Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars

If you love the classic combination of chewy oatmeal cookies and the gooey, melty goodness of s’mores, then Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars are destined to become your new favorite treat. These bars perfectly blend hearty oats, rich chocolate, and toasted marshmallows into a deliciously soft, chewy, and indulgent dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you want a nostalgic snack or an impressive yet simple bake to share, these bars deliver irresistible flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in Every Bite: Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars combine familiar flavors in a cozy, chewy texture that feels like a warm hug from your childhood.
• Effortless to Make: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, these bars are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The natural chewiness of oats balances the rich chocolate and gooey marshmallow for a treat that’s indulgent but not overwhelming.
• Great for Sharing: Cut into bars for perfectly portioned snacks that are ideal for parties, picnics, or just casual gatherings.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe with different chocolates or extras to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients that play off each other perfectly. Each element adds a distinct taste or texture that, when combined, creates a rich symphony of flavor.

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Provides the chewy, hearty base and adds fiber-packed texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure without weighing down the bars, keeping them soft.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel note that complements the oats.
• Butter: Key for richness and helps achieve tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together for perfect bar integrity.
• Baking Soda: Lightens the texture and ensures even rise.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma and flavor depth.
• Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate to add gooey pockets of richness.
• Marshmallows: Toasted or regular, they give that irresistible s’mores flair with melty sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Variations for Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to swap ingredients or add extras to suit your cravings, diet, or what’s on hand in your pantry. Here are some creative ways to customize your bars.

• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor boost.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free oats and flour to make these bars safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Chocolate Variety: Substitute dark chocolate or white chocolate chips to change the flavor profile.
• Extra Chewy: Incorporate shredded coconut or chopped dates for an added layer of chewiness.
• Marshmallow Alternatives: Try vegan marshmallows or mini marshmallows to cater to dietary preferences without losing gooey charm.

How to Make Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together until evenly mixed to ensure your bars have consistent texture and rise.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes and is key to a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract for flavor. The eggs act as a binding agent while adding richness to the dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry oat mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Step 5: Layer Chocolate and Marshmallows

Spread half of the dough evenly into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of chocolate chips and marshmallows over this layer. Then, top with the remaining dough to create a rich, layered effect.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the marshmallows are lightly toasted. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape and gooey texture.

Pro Tips for Making Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter creams better with sugar, leading to a fluffier dough.
• Don’t Overbake: The bars are done when edges are golden but the center is still soft—this keeps them chewy.
• Press Dough Firmly: Firmly pressing the dough into the pan helps create dense, chewy bars rather than crumbly pieces.
• Let Cool Fully: Cooling sets the layers so the marshmallow doesn’t ooze out when cutting.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh oats and butter guarantee the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet touch that enhances the chocolate and marshmallow flavors. Alternatively, drizzle melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar to make them visually stunning and extra indulgent.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a creamy coffee for the perfect snack or dessert combo that balances sweetness with refreshing beverage flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars stacked on a rustic wooden board for casual get-togethers or wrapped in individual parchment paper squares tied with twine, making them perfect edible gifts or grab-and-go treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and chewy texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their gooey marshmallow melt or briefly in a low oven to refresh their freshly baked quality.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While quick oats can be used, old-fashioned rolled oats offer a better texture and chewiness, making your bars more satisfying and hearty.

How do I prevent marshmallows from burning during baking?

Keep an eye on the bars in the last 5 minutes of baking, and if marshmallows start browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with foil to protect them.

Are these bars suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These bars are kid-friendly, with familiar flavors and a chewy, soft texture that children typically adore.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use flax eggs or other egg substitutes, and choose vegan marshmallows to create a delicious vegan version.

What’s the best pan size to bake Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars?

An 8×8-inch square pan works best to ensure the bars have the perfect thickness for chewy layers and gooey marshmallow pockets.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that combines nostalgia with a fresh twist, Oatmeal Cookie S’mores Bars check every box. Their chewy oats, luscious chocolate, and melty marshmallows make each bite a celebration of classic flavors with a comforting texture. Grab your ingredients, gather around the kitchen, and discover why these bars are simply irresistible—you won’t regret it!

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