• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Joy the Baker
Joy the Baker
  • Cookies
  • Bread
  • Cakes
  • Pies
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Cookies
    • Birthday Cake Recipes
    • Biscuits
    • Muffins
    • Cupcakes
    • Drinks
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Fruit
    • Nuts
    • Buttermilk
    • Chocolate
    • Vanilla
    • Holiday
    • Healthy
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegan
  • Blog
    • Baking 101
    • Tips
    • Beyond the Kitchen
    • Let It Be Sunday!
    • New Orleans
  • Shop

Toasted Marshmallow Squares

May 31, 2012 by Joy the Baker 169 Comments

IMG_8155_NO BLUE

I stand before you with a giant smile on my face.

I imagine that rainbows and shooting stars light up the sky behind me.  I imagine I have the ability to summon a parade of ponies and sea horses… that’s how (humbly) excited I am about these cookie squares.

They’re so simple:  vanilla bean crust, cherry jam, and toasted marshmallows.  I know I haven’t invented cookies… I just feel particularly proud of these.

The possibilities with these cookie squares are endless, and yours to create.  I know you’re thinking Nutella… I know you.

However you fancy, I promise that when you make these squares, you’ll feel like summoning the pony parade.  This is real!

And… GO!

 IMG_8040

My favorite kind of dough is a press-in situation.  This is that.

IMG_8047

Dough is simply sprinkled with with flour and pressed with clean fingers into the four corners of the pan.

So satisfying.

Totally like adult play-doh.

IMG_8057

Adult play-doh that turns into a giant cookie!

This is a shortbread-ish cookie, thought it’s softer and more chewy.  Less crisp that a traditional shortbread.  We want it more pliable that crumbly.

IMG_8076

This is the part when the spreadables come in.  I chose a good cherry jam.

IMG_8082

This might be the part where you start yelling.

Why did you use jam and not Nutella!?  Whhhyyyyy!?  Why did you not use Nutella!?

Well… sure, chocolate hazelnut spread is totally an option.  An awesome option.  Surely.

There’s something you should know about me.  I like Nutella two ways:  with pretzels or with a giant spoon.  Not complicated into baked goods.

IMG_8094

So cherry jam it is!

Marshmallows are sliced in half before being lined atop the jam.

IMG_8115

Now.

Now we work the oven.

The marshmallow topped cookie is placed in a 350 degree oven… just to warm the marshmallows, making them smashable.

Marshmallows must be smashable to be toastable.  It’s like science… but not really at all.

IMG_8116

This is the part when hot hot fire gets thrown in the mix.

We’ll need some broiler action to toast these marshmallows.  Please trust me when I say that these marshmallows only need about 3 to 5 seconds under a gas broiler to toast.  Translation:  I set my first round of marshmallows ablaze.  Don’t even close the oven door.

Yea… it’s that serious.

Imagine all the combinations you could use in this preparation:  orange curd and chocolate chips, nutella, caramelized bananas and toasted peanuts, dulce de leche!?  SO MUCH!

Think of these marshmallow squares in math terms:

Lemon bars – lemon + vanilla bean + cherry jam + toasted marshmallows = perfectly perfect.

If you’d like to make your own marshmallows, these Honey Vanilla Bean Marshmallows are sublime.  Or… if you just want a milkshake, look no further.

Toasted Marshmallow Squares

makes 9 squares in an 8-inch square pan

adapted from the Joy the Baker Cookbook and The Complete Book of Cookies

Print this Recipe!

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 vanilla bean, scraped or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large egg yolk

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for pressing dough into pan

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fruit preserves

15 marshmallows, cut in half

Place rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper (leaving some overhanging paper flaps on two ends) and grease parchment paper.  Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in vanilla bean scrapings (or vanilla extract) and egg yolk.  Beat until well incorporated.  Stop the mixer and add flour.  Beat on low speed until completely incorporated.

Spoon batter into prepared pan.  Sprinkle with flour.  With clean fingers, press the dough into the bottom of the pan.  Use a bit more flour as necessary so that the dough doesn’t stick to your fingers.  Try to make the crust as even as possible.

Bake crust for 20-24 minutes until golden brown around the edges, but still slightly soft in the center.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes.

Run a thin butter knife around edges of the pan.  Use the two parchment paper flaps to carefully remove the crust from the pan.  Run a butter knife between the crust and the paper and carefully slide the crust from the paper and onto a unlined baking sheet.

