup. You want it packed tight so it holds together when you slice it.
Layering Chocolate and Marshmallows
Now for the good stuff! Sprinkle those chocolate chips evenly across the crust – no clumping in one spot! Then comes the marshmallows. I like to scatter them by the handful, making sure every future bite gets that perfect gooey marshmallow goodness. Don’t be shy – more is more when it comes to marshmallows!
Broiling to Perfection
Here’s where you need to pay attention. Pop the pan under the broiler (middle rack!) for just 1-2 minutes. Keep that oven light on and WATCH like a hawk – those marshmallows go from golden to charcoal in seconds! You want them puffed and toasty brown, not black. When it’s perfect, pull it out and try not to dive in immediately (I said try… no guarantees).
Tips for Perfect Smores Cookie Bars
After making these bars more times than I can count (what can I say? They’re addictive!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to ensure smores perfection every time:
- Chill before cutting: Let the pan cool completely (about 30 minutes), then pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. The chocolate sets, and you’ll get cleaner cuts without squished marshmallows.
- Parchment paper is your BFF: Leave some overhang when lining your pan – it creates handles to lift the whole slab out for easy slicing.
- Broiler buddy system: Never walk away while broiling! I set a kitchen timer for 1 minute, then check every 10 seconds until golden.
- Storage smarts: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days (if they last that long!). Layer parchment between bars to prevent sticking.
Bonus tip: For extra gooeyness, microwave individual bars for 8 seconds before serving – it’s like a fresh campfire smore all over again!
Smores Cookie Bars Variations
Oh, the possibilities! While I adore the classic version, sometimes I can’t resist playing with these bars. Try swapping half the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips – it’s like a Reese’s cup had a baby with a smore! Crushed pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch too. Feeling fancy? Sprinkle sea salt on top before broiling for that sweet-salty magic. The best part? No matter how you tweak them, they’re still ridiculously easy!
Serving and Storing Smores Cookie Bars
Here’s the hardest part – waiting! Let the pan cool completely (about 30 minutes) before slicing into 12 perfect squares. If you can resist, pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes first – the chocolate sets beautifully for cleaner cuts. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (though good luck keeping them that long!). The fridge works too, but I find room temp keeps that marshmallow texture just right.
Smores Cookie Bars Nutritional Information
Now, let’s be real – these are treats, not health food! But since I know you’re curious (and maybe counting calories like I sometimes do), here’s the scoop per bar: about 220 calories, 12g fat, and 18g sugar. Remember, these are estimates – exact numbers depend on your specific ingredients. But hey, life’s too short not to enjoy a little marshmallow magic now and then! For more general information on dessert nutrition, you can check out resources on nutrition guidelines.
Smores Cookie Bars FAQs
Q: Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?
A: You totally can, but I recommend cutting them in half first! Large marshmallows take longer to melt under the broiler and might not toast evenly. The minis give you that perfect golden coverage across the whole pan.
Q: How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
A: My secret weapon is parchment paper with a little overhang – it creates handles to lift the whole slab out effortlessly. If you’re out of parchment, a thin butter coating works too, but trust me, parchment’s way easier!
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! They keep great for 3 days in an airtight container. Just wait to broil the marshmallows until right before serving if you want that fresh-toasted look and texture.
Share Your Smores Cookie Bars
I’d love to hear how your smores cookie bars turn out! Did you add any fun twists? Snap a pic of your gooey masterpiece and share it – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen adventures with this recipe. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Irresistible 10-Minute Smores Cookie Bars – Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 12 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious no-bake smores cookie bars with a graham cracker crust, chocolate filling, and marshmallow topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into a lined baking pan to form the crust.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use a parchment-lined pan for easy removal.
- Watch closely when broiling to avoid burning marshmallows.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: smores, cookie bars, no-bake, dessert, easy recipe