Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Delicious Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars made easy! These bars combine the nostalgic flavors of classic gingerbread with the ooey-gooey magic of s’mores, resulting in perfectly chewy, festive, and irresistibly gooey treats that everyone will love this holiday season. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, gifting neighbors, or just wanting a cozy dessert, these Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Holiday Treat: Made with simple steps that even beginners can follow to create a festive wonder.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Combines the warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy sweetness of marshmallows and chocolate.
• Chewy and Gooey Texture: The bars have that sought-after chewy bite layered with melty s’mores goodness.
• Great for Sharing: Easy to slice and serve at parties, making them ideal for holiday gifting or potlucks.
• Adaptable Recipe: Easily customized with different chocolates, nuts, or dietary tweaks based on your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list keeps things straightforward, focusing on pantry staples that come together to create a rich gingerbread base with the fun twist of s’mores components. Each ingredient plays a key role in texture, flavor, or the classic holiday aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for the cookie bars, providing structure while keeping them tender.
• Ground Ginger and Cinnamon: Signature spices that bring the warm, spiced tones essential for gingerbread flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise just enough while keeping a soft texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to keep bars chewy and flavorful.
• Brown Sugar: Gives a deep caramel sweetness that enhances chewiness.
• Molasses: The heart of gingerbread flavor, offering that unique tang and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
• Mini Marshmallows: The gooey s’mores element that melts into delicious pockets inside the bars.
• Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate for classic s’mores flavor.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: For that essential graham cracker crunch and authenticity.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the spices and adds subtle sweetness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all other flavors.

Variations for Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Feel free to make Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars your own! This recipe is very flexible, so you can swap ingredients to accommodate dietary needs or just shake things up with fun additions or substitutions.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a safe holiday treat.
• Nutty Surprise: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for an added crunch and depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for plant-based margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg alongside the ginger and cinnamon for extra warmth.
• White Chocolate Twist: Replace traditional chocolate chips with white chocolate for a creamy variation.
• Extra Gooey: Add a layer of marshmallow fluff or drizzle melted marshmallow on top after baking for maximum gooiness.
• Vegan Friendly: Use flax eggs and vegan butter substitutes to keep the bars plant-based while still delicious.

How to Make Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure your bars come out clean and perfect every time.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process traps air, which helps the bars have a nice soft texture without being dense.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the molasses, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The molasses gives that unmistakable gingerbread taste, while the eggs hold everything together.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender, chewy texture.

Step 6: Fold in S’mores Ingredients

Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs. These give the bars their signature gooey and crunchy s’mores qualities.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tougher bars; stir just until combined for chewy perfection.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground ginger and cinnamon make a huge difference in flavor intensity.
• Watch the Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows can melt quickly, so fold them in gently to avoid them all sinking.
• Chill Before Baking: If time allows, chilling the batter for 15 minutes can help prevent spreading for thicker bars.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer, as precise heat ensures even baking and gooey centers.

How to Serve Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs or drizzle melted chocolate on top for added decadence. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a festive, snowy touch.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich, sweet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into small squares and serve on a rustic wooden board for a cozy feel at holiday parties. Alternatively, layer with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers in a dessert parfait glass for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their chewy texture and gooey center.

Freezing

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for fresh-tasting treats whenever you crave them.

Reheating

Warm bars briefly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) wrapped in foil for 5-7 minutes to bring back their melty, gooey charm.

FAQs

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out butter for a plant-based margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make these bars dairy-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?

You can chop large marshmallows into smaller pieces, but mini marshmallows work best for even melting and incorporating throughout the bars.

How do I know when the Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are done baking?

Look for golden edges and a slightly firm top while the center remains slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I substitute honey instead of molasses?

Molasses gives a distinctive flavor and color, but honey can be used as a substitute, though it will result in a milder gingerbread taste and lighter color.

Are these bars suitable for holiday gift boxes?

Definitely! Their sturdy yet tender texture makes them perfect for packaging and gifting to friends and family during the festive season.

Final Thoughts

These Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars perfectly blend two beloved holiday favorites into one delightful treat. Easy to make and wonderfully festive, they bring warmth, cheer, and that magical gooey factor to any occasion. Grab your ingredients and dive into this recipe — your taste buds will thank you!

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