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, bake sales, or a cozy night at home, these cookie bars are sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: Experience a perfect balance of rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallow in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delicious dessert.
- Versatile Treat: Whether served warm or cold, they make an excellent addition to any gathering or celebration.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares for easy serving; these bars are great for parties and potlucks.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love the gooey texture and sweet taste, making them an instant favorite.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for evenly baking your cookie bars and achieving the right texture.
- Electric mixer: Helps you cream the butter and sugars quickly for a fluffy base.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in ingredients without deflating your mixture.
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 Cookie 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 Marshmallow Layer
- 2 cups marshmallow crème
For Topping
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in each egg one at a time. Then add the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips gently with a rubber spatula.
Step 6: Bake the Base
Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Once done, let it cool completely before adding toppings.
Step 7: Add Marshmallow Crème
Spread marshmallow crème evenly over the cooled cookie base using an offset spatula for smoothness.
Step 8: Prepare Chocolate Topping
Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals while stirring until smooth.
Step 9: Finish Up
Pour melted chocolate over the marshmallow layer and spread evenly with a spatula. Allow bars to set at room temperature or chill until firm.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Once set, cut into squares and enjoy your delightful Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars!
How to Serve Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars
Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as a sweet snack, these bars are sure to please everyone.
With Ice Cream
- Pairing these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich chocolate and marshmallow flavors.
Warm from the Oven
- Serve the bars warm, straight from the oven. The gooey marshmallow will be extra melty, creating an irresistible dessert experience.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely touch. This combination makes each bite even more indulgent.
As Party Favors
- Cut the bars into individual squares and package them in decorative boxes. They make excellent party favors for guests to take home.
With Fresh Berries
- Serving these bars alongside fresh berries can add a refreshing balance to the sweetness, making the treat feel lighter.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Enjoying Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars with a cup of coffee or tea complements their richness, creating a cozy dessert moment.
How to Perfect Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars
To achieve the best version of Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth batter that mixes well together.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense cookie bars rather than light and fluffy ones.
- Check baking time: Keep an eye on your cookie bars as they bake. They should be golden brown but not overbaked, so set a timer for 20 minutes and check for doneness.
- Allow cooling before frosting: Let your cookie base cool completely before spreading marshmallow crème on top. This prevents melting and ensures better layering.
- Use high-quality chocolate: Choosing good-quality chocolate chips for both the batter and topping will enhance the overall flavor of your dessert.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain their freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars
Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet profile. Here are some tasty suggestions:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie bars.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds an elegant touch when served alongside or on top of the bars.
- Chocolate Milkshake: This indulgent drink complements the chocolate flavor and creates a fun dessert experience.
- Espresso: A shot of espresso can cut through the sweetness while enhancing the chocolate flavor profile.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkling nutty granola on top adds crunch and texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Coconut Whipped Topping: For a dairy-free option, coconut whipped topping provides a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with chocolate flavors.
- Chilled Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade contrasts nicely with sweet desserts like these cookie bars, refreshing your palate after each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars, avoiding common mistakes can ensure the best results. Here are some tips to help you succeed.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter does not cream well with sugars, resulting in a dense texture. Always use softened butter for light and fluffy bars.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cookie bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender result.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the bars to cool completely before adding marshmallow crème is crucial. This prevents melting and ensures a perfect layered effect.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your bars dry. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars during baking and check for doneness by looking for a golden-brown color.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- These cookie bars can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual squares on medium power for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars?
Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars are a delicious dessert made from layers of chocolate cookie dough, marshmallow crème, and melted chocolate topping, creating a rich and gooey treat.
Can I customize my Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even swap out marshmallow crème for peanut butter if you want a twist on the classic recipe.
How do I know when my Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown color around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Are these cookie bars suitable for parties?
Yes! Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars are perfect for gatherings. Their easy-to-cut squares make them ideal finger foods that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars are an irresistible treat that combines rich chocolate with fluffy marshmallows. Their versatile nature allows you to customize them to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as is or opt for fun variations, we encourage you to try this delightful recipe!
Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars! These decadent bars blend rich chocolate cookie dough with fluffy marshmallow crème and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. With a gooey center and a delightful crunch, each square promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will adore.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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 dough)
- 2 cups marshmallow crème
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time and add vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips gently.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
- Spread marshmallow crème evenly over the cooled cookie base.
- Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with coconut oil or butter in intervals until smooth; pour over marshmallow layer and spread evenly.
- Let set at room temperature or chill until firm before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding nuts or using flavored chocolate chips. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate for up to one week.
