If you love nostalgic campfire treats with a fun twist, you are going to adore this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe! Combining the classic s’mores flavors of cinnamon-spiced graham crackers, melty marshmallows, and rich chocolate with the irresistible peanut butter goodness of Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies and Reeses Pieces, this dessert is a perfect crowd-pleaser. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey, crunchy bar that balances sweet, salty, and creamy in every mouthful. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for sharing at gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play essential roles in creating the iconic texture and flavor of Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe. Each element brings its own magic, from the buttery crunch of graham crackers to the luscious peanut butter and the gooey marshmallows that melt just right.
- 24 graham cracker squares: The crispy, slightly sweet base that mimics classic s’mores crust.
- 24 pack Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies: Adds that rich, nutty peanut butter flavor and chewy cookie texture.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: The melty, fluffy sweetness that ties everything together.
- 24 Hershey Bar pieces: For that creamy, smooth chocolate layer on top.
- 1 cup Reeses Pieces: Small bursts of peanut butter candy for color and extra crunch.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips: To sprinkle additional chocolate goodness throughout.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prep ensures your bars bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Build the Graham Cracker Base
Place the graham cracker squares neatly on the parchment-lined sheet. Be sure to break the crackers into squares rather than leaving larger rectangular pieces; this helps each bar hold its shape perfectly after baking.
Step 3: Add the Cookie Layer
On top of each graham cracker square, place one unbaked Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookie. Lightly flatten each cookie to allow it to spread evenly and bake consistently. Pop them in the oven for about 6 minutes to start the baking process without fully cooking the cookie yet.
Step 4: Top with Marshmallows and Chocolate
Once the initial baking is done, take the tray out and evenly scatter mini marshmallows, Hershey Bar pieces, Reeses Pieces, and mini chocolate chips over each cookie. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 6 to 7 minutes, allowing the marshmallows to soften and the chocolate to melt beautifully. Pull the bars apart gently while warm and enjoy the gooey delight.
How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra flair goes a long way! Sprinkle a pinch of crushed graham crackers or more Reeses Pieces on top for added texture and color. You can even drizzle a tiny bit of melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce for a luscious finish.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy sides beautifully balance the sweet, rich flavors of the bars and make the dessert feel even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter with some fresh berries for contrast. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift or party favor that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps maintain that perfect chewy yet melty texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven to revive that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm again, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the texture can become rubbery. Reheating gently brings back the gooey marshmallows and soft cookie layers beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular peanut butter cookies instead of the ready-to-bake ones?
Absolutely! Using your favorite peanut butter cookie recipe works just fine, though the ready-to-bake ones are convenient and ensure perfect portioning for this recipe.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Traditional graham crackers and cookies contain gluten, so these bars are not gluten-free as written. You could try substituting gluten-free graham crackers and cookies to make them suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Can I substitute the candies with other kinds of chocolate or nuts?
Yes! Feel free to swap out Hershey Bars or Reeses Pieces for your favorites like almond bark, milk chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts. Customize the bars to your own taste for a fun twist.
What’s the best way to make the bars less sticky?
Allow the bars to cool fully before handling. If you find they still stick, try using a thin spatula or lift them with parchment paper edges to separate them gently without mess.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Definitely, this recipe is very flexible. Just adjust the ingredient quantities to match how many bars you want, and make sure to keep the baking times consistent, checking for doneness as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite comfort desserts to whip up when I want something sweet, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing all at once. It’s so easy and fun to make, yet delivers that perfect blend of textures and flavors that feel like a warm hug. I can’t wait for you to try it and share these gooey, chocolatey, peanut buttery bars with your loved ones!
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
Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, combining the rich flavors of peanut butter cookies, graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate in an easy-to-make baked bar. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, these bars offer a gooey, chocolaty, and crunchy experience in every bite.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 24 graham cracker squares
- 24 pack Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Toppings
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 24 Hershey Bar pieces
- 1 cup Reeses 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: Arrange the 24 graham cracker squares neatly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to break the graham cracker sheets into individual squares before placing them down.
- Add Peanut Butter Cookies: Place one unbaked Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookie on top of each graham cracker square. Gently flatten the cookie slightly to ensure it bakes evenly. Bake in the oven for 6 minutes.
- Add Toppings and Continue Baking: 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 baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, until the marshmallows are toasted and chocolate is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Pull the bars apart and enjoy the gooey, peanut buttery, chocolaty treat!
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Flatten cookies slightly to ensure even baking.
- Adjust baking times as needed depending on your oven’s temperature accuracy.
- For a crispier bottom, allow bars to cool completely before breaking apart.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
