Delicious S’mores Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Delicious S’mores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat that marries the flavors of traditional gingerbread with the beloved S’mores concept. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bar that oozes with layers of rich chocolate, creamy marshmallows, and the warm spiciness of ginger and cinnamon. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will evoke nostalgic memories of campfires and cozy family gatherings. If you’re searching for a delightful dessert to please family and friends, this recipe is special for its unique combination of flavors, texture, and convenience. In this article, you will learn how to create these delectable bars from scratch, including cooking tips, variations, and even answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is Delicious S’mores Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe?

Delicious S’mores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful fusion of classic gingerbread and the iconic S’mores dessert. Originating from the beloved campfire treat, S’mores are traditionally made with graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. This recipe takes that nostalgic flavor and reimagines it into a soft cookie bar format. The base is a rich, spiced gingerbread, which is often made with molasses, ginger, and cinnamon, making it a warm and comforting choice.

The texture of these cookie bars is incredibly inviting. The outer layer is slightly crisp while the inside maintains a chewy softness, creating a satisfying contrast. The rich chocolate and gooey marshmallows provide a creamy touch that enhances the overall experience. You’ll appreciate how the flavors meld, with the spiciness of gingerbread complementing the sweetness of chocolate and marshmallows. It’s an exciting dessert that feels both festive and comforting, perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This

There are numerous reasons to love Delicious S’mores Gingerbread Cookie Bars. For starters, they are a sensory delight, offering a perfect balance of flavors—spicy, sweet, and rich. Additionally, they are relatively easy to prepare. Unlike traditional gingerbread cookies that require rolling and cutting, these bars can be mixed and baked in a single pan, making clean-up a breeze. This convenience is a lifesaver, especially for busy parents or beginner cooks navigating their way through the kitchen.

Cost-effective, this recipe employs basic pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it suitable for budget cooking. Furthermore, the versatility of the recipe allows for numerous substitutions and variations, accommodating different dietary needs. Many home cooks make common mistakes, such as overbaking or using stale ingredients, but this recipe minimizes those pitfalls. Once you master it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie, providing structure. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a rich flavor. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps achieve a crispy top.
• Ground Ginger: A key spice that gives gingerbread its signature flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Complements the ginger with warmth and sweetness.
• Molasses: Provides moisture and a unique, rich depth that is characteristic of gingerbread.
• Butter: Ensures a rich and tender texture. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive batter.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds sweetness and richness. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate works well.
• Mini Marshmallows: Provides the S’mores element, making them gooey and delightful.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. When selecting your ingredients, consider freshness, especially for spices, as they can lose potency over time. It’s equally important to measure precisely to avoid a dense or overly sweet outcome.

How to Make

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial to ensure your cookie bars bake evenly. While the oven is heating, you can prepare your baking pan.
2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This helps in easy removal after baking. Lightly greasing the parchment with cooking spray can further ensure no sticking occurs.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air, leading to a tender cookie texture.
5. Add the Molasses and Egg: Add the molasses and egg to the butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated. The molasses gives a distinct flavor and moisture that is essential for gingerbread.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, so stop as soon as you see no more dry flour.
7. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows using a spatula. Ensure an even distribution for a balanced flavor in every bite.
8. Spread into the Baking Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the top for uniform baking.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set and the top is firm to the touch. A slight wobble in the center is okay, as it will firm up as it cools.
10. Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift them out onto a cutting board. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

The sensory experience during preparation adds to the appeal of this recipe. You’ll appreciate the warming spices as they mix and blend, creating an enticing aroma that fills your kitchen. Watching the marshmallows melt and bubble during baking is pure joy, promising gooey bites of deliciousness.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour offer great alternatives that yield similar textures. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

Vegan Version: If you’re looking for a vegan variant, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water; let it sit until it thickens. Additionally, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free for a completely vegan dessert.

Chocolate Chip Variation: If you’re a chocolate lover, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips or mix in chunks of dark chocolate for an even richer flavor. Also, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate notes.

Nutty Addition: For added texture, consider folding in some chopped nuts—walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts can work beautifully. This gives a crunchy element and brings about a whole new flavor profile that balances well with the soft cookies.

Seasonal Spice Addition: If you love experimenting with flavors, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. These spices complement the ginger and cinnamon beautifully, creating a fragrant and warming dessert that’s perfect for autumn or the holiday season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect Delicious S’mores Gingerbread Cookie Bars. One of the critical errors is overbaking. Keep an eye on your bars as they bake; taking them out when they still have a slight wobble ensures they remain soft and chewy, rather than turning dry and crumbly.

Another common mistake is not measuring the ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even a slight discrepancy in your flour or sugar can change the texture and flavor dramatically. It’s best to use a kitchen scale for precision.

Finally, avoid using stale ingredients, especially spices. Ground spices lose their potency over time, so it’s important to check for freshness. Using old spices can result in a bland flavor, robbing your gingerbread bars of their delicious character. Always taste-test your ingredients when possible.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

To store your Delicious S’mores Gingerbread Cookie Bars, allow them to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their moisture and texture.

If you’d like to prepare them ahead of time, consider freezing the cookie bars. To do this, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

For optimal quality, it’s best to consume them fresh. However, reheating will help regain some of that original gooeyness, especially if you pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Always take care not to overheat, as this can cause them to become rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Whole wheat flour can be used, but it will result in a denser cookie bar. If you decide to substitute, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance of texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
You can use a flax egg or applesauce as a substitute. For a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients much like an egg would.

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, these cookie bars can be made ahead of time and stored as mentioned. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored correctly. Alternatively, you can freeze them for later enjoyment.

What is the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and cut them after they’ve cooled for about 10 minutes. If they’ve completely cooled, you can heat a knife with warm water to make cutting easier. This technique helps to maintain clean edges and avoids crumbling.

Can I add a topping on these cookie bars?
Absolutely! Drizzling melted chocolate or a simple frosting on top can elevate the bars even further. You can also sprinkle crushed graham crackers for an extra crunch that mimics traditional S’mores.

Conclusion:

In summary, Delicious S’mores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful union of two beloved treats that promises to tantalize your taste buds. The spiced gingerbread complements the rich chocolate and marshmallow layers beautifully, resulting in a sensibly sweet and satisfying dessert. You are encouraged to not only try this recipe but to make it your own. Customize it with variations, share with loved ones, and make it a staple in your dessert repertoire. Your loved ones will surely appreciate the warmth and love you’ve baked into each bar. Happy cooking!