If you have a sweet tooth that craves a perfect blend of crunchy, gooey, and peanut buttery goodness, this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe will quickly become your new obsession. Imagine the nostalgic magic of classic s’mores, but amped up with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter in every bite. Each bar balances crispy graham crackers with melty marshmallows, peanut butter cookie dough, and chocolate in a way that’s insanely delightful and super easy to pull off. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser ideal for everything from family gatherings to cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the perfect layers of flavor and texture. From crispy graham crackers to soft, rich cookie dough and melty marshmallows, here’s your checklist:
- 24 graham cracker squares: The foundational crunch that gives a classic s’mores base and a buttery flavor.
- 24 pack Reese’s Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies: These bring a moist, peanut buttery chewiness that makes the bars special.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: For that irresistible, gooey s’more texture that melts perfectly over the cookie layer.
- 24 Hershey Bar pieces: Smooth milk chocolate that melts into every bite.
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces: Adds a colorful crunch and bursts of peanut butter candy flavor.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips: Small pockets of rich chocolate to boost the decadence and help hold things together.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key because it ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a snap. Parchment also helps get that nice crisp edge on your graham crackers.
Step 2: Arrange the Graham Crackers
Lay out the graham cracker squares evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to separate them into individual squares rather than leaving full rectangles intact. This gives each bar a perfect sturdy yet crunchy foundation and makes them easier to pull apart later.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Take one unbaked Reese’s Ready To Bake peanut butter cookie and place it on top of each graham cracker square. Flatten it gently to spread slightly but keep it neat. This is where the magic begins—the cookie dough will bake into a chewy, peanut buttery base that balances the sweetness perfectly. Bake for 6 minutes to get that initial soft bake.
Step 4: Top with Marshmallows and Chocolate
Once the cookies have baked for 6 minutes, pull them out and quickly scatter the mini marshmallows, Hershey Bar pieces, Reese’s Pieces, and mini chocolate chips evenly over the top. Pop your tray back into the oven for another 6 to 7 minutes. This step melts everything together beautifully, creating a gooey, melty, colorful topping you won’t be able to resist. When done, remove from the oven and carefully pull apart the bars to serve.
How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair and flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt or drizzle some melted peanut butter or chocolate ganache over the bars just before serving. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely contrast and brightness to the richness.
Side Dishes
Serving these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk turns this snack into a truly decadent treat. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or simple whipped cream if you want a lighter balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars with layers of banana slices or nutella for an indulgent snack platter, or cut them into mini bite-size pieces for parties. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying them with twine makes for adorable gift ideas or picnic-friendly desserts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Peanut Butter S’mores Bars hold up well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge will keep the marshmallows firm and the chocolate from melting completely while maintaining freshness.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bars last up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To bring back the gooey, melty texture, warm the bars in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning the marshmallows or chocolate.
FAQs
Can I use homemade peanut butter cookie dough instead of the Ready To Bake cookies?
Absolutely! Homemade dough will work wonderfully—just make sure it’s soft enough to spread on the graham crackers and bake for a similar amount of time. This lets you customize flavors and sweetness.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe as written is not gluten-free because of the graham crackers and cookie dough. However, you can substitute gluten-free graham crackers and your favorite gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipe to make it suitable.
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
While mini marshmallows melt more evenly and cover the bars better, you can chop regular marshmallows into smaller pieces if you don’t have minis. Just keep spreading them evenly for best results.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without making a mess?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps cut through the gooey marshmallow and chocolate cleanly without dragging or sticking.
Can these bars be made vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute vegan chocolate, dairy-free peanut butter cookie dough, and vegan marshmallows to make a plant-based version. Just be sure to check all ingredients for vegan compliance.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to top a simple yet indulgent dessert that hits all the right notes: creamy, crunchy, gooey, and packed with peanut butter and chocolate joy. This Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe is perfect for sharing, snacking, or impressing anyone who loves a nostalgic twist on classic s’mores. Trust me, once you try it, these bars will be a beloved favorite in your recipe collection, ready to brighten up any occasion with their irresistible charm.
Print
Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistible Peanut Butter S’mores Bars combining crunchy graham crackers, rich peanut butter cookie dough, gooey marshmallows, and melty chocolate for a perfect campfire-inspired treat baked right in your oven.
Ingredients
Base
- 24 graham cracker squares
Cookies
- 24 pack Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Toppings
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 24 pieces Hershey Bar
- 1 cup Reeses Pieces
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Graham Crackers: Spread out the 24 graham cracker squares evenly on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are broken into squares rather than left as whole rectangles for proper sizing.
- Add Cookie Dough: Place one unbaked Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookie on top of each graham cracker square. Gently flatten the cookie dough slightly to create an even layer. Bake for 6 minutes to begin cooking the cookie base.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately top each cookie with mini marshmallows, a piece of Hershey Bar, Reeses Pieces, and mini chocolate chips. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 7 minutes until the marshmallows and chocolate are melted and gooey.
- Serve Warm: Take the tray out of the oven and let the bars cool just slightly before pulling them apart and serving warm for the best gooey texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Watch closely during the second bake to prevent marshmallows from burning.
- Feel free to substitute regular chocolate chips if mini chips are unavailable.
- These bars are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
