Bring the delicious taste of campfire s’mores right into your kitchen with these 3-Ingredient S’mores Cookie Bars! They’re soft, chewy, chocolatey, and filled with gooey marshmallow goodness. Best of all, you only need three simple ingredients to make this easy dessert.
These bars are perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, potlucks, bake sales, or whenever you’re craving the classic combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. There’s no need to build a campfire to enjoy this nostalgic treat!
Why You’ll Love These S’mores Cookie Bars
- Only three ingredients: A simple recipe that saves time and keeps preparation easy.
- Classic s’mores flavor: Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows come together in every bite.
- Quick preparation: No complicated mixing or special equipment required.
- Perfect for sharing: Cut them into squares for parties, picnics, and family gatherings.
- Kid-friendly dessert: A fun treat that little helpers can enjoy making with an adult.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1. Refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
Ready-to-bake chocolate chip cookie dough creates a soft, buttery cookie base and provides plenty of chocolate flavor. A standard 16-ounce package works well for an 8-inch square pan.
2. Mini marshmallows
Mini marshmallows melt into a soft, gooey layer that gives these bars their classic s’mores character.
3. Graham crackers
Crushed graham crackers add a little crunch and the familiar honey-like flavor of traditional s’mores. Reserve a few crumbs for the topping.
How to Make 3-Ingredient S’mores Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the parchment if needed.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Base
Break the refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough into pieces and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make sure the dough reaches the corners and forms an even layer.
Step 3: Add the Graham Crackers
Break the graham crackers into small pieces or crush them into coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle most of the graham cracker pieces evenly over the cookie dough, gently pressing them into the surface.
Step 4: Bake the Cookie Base
Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, until the cookie base is partially set and beginning to turn lightly golden around the edges.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallows
Carefully remove the pan from the oven.
Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the partially baked cookie base. Add the remaining graham cracker crumbs on top.
Step 6: Finish Baking
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden.
Watch carefully during the final minutes because marshmallows can brown quickly.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.
Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares with a sharp knife and serve.
Tips for Perfect S’mores Cookie Bars
- Use chilled cookie dough: It is easier to press into the pan and helps create an even base.
- Don’t overbake the cookie layer: The base will continue baking after the marshmallows are added.
- Use mini marshmallows: They distribute more evenly than large marshmallows.
- Watch the topping carefully: Marshmallows can go from golden to overly browned very quickly.
- Let the bars cool: Cooling helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
- Use parchment paper: It makes removing the sticky bars much simpler.
Easy Variations
Chocolate S’mores Bars: Sprinkle additional chocolate chunks over the cookie dough before adding the marshmallows.
Extra Graham Cracker Crunch: Add a thicker layer of crushed graham crackers for more texture.
Dark Chocolate Version: Use chocolate cookie dough for a richer chocolate flavor.
Golden Marshmallow Topping: Place the finished bars under the broiler for a few seconds for extra toasted marshmallow flavor. Watch constantly and use an oven-safe pan.
Holiday S’mores Bars: Add seasonal chocolate candies to the cookie dough for a festive dessert.
What to Serve with S’mores Cookie Bars
These sweet bars are delicious served with:
- A cold glass of milk
- Hot chocolate
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh strawberries
- Coffee or cappuccino
- A drizzle of melted chocolate
For an extra-special dessert, serve a slightly warmed bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store
Store completely cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature or warm briefly before serving to soften the marshmallow layer.
You can also freeze individual bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Separate the layers with parchment paper and thaw before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade chocolate chip cookie dough?
Yes! Homemade chocolate chip cookie dough works beautifully. Use enough dough to cover the bottom of an 8-by-8-inch pan in an even layer.
Can I use large marshmallows?
Yes. Cut them into smaller pieces before spreading them over the cookie base. Mini marshmallows are simply easier to distribute.
Why are my marshmallows too sticky?
Marshmallows naturally become sticky when melted. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing, and lightly grease your knife if needed.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes. Bake them a day ahead, allow them to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container.
How do I get clean slices?
Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife lightly coated with cooking spray. Wipe the blade between cuts.
A Sweet Campfire-Inspired Dessert
These 3-Ingredient S’mores Cookie Bars are an easy way to enjoy all the nostalgic flavors of a classic campfire treat without leaving home. With a soft chocolate chip cookie base, crunchy graham crackers, and gooey toasted marshmallows, every square is full of delicious s’mores flavor.
Make a batch for your next gathering, summer celebration, or family dessert night. They’re simple, fun, and sure to disappear quickly!
Recipe Card
3-Ingredient S’mores Cookie Bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 17–23 minutes
Cooling Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 9–12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 4 full graham cracker sheets, broken into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Press the chocolate chip cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle most of the broken graham cracker pieces over the cookie dough.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges begin to turn lightly golden.
- Remove the pan from the oven and evenly distribute the mini marshmallows over the partially baked cookie base.
- Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker pieces on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5–8 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden.
- Cool completely before lifting from the pan and slicing into bars.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.