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Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars
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Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars combine the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the classic gooey indulgence of s’mores. Featuring a chewy gingerbread base loaded with crushed graham crackers, melted marshmallows, and chocolate chips, these bars are the ultimate cozy treat for winter evenings, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting, festive dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon gingerbread spice mix (blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins

  • 1 cup chopped graham crackers
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

  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.
  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.
  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.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, which will help bind everything and add richness.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to preserve a tender texture.
  6. Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently fold in crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  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.
  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.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Keywords: smores, gingerbread, cookie bars, holiday dessert, festive treat, s'mores bars, cozy snack

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/smores-gingerbread-cookie-bars/