Top crust with a thin layer of fruit preserved.  Arrange marshmallows on top of jam.  Return to the 350 degree oven for about 4 minutes.  This will warm and soften the marshmallows.  Remove from the oven and turn the oven onto the broiler setting.  Use the back of a spoon to gently press and smash the top of each marshmallow.

Once all the marshmallows are smashed, return to the broiler.  Keep a very very very very close eye on the marshmallows.  They’ll toast in seconds.  They’ll burn in seconds.  I didn’t even close the broiler door.  They just need a kiss of broiler action.

Remove toasted marshmallow cookie from the oven.  Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.  Cookies can be served slightly warm or at room temperature.  Cookies can be left, well wrapped at room temperature, for up to 4 days.  

Previous PostNext Post

Filed Under: Cookies, Fruit, Recipes, Vanilla

Previous Post: « Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk Cake
Next Post: How to Make: a Cake Banner »

Reader Interactions

All Comments
I Made This
Questions
  1. Tina

    December 29, 2022 at 11:57 am

    These are some of the best bars I’ve ever made. People now ask me to make this.

    Reply
  2. Erin

    May 2, 2016 at 7:50 am

    Just a note that the recipe never specifies when to add the 1/4 tsp salt it calls for – might want to edit to include, thanks!

    Reply
    • joythebaker

      May 24, 2016 at 10:16 am

      I’m sorry. The salt goes in with the melted butter and marshmallows.

      Reply
  3. plasterer bristol

    March 1, 2016 at 10:29 am

    mm yummy, this with a big pot of tea. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Simon

    Reply
  4. Theresa

    June 30, 2015 at 9:51 am

    Ohhhhhh……the possibilities….4th of July Party and am going to do several different batches. Lemon/blueberry….chocolate/cherry…..graham/Nutella….nom…nom! Adult Smores! Thank You for the wonderful inspiration!

    Reply
  5. Amanda Rose

    June 30, 2015 at 7:02 am

    Sigh. We were meant for each other.

    Reply
« Older Comments

Trackbacks

  1. Grilled Nutella & Strawberry Tortilla Wraps says:
    April 12, 2016 at 7:17 pm

    […] gathering, The Big Potluck, when Joy of Joy the Baker began her cooking demo. She made these Toasted Marshmallow Squares…but changed the strawberry to Nutella. After her demo was over, folks were up there taking […]

    Reply
  2. 10 recipes to keep you warm on a snowy day – AccuWeather.com | LatestHealthNews.xyz says:
    February 25, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    […] Not anything enjoy a sweet dessert to round out a hearty meal on a winter day. These toasted marshmallow squares demand three main […]

    Reply
  3. 10 recipes to keep you warm on a snowy day – AccuWeather.com | Grocery Send says:
    February 25, 2016 at 10:34 am

    […] nothing like a sweet dessert to round out a hearty meal on a winter day. These toasted marshmallow squares need three main […]

    Reply
  4. #Cookielicious Adaptable Marshmallow Bar Cookies - Get the Good Stuff! says:
    November 28, 2015 at 1:04 am

    […] get to use up the remnants of an open jar of jam. These cookies are inspired by and adapted from Joy the Baker – and they remain a favorite in my family. They’re […]

    Reply
  5. Grilled Nutella & Strawberry Tortilla Wraps — Tester 10 says:
    July 30, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    […] gathering, The Big Potluck, when Joy of Joy the Baker began her cooking demo. She made these Toasted Marshmallow Squares…but changed the strawberry to Nutella. After her demo was over, folks were up there taking […]

    Reply
  6. 29 Cozy And Delicious Things To Make On A Snowy Weekend | Viral Chow says:
    June 3, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    […] joythebaker.com […]

    Reply
  7. 29 Cozy And Delicious Things To Make On A Snowy Weekend - ZuziFeed says:
    May 3, 2015 at 7:49 am

    […] joythebaker.com […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

RELATED POSTS IN Cookies

a stack of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies with a bite taken out of the top one with milk
Classic White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate sweet, salty, nutty treat with these irresistible white chocolate macadamia nut cookies! Made with butter and brown sugar, and loaded with chunks of creamy white chocolate and roasted macadamia nuts, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings (with a hint of salt for balance). Whether…

Read More

wider shot of lemon bars stacked on a plate with a bite taken out of one lemon bar
My Favorite Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

When life hands you lemons, make lemon bars! This lemon bar recipe is the perfect way to add a bite of sunshine to the day. These bars boast a buttery and lightly spiced shortbread crust, and a creamy smooth lemon filling that’s the perfect combination of tangy and sweet. Indulge in a square (or two)…

Read More

completed recipe close up shot of a blondie so the toasted almonds, chocolate chips, and sea salt can be seen
My Best Classic Blondie Recipe

Don’t think of blondies as brownies without the chocolate – these chewy little squares are sweet like butterscotch and studded with toasted walnuts and melty dark chocolate pockets. I add a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar, making these bars the best classic blondie recipe to come…

Read More

Primary Sidebar

Fresh baked emails, delivered to your inbox

Jump to Recipe

Receive recipes from Joy the Baker and updates on events at The Bakehouse.

