If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the nostalgic joy of campfire s’mores but with a deliciously peanut buttery twist, then this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe is going to become your new go-to treat. Combining the irresistible melty warmth of marshmallows and chocolate with the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter, these bars are incredibly easy to whip up yet packed with layers of texture and flavor that everyone will love. Whether you want to impress friends at a gathering or satisfy a sweet tooth on a cozy night in, this recipe brings all the comfort of s’mores straight from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe is simple but plays a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crunchy graham crackers to the gooey marshmallows, each one brings something special to the experience.
- Graham cracker squares: These form the crunchy, slightly sweet base that mimics the classic s’mores foundation.
- Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookies: Fresh out of the tube, these cookies add that rich, peanut buttery softness just beneath the toppings.
- Mini marshmallows: They melt beautifully to bring that luscious, gooey texture that s’mores are known for.
- Hershey Bar pieces: Classic chocolate pieces that melt into a creamy layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Reeses Pieces: These add crunchy bursts of peanut butter candy for additional flavor and fun texture.
- Mini chocolate chips: Sprinkled on top for an extra hit of chocolate that ties the entire dessert together.
How to Make Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the bars won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying the final product.
Step 2: Arrange the Graham Crackers
Carefully break the graham crackers into individual squares and place them evenly spaced on the parchment paper. These create the crunchy base for each bar and provide the essential s’mores flavor that everyone loves.
Step 3: Add and Bake the Peanut Butter Cookies
Place one unbaked Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookie on top of each graham cracker square, pressing down slightly to flatten the cookie before baking. Bake for 6 minutes to get just the right consistency – soft and chewy without losing shape.
Step 4: Top with Marshmallows, Chocolate, and Candy
Once the cookies have baked, remove the tray from the oven and add a generous handful of mini marshmallows, a piece of Hershey Bar chocolate, some Reeses Pieces, and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to each bar. Toss the tray back in and bake for another 6 to 7 minutes until the marshmallows puff up and golden beautifully, and the chocolate melts enticingly.
Step 5: Cool Slightly, Then Enjoy!
Take the tray out and allow the bars to cool just enough so that you can pull them apart without making a mess. These bars are best enjoyed warm to get the full melty, gooey s’mores effect with the delightful peanut butter twist.
How to Serve Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation, consider a light drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce on top just before serving. A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or extra Reeses Pieces can also add a colorful and textured finish that makes these bars irresistible to the eye as well as the taste buds.
Side Dishes
These rich bars pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee. For a fun twist, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness and add contrasting freshness and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re taking these bars to a party or potluck, arrange them artfully on a wooden board or a rustic tray with some colorful napkins. You can also cut into smaller bite-sized pieces and place toothpicks in them for easy sharing. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming homemade gift, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe treats, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though honestly, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by placing parchment paper between each layer and storing them in a freezer-safe container. When tightly sealed, they keep well for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
For the best experience, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until warm and melty. You can also pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore that freshly-baked gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular peanut butter cookies instead of Reeses Ready To Bake?
Absolutely! While Reeses cookies offer a perfect peanut butter flavor and texture here, you can substitute with any quality peanut butter cookie dough you prefer. Just keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly.
Are there any nut-free alternatives?
If you need a nut-free version, you could try sunflower seed butter cookie dough instead of peanut butter cookies and swap Reeses Pieces for a similar candy without nuts, though it will change the flavor somewhat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free graham crackers and peanut butter cookie dough that is certified gluten-free, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit gluten sensitivities while still enjoying that delicious Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe experience.
Why do the marshmallows not melt evenly sometimes?
Marshmallow melting can vary based on oven heat and placement. For even melting, make sure marshmallows are spread out and the oven rack is centered. You can also use the broil setting for 1–2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and bake in batches or use multiple baking sheets simultaneously. Keep in mind that baking times may need slight adjustment depending on your oven and pan size.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Recipe is one of those wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying treats that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply indulging whenever you want a sweet escape. So, gather your ingredients, have fun with the process, and prepare to enjoy a dessert that’s sure to become a cherished favorite.
Print
Peanut Butter S’mores Bars 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 delightful twist on classic s’mores, combining the rich flavor of peanut butter cookies with the gooeyness of marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers. Perfect for a quick and easy treat, these bars bake in just 18 minutes and serve 24, making them ideal for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Base
- 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 and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Graham Crackers: Place the 24 graham cracker squares evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring each is a separate square, not in rectangular form.
- Add Cookie Dough: Put one unbaked Reeses Ready To Bake Peanut Butter Cookie on top of each graham cracker square and gently flatten the cookie dough slightly to ensure even baking.
- Bake First Phase: Bake the arranged cookies and graham crackers in the oven for 6 minutes until the cookie dough starts to firm but is not fully baked.
- Add Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately top each cookie with mini marshmallows, a piece of Hershey Bar chocolate, Reeses Pieces, and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.
- Bake Second Phase: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, allowing the marshmallows to melt and the chocolates to soften and blend.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before pulling apart the bars and serving. These bars are best enjoyed warm for the perfect gooey and crunchy texture.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Make sure to flatten the cookie dough slightly to help it bake evenly on the graham crackers.
- Feel free to substitute the peanut butter cookies with your favorite cookie dough if desired.
- Serve warm for the best texture and gooeyness.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
