S'mores Cookie Bars

S'mores stuff has been all the rage lately, and I couldn't wait to jump on the bandwagon. I love making s'mores around a campfire, but in my neck of the woods, that means battling mosquitos who love me more than I love s'mores, sorry to say. This is a perfect solution. A cookie bar laced with graham cracker pieces, chocolate and marshmallows, and topped with little pieces of Hershey bar. Satisfies your s'more craving and keeps you from scratching yourself to death, due to the nasty biters. Win/Win!

When I saw this recipe, I knew it would be a perfect choice for this month's Improv Challenge. We're pairing chocolate and vanilla this month, and these bars have plenty of chocolate, and of course a little vanilla extract for flavoring.

Start by crushing the graham crackers - one of the important components of s'mores! You can use a food processor or simply a rolling pin - just make sure to not crush them completely - you want some bigger crumbs so you'll be to distinguish them in the batter.

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Now in a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar and brown sugar.

Cream them together until fluffy then add the egg and vanilla.

Mix well then add the flour, baking soda and salt, and beat just until combined. Now fold in the graham cracker pieces,

chocolate chips

and marshmallows.

This mixture will be thick and a little stiff. Transfer it to a foil lined pan and press it down evenly.

Bake the bars for 10 minutes, then toss on a handful of mini marshmallows to decorate the top.

Now break the Hershey bar into the pre-divided sections and place in the freezer. The bars will bake for another 10-12 minutes, until golden. Mmmm, don't these look delicious already?

Now place the Hershey pieces on top.

Let the bars cool completely, then lift the bar in one piece out of the pan and carefully remove the foil. Cut into 16 pieces and try not to eat all 16 by yourself.

Although I won't blame you if you do...

One year ago: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Two years ago: Sweet Corn Pizza
Three years ago: Feta Zucchini "Pancakes"
Four years ago: Honey Garlic Pork Chops

Find more great stuff at Full Plate Thursday, Showcase your Talent, Thursday's Treasures, Foodie Friday, Food on Fridays, Foodtastic Friday, Friday Flash, TGIF, Friday Food Frenzy.

S'mores Cookie Bars

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, large crumbs (about 4 whole crackers)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini marshmallows plus a handful for the top
1 regular sized milk chocolate Hershey Bar

Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add in egg and vanilla and mix well. Combine flour, baking soda and salt, then add to butter mixture and beat just until combined. Fold in graham cracker pieces, chocolate chips and marshmallows. Press dough into a 8 or 9 inch square pan that has been lined with foil. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes.

While bars are baking, break the candy bar into sections and place in freezer. After the bars have cooked for 10 minutes, sprinkle remaining marshmallows on top. Return to baking for an additional 10-12 minutes. Remove pan from oven and carefully place broken candy bar pieces on top. Let cool completely before cutting. Makes 16 bars.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Chocolate, Chocolate and More