Healthy Gooey S'mores Cookie Bars

Spring is here and I'm all for it. Really, spring just means summer is coming, and that calls for a real celebration!

My husband and I are counting down the days (well, years) until we get to move somewhere "permanently summer" like Arizona or Texas. We both love the sunshine, heat, and easy dress code.

One of my favorite summer activities growing up was getting together with all my friends and having a huge bonfire. Not just a campfire, a bonfire! We'd ceremoniously burn all of our homework from the recently completed school year, roast marshmallows, and toast Starbursts until all the stars came out.

Not going to lie, sometimes I purposely didn't wash my clothes after going to a bonfire because I secretly loved the smell of campfire smoke. There's just something wonderful about it!

If only I could capture the nostalgia and essence of summer and have it all year long...

Oh wait! That's what these S'mores Cookie Bars are all about!

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Ingredients you'll need

One of the reasons I love this cookie bar recipe is because is basically a glow up of my classic chocolate chip cookie recipe! Here's everything you'll need for these S'mores Cookie Bars:

• All-purpose flour: the best choice for melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
• Graham cracker flour: made from finely pulsed graham crackers. I do this in a food processor like this one, but you can also use a high-powered blender.
• Vanilla protein powder: optional, but recommended. It helps thicken the cookie dough and add a boost of protein. If you don't keep any on hand, just add more flour.
• Unsalted butter: just one stick!
• Stevia: to cut out some of the refined sugar. You can find some here on Amazon or at your local grocery store.
• Brown sugar: the key to all chewy cookies. Make sure to pack it in the measuring cup!
• Mini marshmallows: for little pockets of summertime goodness. The oven perfectly toasts them and they help hold together the remaining crumbled cookie dough.
• Chocolate chips: classic and essential. Feel free to substitute refined sugar-free chips.

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How to make S'mores cookie bars

Just like every other cookie recipe, start by creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla, creaming until smooth.

Meanwhile, make the graham cracker flour by pulsing graham crackers in a food processor or high speed blender until smooth. You should be left with a "flour" mixture like in the picture below.

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Pack 2/3 of the cookie dough into the bottom of a greased 8x8 pan. Make sure it's really packed! This is the base of the bars.

Sprinkle the marshmallows in an even layer over the dough, then crumble and place the remaining dough in between all of the marshmallows. Don't worry about making it perfect!

Bake the cookie dough for 15 minutes, then remove the S'mores Cookie Bars from the oven. Press the chocolate chips into the cracks and crevices of the baked cookie dough, then return to the oven for another 7 minutes.

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before serving.

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More healthy baking recipes you'll love

Secretly Healthy S'mores Banana Bread

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

The Best White Chocolate Chip Funfetti Cookies

Healthy Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Healthy Cinnamon Pecan Applesauce Bread

Healthy Dark Chocolate Strawberry Muffins

Healthy Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

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I can't wait to hear what you think of these S'mores Cookie Bars! They're easy to make, delicious to eat, and the perfect solution to year-round summer.

Be sure to leave a star rating and review if you loved the recipe so other readers know what you think! You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see you enjoying your homemade treats. Happy baking!

Check out how to make S'mores Cookie Bars below!