If there’s one treat that combines childhood nostalgia, irresistible peanut butter goodness, and ooey-gooey marshmallow magic, it’s this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe. Imagine crispy graham crackers topped with soft peanut butter cookie dough, melted mini marshmallows, luscious Hershey’s chocolate, and bursts of Reeses Pieces, all baked to warm perfection. This delightful twist on classic s’mores is perfect for sharing, parties, or whenever you need a quick dessert that feels like a hug in bar form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that come together harmoniously to create layers of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey textures. Each component plays a vital role in making these bars utterly addictive.
- 24 graham cracker squares: Your sturdy, slightly sweet base that adds essential crunch and that classic s’mores flavor.
- 24-pack Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies: The star of the show, bringing rich peanut butter flavor and chewy softness to every bite.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: These little clouds melt beautifully to give the bars that signature gooey marshmallow layer.
- 24 Hershey Bar pieces: Chunky chocolate squares that melt perfectly on top, sealing in the peanut butter and adding that iconic s’mores taste.
- 1 cup Reeses Pieces: Adding bursts of peanut buttery candy crunch and vibrant color to the bars.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips: For an extra layer of melty chocolate goodness spread evenly across the top.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface and Components
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, carefully break the graham crackers into individual squares so every bar has that perfect crunch foundation.
Step 2: Assemble the Base Layer
Arrange the graham cracker squares neatly on the parchment-lined sheet. Place one unbaked Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookie atop each square and gently flatten them just a bit. This helps the cookie dough bake evenly and nestle nicely against the cracker to create a solid but tender base.
Step 3: Bake the Peanut Butter Cookie Base
Pop your tray in the oven and bake for 6 minutes. This partial bake firms the cookie dough while keeping it soft enough to meld with the toppings added later. Now you’re halfway to s’mores perfection!
Step 4: Add Marshmallows and Chocolates
Once the timer dings, pull the tray out and generously sprinkle mini marshmallows, Hershey Bar pieces, Reeses Pieces, and mini chocolate chips over each bar. This combination will create that signature gooey, melty s’mores texture and flavor.
Step 5: Final Bake and Enjoy!
Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 6 to 7 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden and bubbling and the chocolates are melted. Once done, let them cool slightly, then pull them apart and savor each delicious, layered bite of your homemade Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe.
How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little flair when serving, try sprinkling a pinch of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also brighten the look and add a touch of sweetness that complements the rich peanut butter and chocolate.
Side Dishes
These bars are a dessert in themselves but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a cup of rich coffee or hot chocolate to balance the sweetness and enhance that campfire vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe on a wooden platter for a rustic feel or cut them into bite-sized pieces for party platters. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The texture remains soft and chewy, but the marshmallows may firm up slightly, which some actually prefer.
Freezing
If you want to stash bars for longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To revive the melty texture of your Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or briefly heat in an oven set to 300°F. This tiny burst of warmth brings those gooey marshmallows and chocolate back to life.
FAQs
Can I use homemade peanut butter cookie dough instead of Reeses Ready To Bake?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, just make sure it’s not overly sweet or too soft to hold its shape on the graham cracker base during baking.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without making a mess?
Wait until the bars have cooled completely before cutting, and use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep the edges neat and less sticky.
Can I substitute regular marshmallows for mini marshmallows?
You can, but mini marshmallows distribute more evenly and melt faster, creating that ideal gooey texture. If using large marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces for better results.
Are there any nut-free alternatives to the peanuts or Reeses pieces?
If you need a nut-free version, replace Reeses Pieces with colorful chocolate candies without nuts and use store-bought cookie dough without peanut butter. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
Increase the amount of mini chocolate chips or add a layer of chocolate spread on the graham crackers before placing the cookie dough. This amplifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering the peanut butter.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re revisiting a favorite campfire memory or discovering a new indulgence, these bars capture that perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and melty that everyone loves. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to this sweet delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13-14 minutes
- Total Time: 18-19 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars featuring a crispy graham cracker base topped with peanut butter cookie dough, mini marshmallows, chocolate pieces, and peanut butter candies, all baked to gooey perfection.
Ingredients
Base and Cookies
- 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 ensure even baking.
- Prepare Graham Crackers: Arrange the individual graham cracker squares on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to break any graham cracker sheets into individual squares rather than leaving larger rectangles for uniform base pieces.
- Add Cookie Dough: Place one unbaked Reese’s Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookie on each graham cracker square. Gently flatten each cookie slightly to promote even baking. Bake for 6 minutes.
- Add Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven after the initial cookie bake. Immediately scatter mini marshmallows, Hershey bar pieces, Reese’s Pieces, and mini chocolate chips evenly over each cookie-topped graham cracker square.
- Bake Again: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake an additional 6 to 7 minutes until the marshmallows are toasted and the chocolate starts to melt, creating a gooey s’mores effect.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before pulling the bars apart and serving warm.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh graham crackers to ensure crisp texture.
- You can substitute the Reese’s Pieces with your favorite peanut butter candy or skip for a less sweet treat.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, broil the marshmallows for 1-2 minutes instead of baking longer.
- These bars are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
