Description
Indulge in the nostalgic sweetness of Mud Hen Marshmallow Dessert Bars — a Southern classic layered with buttery cookie dough, melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and a crisp meringue topping.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg + 1 additional egg (separated)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. - Make the Base:
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add one whole egg and one egg yolk (reserve the white), then stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. Spread evenly in the prepared pan. - Add the Layers:
Sprinkle the dough with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and nuts (if using). - Make the Meringue:
In a clean bowl, beat the reserved egg white until foamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the top of the bars evenly. - Bake:
Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. - Cool and Serve:
Allow bars to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Notes
- Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh egg whites whip up into a sturdier, shinier meringue.
- Don’t Overbake: The bars should be golden on top but still gooey inside — watch closely toward the end of baking.
- Customize Toppings: Try white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or crushed graham crackers for variation.
- Make Ahead: Bake the night before serving — they taste even better after sitting for a few hours.
- Reheat Trick: Microwave a bar for 10 seconds to bring back that warm, gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes