Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! I’m Hilary, the passionate blogger behind Embellishmints, a space dedicated to elevating your everyday with delicious recipes and inspiring lifestyle tips. Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite: my irresistible **Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S’mores Bars**. If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of s’mores with the gooey comfort of chocolate chip cookies and the rich creaminess of peanut butter, you’ve found your match!

These bars are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. Imagine layers of soft chocolate chip cookie, melty chocolate, smooth peanut butter, and light, fluffy marshmallow creme, all coming together in a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s a dessert that transcends the traditional campfire s’more, bringing that beloved taste indoors with an elevated, utterly delicious twist.

What Makes These S’mores Bars Unforgettable?

What sets these S’mores Bars apart from any other dessert bar you’ve ever tried? It’s all about the layers and the ingenious combination of classic flavors. While traditional s’mores rely on graham crackers for their base, we’re taking things to a whole new level by using rich, buttery chocolate chip cookies. This simple swap transforms the texture, adding a delightful chewiness and an extra burst of chocolatey goodness that perfectly complements the s’mores elements.

The magic doesn’t stop there. The addition of creamy peanut butter introduces that fantastic “fluffer-nutter” taste that many of us fondly remember from childhood. It’s a comforting, savory-sweet note that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallow, creating a truly harmonious flavor profile. Each bite offers a blissful blend of crispy cookie, gooey chocolate, savory peanut butter, and cloud-like marshmallow – a symphony for your taste buds!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Recipe

Beyond their incredible taste, these Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are ridiculously easy to make, which is why I’m completely obsessed with them! Seriously, they are always a huge hit at gatherings, potlucks, or just as a special treat for your family. You will absolutely adore them, and here’s why:

• Simplicity is Key: With only 5 main ingredients, this recipe streamlines your baking process, allowing you to create an impressive dessert without the fuss. No complicated steps or obscure ingredients needed!
• Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: The combination of beloved flavors – chocolate chip cookies, s’mores, and peanut butter – makes these bars universally appealing. Expect rave reviews and requests for the recipe!
• Quick Prep Time: Thanks to pre-made cookie dough, much of the work is already done for you. You’ll spend more time enjoying the delicious aroma filling your kitchen and less time measuring and mixing.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert, a birthday party, or a holiday feast, these bars fit right in, bringing joy and sweetness wherever they go.

Essential Ingredients for Your S’mores Bars

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its straightforward ingredient list. You’ll need just five key components, most of which are likely staples in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store:

• Pre-made Cookie Dough: We’re keeping things simple with two 16 oz. packages of pre-made cookie dough. While chocolate chip is highly recommended for that classic flavor, feel free to experiment! Sugar cookie dough or even peanut butter cookie dough could offer interesting variations. Just ensure it’s a good quality dough that bakes up nicely.
• Milk Chocolate Candy Bars: A 16 oz. quantity of milk chocolate candy bars provides that rich, melty chocolate layer crucial for s’mores. You can break them into squares or roughly chop them. For a deeper flavor, consider using a mix of milk and semi-sweet chocolate.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: One cup of creamy peanut butter gives these bars their signature fluffer-nutter taste. Opt for a smooth, classic peanut butter for the best spreading consistency and flavor. Natural peanut butter can sometimes be too oily or stiff, so a processed creamy variety often works best here.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Although we’re using cookie dough for the base, 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs is sprinkled in one of the middle layers. This provides that subtle, authentic s’mores crunch and flavor that we all love, adding another delightful dimension to the bars.
• Marshmallow Fluff: A 7 oz. jar of marshmallow fluff is essential for that gooey, light, and sweet marshmallow layer. This is much easier to work with than melting marshmallows, as it provides a consistent, spreadable texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect S’mores Bar Execution

To ensure your Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S’mores Bars turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a couple of invaluable tips that will make the process even smoother:

TIP: Softening Spreads for Easy Layering!
Spreading both peanut butter and marshmallow fluff can sometimes be quite a challenge, especially if they are cold or straight from the jar. To make this step significantly easier, I highly recommend transferring each into a separate microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them for just 10-15 seconds. The gentle heat will soften them enough to become wonderfully pliable and easy to spread evenly across your layers. This prevents tearing your other layers and ensures a smooth, beautiful finish.

Crucial Cooling Time: Don’t Rush It!
This is perhaps the most important tip for achieving beautifully structured bars. After baking, it’s vital to allow the bars to cool completely. Start by letting them cool for at least 2 hours on a wire rack at room temperature. Then, transfer the pan to the refrigerator to cool for at least another 2 hours, or even better, overnight. I cannot stress this enough: **if the bars are not completely cooled, the delicious layers will ooze everywhere when you try to cut them.** Patience is key here; it ensures clean cuts and perfect, intact layers that hold their shape.

Pan Preparation: Always line your 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” that will allow you to easily lift the entire slab of cooled bars out of the pan before cutting. Don’t forget to spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Decadent Bars

Creating these heavenly bars is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S’mores Bars in no time! Remember to have all your ingredients ready and read through the instructions once before you begin.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

Ingredients

• 2 (16 oz.) packages of pre-made cookie dough (any flavor)
• 16 oz. milk Chocolate candy bars
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 7 oz. jar of marshmallow fluff

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and spray generously with cooking spray.
3. Press one package of cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure a compact, even layer.
4. Carefully place the milk chocolate bars on top of the cookie dough, covering the entire surface. Break them into smaller pieces if needed to fit perfectly.
5. Evenly spread the creamy peanut butter on top of the chocolate layer. Remember the tip above: microwave briefly if it’s too stiff to spread easily.
6. Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the peanut butter. Then, spread the marshmallow fluff on top of the graham cracker crumb layer. Again, use the microwaving tip for a smoother application.
7. Take the second package of cookie dough and either roll it out on parchment paper to roughly the size of your pan, or flatten it with your hands. Carefully place this flattened cookie dough on top of the marshmallow fluff layer, creating the top crust.
8. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the top cookie layer is golden brown and the edges are set.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. First, let cool for at least 2 hours on a wire rack at room temperature. Then, transfer the pan to a refrigerator to cool for at least another 2 hours, or ideally 4 hours to overnight. This extensive cooling is crucial for the layers to set and prevent oozing when cut.
10. Once thoroughly chilled and firm, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the foil overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into neat squares. Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

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Serving Suggestions and Storage

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are absolutely divine served chilled, allowing all the layers to maintain their perfect structure and chewiness. However, for an extra indulgent experience, you can gently warm a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to get that freshly melted, gooey s’mores effect. They are fantastic on their own, but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra chocolate sauce.

To store any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have them!), place the bars in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can individually wrap the cut bars in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a couple of hours before serving. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert for future cravings or unexpected guests!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of pre-made?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite chocolate chip cookie dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure you have enough dough to create two layers that will cover your pan (roughly equivalent to two 16 oz packages). You might need to adjust baking times slightly depending on the dough’s thickness and ingredients.

What if I don’t like milk chocolate? Can I use a different type?

Of course! While milk chocolate provides a classic sweetness, you can certainly customize the chocolate layer. Semi-sweet chocolate or even dark chocolate would create a richer, less sweet bar. White chocolate chips could also be a fun, different twist!

I can’t find marshmallow fluff. What’s a good substitute?

Marshmallow fluff is ideal for its smooth, spreadable consistency. If you can’t find it, you could try melting about 4-5 cups of mini marshmallows with a tablespoon or two of butter or milk over low heat, stirring until smooth. However, the texture might be slightly different.

Are these bars really “no-bake”?

No, these are not truly no-bake bars as they require baking in the oven to cook the cookie dough and melt the chocolate. However, the use of pre-made cookie dough and marshmallow fluff significantly simplifies the process compared to making s’mores entirely from scratch, making them incredibly easy!

How can I make clean cuts?

The key to clean cuts is patience and chilling! Ensure the bars are completely chilled and firm as instructed (at least 4 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator). Use a large, sharp knife, and wipe the blade clean with a warm, damp cloth between each cut to prevent sticking and ensure neat slices.

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up a batch of these extraordinary Chocolate Chip Cookie Peanut Butter S’mores Bars! They truly are an elevated version of a beloved classic, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Don’t forget to visit Embellishmints for more delicious recipes and lifestyle inspiration.

Happy baking!

You will also love these s’mores variations:

Butterscotch S’mores Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

White Chocolate S’mores Bars