Peanut Butter S’mores Oatmeal Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these Peanut Butter S’mores Oatmeal Cookie Bars. First, they’re a perfect combination of flavors, with the rich peanut butter complementing the sweet chocolate and marshmallow. The oatmeal base gives them a comforting chew, while the addition of graham cracker crumbs and Reese’s miniatures adds texture and extra flavor. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and just one baking dish. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 12 tablespoons butter, melted

• 2 cups light brown sugar

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter

• 2 eggs, room temperature

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup Reese’s peanut butter baking chips

• 7 full-size Hershey’s chocolate bars

• 7 ounces marshmallow fluff

• 1 cup Reese's miniatures, chopped

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter and light brown sugar. Add the creamy peanut butter and mix well.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, old-fashioned oats, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is well combined.

6. Stir in the Reese’s peanut butter baking chips.

7. Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

8. Once chilled, spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

9. Break the Hershey’s chocolate bars into pieces and layer them on top of the dough.

10. Spread the marshmallow fluff over the Hershey’s bars.

11. Stir the chopped Reese’s miniatures into the remaining dough. Drop spoonfuls of this dough on top of the marshmallow fluff, leaving some gaps.

12. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

13. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 bars

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25-30 minutes

• Chill time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free: You can substitute the peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version of these bars.

• Add More Chocolate: For extra chocolate flavor, add a few more broken pieces of Hershey’s chocolate bars or sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

• Marshmallow Variations: You can use mini marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

• Reheating: If you prefer your bars warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for an added texture, though it will change the consistency of the bars slightly.

2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the bars up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

4. Can I use another type of chocolate in place of Hershey’s bars?

Yes, you can substitute any type of chocolate you prefer, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate.

5. How long should I refrigerate the cookie dough?

Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up, making it easier to handle and bake.

6. Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Old-fashioned oats are best for this recipe because they provide the right texture, but instant oats will work if you don’t have the other kind.

7. Can I add more marshmallow fluff?

Yes, if you like your bars extra gooey, feel free to add more marshmallow fluff to the center layer.

8. Can I make these bars without the graham cracker crumbs?

The graham cracker crumbs are essential to the s’mores flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with crushed cookies or cereal for a similar effect.

9. What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the baking dish or line it with aluminum foil, but parchment paper works best for easy removal of the bars.

10. Can I make these bars with vegan ingredients?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate and peanut butter chips for a vegan-friendly option.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter S’mores Oatmeal Cookie Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. With layers of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallow, they combine all the best parts of your favorite childhood dessert into one delicious, easy-to-make bar. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.

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