Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars

Indulging in a warm, gooey dessert is one of life’s simple pleasures—and nothing hits the spot quite like Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars! These bars combine the richness of chocolate and the fluffiness of marshmallows, creating a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night at home, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and marshmallow creates an irresistible taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delicious bars without a hitch.
• Versatile Treat: Serve them warm with ice cream or let them cool for a perfect snack; these bars fit any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings, making you the star of any dessert table.
• Make Ahead Option: These bars can be made in advance and stored, so you’ll always have a tasty treat on hand.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and ensures your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for a light texture.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding in ingredients without deflating your mixture—key for achieving that fluffy marshmallow layer.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: The perfect size to ensure even baking of your cookie bars while providing plenty of space for toppings.

Ingredients

Indulging in a warm, gooey dessert is one of life’s simple pleasures—and nothing hits the spot quite like Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars! These bars combine the richness of chocolate and the fluffiness of marshmallows, creating a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.

For the Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

For the Topping

• 2 cups marshmallow crème
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter

How to Make Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then add vanilla extract to enhance flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually mix dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. Afterwards, press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before adding toppings.

Step 8: Spread Marshmallow Crème

Once cooled, spread marshmallow crème evenly over the cookie base using an offset spatula for smoothness.

Step 9: Melt Chocolate Chips

Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals while stirring until smooth.

Step 10: Top with Chocolate

Pour melted chocolate over the marshmallow layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.

Step 11: Set

Allow bars to set at room temperature or chill them until firm.

Step 12: Cut and Serve

Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars!

With these easy steps, you’ll have an incredible dessert that everyone will love!

How to Serve Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars

Serving Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious ways to present these treats for maximum enjoyment.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallows perfectly.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: This flavor adds a refreshing twist that enhances the chocolatey goodness of the bars.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Chocolate Sauce: A warm chocolate drizzle creates a decadent finish that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Caramel Sauce: Adding caramel sauce provides a sweet contrast to the chocolate and marshmallows, making each bite irresistible.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas offer a soft texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dessert.

Serve Warm

• Warmed Bars: Microwave individual servings for a few seconds before serving, allowing the chocolate and marshmallows to become gooey again.

How to Perfect Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars

To achieve the best results when making Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookie bars; this keeps them soft and chewy.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding nuts or sprinkles on top of your melted chocolate for added texture and flavor.
• Cool completely before serving: Allowing the bars to cool helps them set properly, making them easier to cut into squares.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
2. Milk: Classic milk is always a good choice, especially for dunking!
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cookie bars.
4. Whipped Cream: Light whipped cream offers a creamy complement that pairs beautifully with each bite.
5. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a different texture while keeping the dessert theme consistent.
6. Nutty Granola: A small serving of nutty granola on the side adds crunch and makes for an interesting textural contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results:

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the base to cool completely is crucial. If you skip this step, the marshmallow crème may melt and seep into the cookie.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Accurate measurements are essential for the right texture. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precision.
• Using Cold Butter: Always use softened butter to cream with sugars properly. Cold butter won’t mix well, leading to a dense bar.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can create tough bars. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep bars layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in 15-second intervals until soft and gooey.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars:

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can mix semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I make my bars more chewy?

To achieve a chewier texture, reduce the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them while they bake.

What can I substitute for marshmallow crème?

You can use homemade marshmallow fluff or melted mini marshmallows as alternatives.

Are Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

How should I cut my cookie bars?

For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. This helps maintain neat edges.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that many will love. This recipe is versatile; you can customize it with nuts, other candies, or different flavored chips. Try it today and indulge in this heavenly treat!