HI! I’M JOY!

Jump to Recipe

Welcome! This has been my little corner of the internet since 2008!

I’m a baker, photographer, cookbook author and teacher.  I live laugh love in New Orleans. 

MORE ABOUT JOY AND THE TEAM

BOOKS + Magazines

Jump to Recipe

JOY THE BAKER 2022 SUMMER MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2021 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

JOY THE BAKER 2020 HOLIDAY MAGAZINE

HOMEMADE DECADENCE

OVER EASY: SWEET AND SAVORY RECIPES FOR LEISURELY DAYS COOKBOOK

JOY THE BAKER COOKBOOK

Jump to Recipe
joy the baker on facebook joy the baker on twitter pinterest-social instagram-socialbloglovin-social

JOY @ WILLIAMS SONOMA

Jump to Recipe

SHOP THE CAKE LINE OF CAKE MIXES!

DRAKE ON CAKE

Jump to Recipe

Passionate from miles away since 2015.

Check it out on Instagram

Drake on cake instagram.

 

BREADS YOU’LL LOVE

jambalaya buttermilk biscuits in a row

Smoked Sausage Jambalaya Buttermilk Biscuits

inside of warm cinnamon roll on plate

How To Make The Best Single Serve Cinnamon Roll

Orange roll on a plate with a fork.

Christmas Morning Orange Rolls

LET’S MAKE COOKIES!

a stack of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies with a bite taken out of the top one with milk

Classic White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

wider shot of lemon bars stacked on a plate with a bite taken out of one lemon bar

My Favorite Classic Lemon Bars Recipe

completed recipe close up shot of a blondie so the toasted almonds, chocolate chips, and sea salt can be seen

My Best Classic Blondie Recipe

Footer

Instagram

joythebaker

📚Baker and author of books and magazines
🎂Creator @drakeoncake
💁🏻‍♀️Classes with me @thebakehousenola
🍰 Products with @williamssonoma

joythebaker
🍓🌼 Pan Dulce is the best way to bake spring! 🍓🌼 Pan Dulce is the best way to bake spring! Full recipe linked in the @joythebaker bio! Xo
Second coffee: the perfect way to re-start the day Second coffee: the perfect way to re-start the day. 
✨Beignet Café au Lait✨⁣
⁣1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk⁣⁣
Splash of vanilla extract⁣⁣
½ cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks⁣⁣
2 cups fresh brewed strong coffee⁣⁣
½ cup toasted cinnamon cereal, lightly crushed⁣⁣
Powdered sugar for topping⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Place sweetened condensed milk and vanilla in a small bowl. Add half of the whipped cream and fold to combine.  Add the remaining half and fold until you have a fluffy sweet cream. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Divide brewed coffee between two mugs. Spoon dream on top.  Sprinkle cinnamon cereal between the cups.  Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy immediately.
Life Skill No. 458: How to Make 1️⃣2️⃣ Cup Life Skill No. 458: How to Make 1️⃣2️⃣ Cupcakes with just 1️⃣ Stick of Butter⁣
⁣
Full recipe linked in my bio! xo
Someone call @foodnetwork because Dad and I need a Someone call @foodnetwork because Dad and I need a baking show stat. Here’s our very best chocolate chip cookies and all the little tips that make them perfection. ✨🍪 Find the full recipe linked in the profile!
We’re baking the classics on Joy the Baker this We’re baking the classics on Joy the Baker this month and up next, my very favorite Lemon Bar recipe with fresh lemon juice and the tiniest hint of coriander. ⁣🍋🌼✨
⁣
Find the full recipe linked in the profile and bust out the white chocolate and macadamia nuts for next week’s bake! ⁣
⁣
#lemonbars #easybaking #bakedfromscratch #joythebaker
Day in the Life: out in the woods writing a little Day in the Life: out in the woods writing a little cookbook about camp food. 💖🏕️🙋🏻‍♀️
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Joy the Baker
All rights reserved. Violators will be whupped and sent to bed with no dessert · Privacy Policy

Scroll Up