Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Discover the delicious twist of Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars, a festive treat that combines classic gingerbread spices with the gooey magic of s’mores for the ultimate cozy dessert. These bars bring together the crunchy snap of gingerbread cookie base, the sweet melty marshmallows, and a rich chocolate layer, perfect for holiday baking fun, family gatherings, or just indulging in something warm and comforting on a chilly day. If you love baking and crave new ways to enjoy traditional flavors, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for making memorable, mouthwatering treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive flavor fusion: Combines the warm spices of gingerbread with classic s’mores ingredients for a seasonal delight.
• Easy to make: Requires simple ingredients and steps that even beginner bakers can follow.
• Perfect party treat: Ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights in with family.
• Gooey and satisfying: Balances chewy marshmallows and rich chocolate with a slightly crisp gingerbread base.
• Customizable: Allows plenty of room for creative variations to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that create a balance of taste, texture, and festive color. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars experience, from the spicy gingerbread base to the melty marshmallow topping.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and foundation for the cookie bars.
• Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves: Infuse the dough with signature gingerbread warmth and spice.
• Baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft, tender crumb.
• Brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes and enhances moisture in the cookie base.
• Butter: Brings creaminess and helps create that perfect chewy texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together while contributing to the soft consistency.
• Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Adds the luscious chocolate layer essential for the s’mores flavor.
• Mini marshmallows: Melt on top, creating gooey pockets of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the gingerbread.
• Molasses: Deepens the gingerbread flavor and keeps the bars moist.

Variations for Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs—this recipe is surprisingly flexible and easy to adapt without losing its festive charm.

• Nut-free version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of regular butter and check chocolate ingredients for allergens.
• Vegan twist: Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows and chocolate.
• Extra crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
• Spiced up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra ginger for a warm, spicy kick.
• Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a safe treat without sacrificing texture.

How to Make Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Gingerbread Cookie Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish, usually an 8×8 inch square pan works best. In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients—flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the brown sugar until fluffy, then blend in eggs and molasses. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms. Spread this dough evenly in your prepared pan to create the cookie base.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate Layer

Once the base is ready, sprinkle an even layer of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over the dough. Be generous—the chocolate is key to delivering the luscious s’mores flavor that makes these bars stand out. This chocolate will melt during baking, creating a smooth, rich layer beneath the marshmallows.

Step 3: Top with Marshmallows

Scatter mini marshmallows evenly over the chocolate layer. These will toast and melt beautifully during baking, providing those delightful gooey pockets that define s’mores. For an even toasty effect, you can give the top a quick broil near the end, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake the bars for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the gingerbread base is set and marshmallows are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to prevent the gooey marshmallows and chocolate from spilling over.

Pro Tips for Making Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Use fresh spices: Ground spices lose potency over time—using fresh ones enhances the gingerbread aroma tremendously.
• Don’t overmix the dough: This keeps the cookie base tender rather than tough or dense.
• Even marshmallow distribution: Spread marshmallows uniformly for consistent gooeyness in every bite.
• Room temperature ingredients: Using butter and eggs at room temperature ensures better mixing and smoother texture.
• Watch the marshmallow browning: If broiling, keep a close eye to avoid burnt marshmallows, which taste bitter instead of sweet.

How to Serve Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Enhance presentation and flavor by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate. You can also sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top to emphasize the classic s’mores theme visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a hot cup of spiced apple cider or coffee for a perfect holiday indulgence. The warm spices and gooey bars complement creamy and slightly acidic sides beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars on a rustic wooden board surrounded by holiday greenery or edible flowers for festive occasions. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with skewered marshmallows or chocolate chunks for a playful snack station at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps the marshmallows soft while maintaining the cookie base’s texture without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze uncut or cut bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm the bars briefly in a microwave or oven to revive gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate—about 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C) in the oven works well without overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini for Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Yes, but you might want to chop them into smaller pieces for even melting and distribution, ensuring every bite has that gooey marshmallow goodness.

Are Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars gluten-free?

Not as traditionally made, but you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free with great results.

Can I make these bars ahead for a holiday party?

Absolutely! They hold up well stored in an airtight container and can be reheated just before serving to refresh their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

Semisweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate work best because they balance the sweetness of the marshmallows and brown sugar nicely.

Can I skip the molasses?

Molasses is key to authentic gingerbread flavor and moisture, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, though it will slightly change the taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a fantastic way to bring festive spirit and indulgent flavors together in one sweet, chewy treat. Whether you’re sharing them around the holiday table or enjoying a quiet cozy night in, these bars deliver warmth, nostalgia, and a little bit of magic with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite seasonal dessert!

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