Print

Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars combine the warm, festive spices of gingerbread with the gooey sweetness of classic s’mores. Featuring a slightly crisp gingerbread cookie base, a rich chocolate layer, and melty mini marshmallows on top, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights, or anytime you want a comforting seasonal treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup molasses

Toppings

  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (semisweet or dark)
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Gingerbread Cookie Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Blend in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the molasses. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan to form the cookie base.
  2. Add the Chocolate Layer: Sprinkle an even, generous layer of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate over the cookie dough base. This layer will melt during baking, creating a luscious s’mores flavor.
  3. Top with Marshmallows: Evenly scatter mini marshmallows over the chocolate layer. These will toast and melt during baking to add gooey pockets of sweetness. Optionally, near the end of baking, you may broil for a minute or two for a more toasted top—watch carefully to avoid burning.
  4. Bake and Cool: Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the gingerbread base is set and the marshmallows turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing to maintain structure and avoid marshmallow and chocolate spillage.

Notes

  • Use fresh ground spices for the best gingerbread aroma and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookie base tender and avoid toughness.
  • Distribute marshmallows evenly for uniform gooeyness in every bite.
  • Use ingredients at room temperature for better texture and mixing.
  • If broiling marshmallows, monitor closely to prevent burning and bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Smores, Gingerbread, Cookie Bars, Holiday Dessert, Christmas Baking, Festive Treat