Bob Morano's Dream Cookie Bake

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (1/2 lb; room temperature (or grated if cold))
• 0.75 cup white sugar
• 0.75 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 eggs (large)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cup chocolate chunks
• 1 sleeve graham crackers (hand-crumbled into a mix of chunks and crumbs)
• 2 cup marshmallows (large or mini)
• 1 cup peanut butter cups (chopped)
• 1 cup KitKat bars (chopped)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with a crumpled-up piece of parchment paper to make it easier to fit into the corners.

2. 2

   If your butter is cold, grate it on a box grater to bring it to room temperature quickly. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of butter, 3/4 cup white sugar, and 3/4 cup brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

3. 3

   Crack 2 eggs into a small container to check for shells, then add them to the butter mixture along with 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until combined (it may look slightly curdled, which is fine).

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. If you're concerned about clumps, sift the dry ingredients.

5. 5

   Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until no dry flour spots remain and it resembles cookie dough.

6. 6

   Gently fold in 2 cups of chocolate chunks until evenly distributed.

7. 7

   Hand-crumple the graham crackers into the bottom of the prepared pan, leaving some gaps so the dough can make contact with the tray.

8. 8

   Spread about half to three-quarters of the cookie dough over the graham cracker layer.

9. 9

   Stud the dough with marshmallows and more graham cracker pieces. Optionally, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallows for a s'mores flavor.

10. 10

    Top with the chopped peanut butter cups and KitKats.

11. 11

    Dollop the remaining cookie dough over the top. You won't have enough for a solid layer; leave 'windows' where the candy and marshmallows are still visible.

12. 12

    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.

13. 13

    Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Notes

Crumpling the parchment paper before lining the pan helps it stay flat and reach the corners more easily. For the best texture, ensure the bars are fully cooled before slicing to allow the center to set.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• baked
• cookies
• chocolate
• s'mores
• kid-friendly
• bars