Get ready to dive into a cozy, scrumptious dessert that combines the warmth of gingerbread with the gooey goodness of s’mores! These Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are soft and chewy, with a rich, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the colder months. Imagine biting into a soft cookie, the melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows creating a delightful surprise in every bite. Plus, they’re simple to whip up—no fancy techniques required! Whether you’re gathering with friends around a fire or enjoying a quiet night in, these bars will surely bring warmth and joy to your palate.
Why You’ll Love Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
These Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are more than just a treat; they’re a delightful blend of flavors and easy to make! The combination of warm spices from gingerbread and the sweet, gooey marshmallows and chocolate makes each bite irresistible. They are ideal for the holidays but delicious enough to enjoy year-round!
- Speedy Prep: Ready to bake in just minutes.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are staples you likely already have.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make them ahead for a quick dessert!
- Versatile: Great for parties or cozy nights in.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste preferences.
- Dietary Options: Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free!
Ingredient Breakdown for Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and keeps the bars moist.
- Brown Sugar – Provides a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Balances sweetness and enhances texture.
- Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together for chewy bars.
- Vanilla Extract – A hint of warmth to complement the spices.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the bars.
- Baking Powder – Helps the bars rise a little for a fluffy texture.
- Ground Ginger – The star spice that gives them a warm kick.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds a cozy aroma, reminiscent of fall.
- Ground Nutmeg – Enhances the spiced flavor profile.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and brings out flavors.
- Chocolate Chips – Melts beautifully for a rich, creamy texture.
- Mini Marshmallows – Create that classic s’mores gooeyness.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – Adds crunch and the essence of s’mores.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Phase 1 – Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Gather all your ingredients on the counter for easy access.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well blended.
- Fold in chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before cutting into bars.
- Serve warm for melty goodness or allow to cool completely for a firmer texture!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use Room Temperature Butter: It helps create a creamier texture.
- Chill the Dough: If you want thicker bars, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Swap It Up: Try using white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Watch the Time: Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Storage Tip: Store leftover bars in an airtight container for up to a week!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overbaking the bars. If you leave them in the oven too long, they can turn dry and crumbly. To fix this, start checking them a few minutes before the timer goes off—look for a slight golden edge and a soft center.
Another issue can be under-mixing the dough. If it’s not mixed well enough, you might bite into an unevenly cooked bar. Make sure to mix until everything is just combined and you don’t see any dry flour.
Lastly, using cold butter can lead to a dense, heavy texture. Be sure to let it soften at room temperature first to achieve that light, chewy result!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Add Spices: A pinch of cayenne can add a fun kick.
- Herbal Twist: Incorporate fresh mint or rosemary for a unique flavor.
- Different Cooking Methods: You can try making them in an air fryer for a crispy texture.
How to Serve Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Best Pairings: Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Drizzle with chocolate syrup or sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing
These cookie bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy again, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–10 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds until warm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butter instead of fresh?
No, using frozen butter can lead to uneven mixing and a denser texture. Always use softened butter for the best results.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Adding more chocolate chips or a bit of nut butter can enhance creaminess.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
How to fix a too-thick dough?
If your dough is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
These Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a deliciously cozy treat, combining the essence of a classic gingerbread cookie with the nostalgic flavors of s’mores. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a favorite for years to come! Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or explore our related dessert recipes for more yummy ideas!
Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened Adds richness and keeps the bars moist.
- 1 cup Brown Sugar Provides a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Balances sweetness and enhances texture.
- 1 large Egg Binds the ingredients together for chewy bars.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract A hint of warmth to complement the spices.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Gives structure to the bars.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Helps the bars rise for a fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger The star spice that gives them a warm kick.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds a cozy aroma, reminiscent of fall.
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Enhances the spiced flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness and brings out flavors.
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips Melts beautifully for a rich, creamy texture.
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows Create that classic s’mores gooeyness.
- 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs Adds crunch and the essence of s’mores.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Gather all your ingredients on the counter for easy access.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Cooking
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well blended.
- Fold in chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before cutting into bars.
- Serve warm for melty goodness or allow to cool completely for a firmer texture.