Irresistible Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe to Try

There’s something incredibly magical about the blend of flavors that brings a smile to your face, especially when you reminisce about childhood snacks around a crackling campfire. Growing up, s’mores were a staple of summer nights, with gooey marshmallows and warm chocolate sandwiched between crunchy graham crackers. Now, here we are! As we cozy up in the crisp air of autumn, I’m excited to introduce you to something truly special: Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars. This delightful twist on the classic s’mores combines the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread with the nostalgic sweetness of marshmallows and chocolate. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll be smitten!

These bars are perfect for the holiday season, inviting friends and family to gather and indulge in rich flavors that warm you from the inside out. Plus, they come together quickly, so you can whip them up in no time. So, let’s put on some cozy music, and I’ll take you through making these delectable Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight treat!
• Comforting flavors that celebrate the essence of fall and winter.
• Great for sharing at gatherings or cozy nights in.
• Customizable with different chocolate options or toppings!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these deliciously spiced cookie bars:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (or regular, cut in half)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or even white—your choice!)
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers (about 4-5 full sheets)

Note: Using fresh spices is key. They really bring out the depth of flavor in the gingerbread.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive right into this baking adventure! Follow these steps to make your Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. The mixture will look creamy and well blended.
4. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda until there are no lumps.
5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix—this will keep your cookie bars tender.
6. Stir in the goodies: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers until nicely distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour and spread: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Don’t fret if it looks thick; that’s just how we want it.
8. Bake blissfully: Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few melted chocolate bits are okay!).
9. Cool and cut: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper (if you used it) and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Tip: For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and let the bars cool fully. Trust me; no one likes a melty mess!

Pro Tips & Variations

Want to shake things up a bit? Here are some fun suggestions to customize your Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
• Nutty goodness: Toss in a half-cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for some added crunch.
• Chocolate swap: Try different types of chocolate for a unique taste; white chocolate chips offer a delightful contrast with the gingerbread flavor.
• Layer it on: After baking, melt some extra chocolate over the top and sprinkle with sea salt for a gourmet touch!

Serving Suggestions

These bars are fantastic on their own, but let’s make the experience even cozier! Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

• With a warm cup of chai tea or spiced hot chocolate—because, let’s be real, can there even be too much chocolate?
• Warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave just before serving for that gooey marshmallow goodness!
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top (or as a side) for a delicious a la mode treat.

Imagine cozying up on the couch, twinkling lights in the background, with a plate of these tantalizing bars… oh, the bliss!

Storage Tips

These Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy!
• Freeze: To freeze, cut into bars, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
• Reheat: For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds; they’ll be gooey and delicious!

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! While the texture might be a bit denser, whole wheat flour will add a lovely nutty flavor and more fiber to your bars.

What can I use instead of mini marshmallows?

If you don’t have mini marshmallows on hand, regular marshmallows work just fine! Just cut them in half to ensure they melt evenly throughout the bars.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. This will keep the bars delicious without the gluten!

Can I make them ahead of time?

These bars are excellent for making ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll remain fresh and delicious for several days.

Conclusion

There you have it: deliciously spiced Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars that are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire! I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience or any twists you tried! Happy baking and stay warm, friends!

Irresistible Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe to Try

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in these Smores gingerbread cookie bars a delightful fusion of flavors thatll satisfy your sweet tooth Perfect for any occasion 153 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup mini marshmallows (or regular, cut in half)

1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white)

1 cup crushed graham crackers (about 4–5 full sheets)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined, creating a creamy mixture.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda until no lumps remain.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix to retain tenderness.

Fold in the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers until evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cut into squares for serving.

Notes

A delightful twist on the classic s’mores that combines the warm, spicy notes of gingerbread with the nostalgic sweetness of marshmallows and chocolate.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12 servings
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Keywords: Smores, gingerbread, cookie bars, dessert, holiday recipe