Name: Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 115 g unsalted butter, browned; 107 g packed brown sugar; 25 g granulated sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 15 ml molasses; 2.5 ml vanilla extract; 170 g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 2.5 ml baking soda; 5 ml ground cinnamon; 2.5 ml ground ginger; 1.25 ml ground allspice; 0.6 ml ground nutmeg; 1.25 ml salt; 135 g semisweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping; 90 ml liquid egg whites; 150 g granulated sugar (for meringue); 5 ml cream of tartar; 2.5 ml vanilla extract (for meringue)

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly combines two classic flavors, look no further than these delightful Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars! These bars blend the rich, warm spices of gingerbread with the indulgence of s’mores, creating a cozy dessert that is sure to become a favorite. The fluffy meringue topping adds a touch of elegance and an irresistible contrast to the chewy cookie base, making these bars perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or savor a special treat at home, these bars are a warm hug in dessert form.

Why are these Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars a must-try? For one, they come together in just about 55 minutes and require minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, the combination of flavors will transport you straight to a campfire by evoking those childhood memories of roasting marshmallows. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a unique holiday treat, this dessert is decadence with a dash of nostalgia!

Why You’ll Love This Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Flavor Fusion: The rich flavors of gingerbread mixed with sweet chocolate chips and a gooey marshmallow topping create a heavenly dessert.
Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, these bars can be whipped up in no time, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Great Presentation: The beautiful swirls of toasted meringue add a stunning visual element to the dessert, making it ideal for gatherings.
Versatile Treat: These bars can fit in during any season, whether as a warm treat in winter or a fun dessert for summer barbecues.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you start baking your Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. First, ensure your workspace is clean and organized. You’ll need a sturdy mixing bowl, preferably large enough to accommodate all your ingredients. A whisk is necessary for blending your wet and dry mixtures smoothly.

Having a stand mixer can make your meringue preparation easier, but a hand mixer will also work just fine. Make sure to line your 9×23 cm loaf pan with parchment paper, and lightly grease it with non-stick spray for easy removal of the baked bars. Also, don’t forget that having a kitchen torch on hand will help you achieve that golden-brown finish on your meringue.

Ingredients

115 g unsalted butter, browned
107 g packed brown sugar
25 g granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
15 ml molasses
2.5 ml vanilla extract
170 g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2.5 ml baking soda
5 ml ground cinnamon
2.5 ml ground ginger
1.25 ml ground allspice
0.6 ml ground nutmeg
1.25 ml salt
135 g semisweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
90 ml liquid egg whites
150 g granulated sugar (for meringue)
5 ml cream of tartar
2.5 ml vanilla extract (for meringue)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Before mixing your ingredients, start by lining a 9×23 cm loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring a slight overhang on the sides. This will help you remove the bars once baked easily. Preheat your oven to 175°C, so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a heavy saucepan, cube your unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. You’ll want to stir it continuously until it foams and gets a rich golden brown color. This browning process enhances the flavor of your cookie bars significantly. When done, pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and allow it to cool.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Once the butter has cooled, whisk it together with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl until well mixed. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. This step is crucial to avoid clumps and ensure even distribution of spices. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix as this can prevent your bars from being tender. Finally, gently stir in the chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly in your prepared loaf pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if you’d like. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the edges look golden brown, and the center is mostly set. Pull it out and let it cool in the pan before moving on to the meringue.

Step 6: Prepare the Meringue

To create a lovely meringue topping, heat a saucepan filled with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. In a heatproof bowl, mix egg whites and granulated sugar, and place it over the simmering water. Continuously whisk until the mixture becomes warm and the sugar dissolves. Now transfer that warm mixture to a stand mixer with a whisk attachment and beat on high speed until thickened to form stiff peaks. Don’t forget to add cream of tartar and vanilla extract for flavor.

Step 7: Assemble and Toast

Remove your cooled gingerbread slab from the pan and cut it evenly into 6 bars. Fill a piping bag with your meringue mixture and pipe decorative swirls on top of each bar. For that toasty finish, carefully use a kitchen torch to brown the meringue swirls until they become lightly golden.

Variations

Protein: Consider adding bacon bits or chopped nuts for a savory twist.
Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can fold in some finely grated zucchini or carrots into the cookie dough.
Spices: Experiment with pumpkin spice or cardamom for a unique flavor profile that complements this already warm treat.

Cooking Notes

Always ensure the butter is browned adequately – the richer the brown, the better the flavor!
Be gentle while mixing the dough; overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of tender ones.
Use a kitchen torch mindfully when toasting the meringue to prevent burning.
For a sweet touch, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the cooled bars before serving!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars with a hot cup of cocoa for an unbeatable combination.
Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience.

Tips

Use room temperature eggs to help them blend more smoothly into the batter.
If you don’t have a kitchen torch for the meringue, you can place the bars under a broiler for a minute or two, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Cut the bars into different shapes, like triangles or squares, to make them more fun and appealing for kids.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 250
Protein: 3 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Sugars: 20 g
Fat: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie base a day in advance and top with the meringue on the day you plan to serve them.

How should I store the leftover bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for longer preservation.

Can I use a different type of chocolate in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different taste.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can use lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

These Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are an enchanting blend of flavors and textures that turn a classic treat into something extraordinary! With their rich, spiced cookie base topped with a cloud-like meringue, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own with a warm drink. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer an exciting opportunity for variations and personalization. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your results! Comment below with your thoughts or any tweaks you made. Happy baking!