If there’s one ultimate way to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings, let me introduce you to the Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe. This delightful treat combines the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores with the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter, transforming a campfire classic into a quick, irresistible dessert bar. Crispy graham crackers, melty marshmallows, gooey peanut butter cookie dough, and bursts of chocolate and peanut butter candies come together in perfect harmony, creating a bite-sized explosion of flavor that’s sure to become one of your new favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a key role in building the perfect blend of textures and flavors. From crunchy to creamy, sweet to slightly salty, every element contributes to the magic of this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe.
- Graham cracker squares: Provide the classic crunchy base and that signature s’mores flavor.
- Reese’s Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies: Bring the rich peanut butter taste and a chewy, soft texture that melts into the graham crackers.
- Mini marshmallows: Add that ooey-gooey, melty marshmallow goodness that is a must-have in any s’mores treat.
- Hershey Bar pieces: Give melty chocolate pockets that complement the peanut butter beautifully.
- Reese’s Pieces: Provide a pop of color and an extra peanut butter candy crunch.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of intense chocolate flavor to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your bars don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. This quick prep sets the stage for a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Layer the Graham Crackers
Arrange the graham cracker squares evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure you break the graham crackers into individual squares rather than leaving them in large rectangles. This ensures uniform baking and perfect portions.
Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Place one unbaked Reese’s Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookie on top of each graham cracker square. Give each cookie a gentle flattening to help it meld with the graham cracker during baking. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 6 minutes until the dough is starting to set but still soft.
Step 4: Top with Marshmallows and Candies
After the initial bake, pull the tray out and immediately top each cookie with a handful of mini marshmallows, Hershey Bar pieces, Reese’s Pieces, and mini chocolate chips. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 6 to 7 minutes. This final bake melts everything into a gooey, delicious perfection.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool just enough to handle. Then pull them apart and get ready to savor every sticky, chocolatey, peanut buttery bite!
How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the bars can add a lovely visual and flavor lift. You can also sprinkle a few extra mini Reese’s Pieces on top for a colorful finish that brings a bit of crunch and pep to every bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy combo. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey bars, making for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these bars in a clear glass trifle dish with alternating layers of whipped cream and chocolate sauce for a deconstructed s’mores parfait. Or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of fresh fruit and nuts to elevate your dessert spread at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peanut Butter S’mores Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they remain fresh and chewy for longer when kept in the fridge. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by individually wrapping them in plastic wrap and then placing them into a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—perfect for having a homemade treat ready whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen bars, thaw them at room temperature and warm briefly in a microwave or oven to revive that ooey-gooey melty texture. About 15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300°F in the oven does the trick nicely.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of peanut butter cookie dough?
Absolutely! While Reese’s Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies are perfect for their flavor and convenience, you can swap in your favorite peanut butter cookie dough. Just watch the baking time and keep an eye on the texture.
What if I don’t have Hershey’s chocolate bars?
Not a problem. You can use any milk chocolate bar or even chocolate chunks as a substitute. The goal is to have those melty chocolate pockets that compliment the peanut butter and marshmallows.
Are mini marshmallows necessary?
Mini marshmallows melt evenly and create the ideal gooey texture, but if you only have regular-sized marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces before topping the bars to achieve a similar effect.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure your peanut butter cookie dough is certified gluten-free. This way, you keep the flavors intact while catering to dietary needs.
How long do Peanut Butter S’mores Bars last?
Fresh bars are at their best within 2-3 days stored properly in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing is your friend, preserving their deliciousness for several weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines all the best parts of s’mores with a peanut butter twist, you can’t go wrong with this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe. It’s easy to make, delightfully gooey, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering or family night. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share some smiles around the dessert table!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are a quick and indulgent treat combining classic s’mores flavors with rich peanut butter cookies. Ready in just 18 minutes, this recipe layers graham cracker squares, unbaked peanut butter cookies, mini marshmallows, Hershey chocolate pieces, Reese’s Pieces, and mini chocolate chips for a gooey, chocolatey dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 graham cracker squares
- 24 pack Reese’s Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies (one cookie per bar)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 24 Hershey Bar pieces (one piece per bar)
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat 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: Place the 24 graham cracker squares evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to separate full graham cracker sheets into individual squares for uniform layering.
- Add Peanut Butter Cookies: Place one unbaked Reese’s Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookie on top of each graham cracker square. Gently flatten each cookie slightly to ensure it bakes evenly and adheres to the cracker. Bake for 6 minutes to partially cook the cookies.
- Top with S’mores Mix: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately top each cookie with mini marshmallows, one piece of Hershey chocolate bar, Reese’s Pieces, and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.
- Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, until marshmallows are toasted and chocolate chips have softened.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool slightly. Pull apart the bars to serve warm and enjoy the melty, peanut butter s’mores goodness.
Notes
- For even cooking, ensure the cookies are flattened slightly before baking.
- Use parchment paper to avoid sticking and make cleanup quicker.
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to substitute the Reese’s Pieces with your favorite candy or chopped nuts for variation.
