Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

If you’re craving the ultimate cozy treat that blends festive warmth with gooey, chocolaty indulgence, then Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are exactly what you need. This delightful dessert brings together the spicy essence of gingerbread, the sweet crunch of graham crackers, and the irresistible melty goodness of marshmallows and chocolate—making it an unbeatable snack or festive dessert. Whether you’re enjoying a winter evening or need a comforting pick-me-up, Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars deliver that perfect balance of flavor and texture that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: These bars combine the nostalgic taste of gingerbread and s’mores into one warm and gooey square.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these bars in under an hour.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual snack, these bars fit every mood and season.
• Rich, But Balanced: The spicy gingerbread cuts through the sweetness, creating a beautifully layered flavor.
• Kid-Approved: These bars are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a perfect blend of spices, sweetness, and gooey texture. Each component plays a key role—from the robust gingerbread spices to the melty marshmallows that elevate every bite.

• Gingerbread spice mix: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg that gives the bars their classic warmth.
• All-purpose flour: The base that creates a soft, chewy texture for the cookie bars.
• Brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes and helps keep the bars moist.
• Butter: Brings richness and helps achieve the perfect tenderness.
• Chopped graham crackers: Adds a subtle crunch and authentic s’mores flavor.
• Mini marshmallows: Melt to a gooey, sweet layer that’s irresistible.
• Chocolate chips or chunks: For that classic s’mores chocolate melt in every bite.
• Egg and vanilla extract: Bind ingredients and enhance overall flavor.
• Baking soda and salt: Help the bars rise perfectly and balance sweetness.

Variations for Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

The beauty of Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars is how easily you can adapt them to suit your cravings or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to get creative with add-ins or swaps that keep the festive spirit alive.

• Nut-free version: Replace graham crackers with crushed digestive biscuits to avoid allergens.
• Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips, plus a flax egg as a binder.
• Extra crunch: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for an added nutty texture.
• Spiced up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick that pairs surprisingly well with the chocolate.
• White chocolate twist: Swap traditional chocolate chips for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version.

How to Make Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, gingerbread spices, baking soda, and salt to distribute the flavors and leavening agents evenly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use a mixer to cream softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, which will help bind everything and add richness.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to preserve a tender texture.

Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold in crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and marshmallows begin to melt.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to keep their shape and let flavors settle.

Pro Tips for Making Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Use fresh spices: Fresh ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring much more vibrant flavor than old, stale spices.
• Don’t overmix: Combining ingredients until just mixed ensures a tender, chewy texture without toughness.
• Layer toppings: Add an extra layer of marshmallows and chocolate chips on top halfway through baking for a gooey crown.
• Cool completely: Let bars cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbly edges and sticking.
• Pan choice matters: Using a metal or glass baking dish affects baking time and texture, so adjust accordingly.

How to Serve Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Garnishes

Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate to add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or hot chocolate to perfectly complement the gingerbread flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars stacked with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside roasted marshmallows on skewers for a fun twist on classic s’mores.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and gooey texture.

Freezing

Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven to revive the gooey marshmallows and soften the chocolate.

FAQs

Can I use regular graham crackers instead of crushed?

Yes, breaking them into bite-sized pieces works well, but crushed crumbs blend more evenly throughout the bars for consistent texture.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Traditionally, no—but you can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free graham crackers to make a delicious gluten-free version.

Can I make smaller batches?

Absolutely, just halve the ingredient amounts and bake in a smaller pan reducing baking time slightly; keep an eye on doneness.

How long do these bars stay fresh?

Stored properly, Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars remain fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and about a week refrigerated.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes, feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate to customize bars to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a charming, cozy treat that combines the best flavors of the season in one delicious bite. Perfectly balancing spice, sweetness, and melty textures, they’re sure to become a beloved favorite for your family and friends. Give this recipe a try and watch everyone fall in love with each gooey, gingerbread-spiced square!

Related Posts

• Raspberry Cream Buns
• Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies
• King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish

Print