Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Introduction to Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Do you ever find yourself juggling life’s many demands while dreaming of indulging in something scrumptious? If so, let me introduce you to my delightful Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars! These treats combine the warm, spicy essence of gingerbread with the gooey sweetness of chocolate. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a quick solution for a busy day or a sweet surprise for friends and family. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy bar topped with fluffy meringue! Sounds tempting, right? Trust me, this recipe is a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without too much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars are truly a busy mom’s best friend! They come together in just about 50 minutes, making them perfect for impromptu gatherings or after-school treats. The combination of flavors is spectacular—a warm hug of gingerbread with decadent chocolate. Plus, the meringue topping adds a touch of elegance while remaining simple to make. What’s not to love when dessert feels this effortless?

Ingredients for Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Let’s gather everything we need for these mouthwatering Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars! Here’s what you’ll be using:

• Unsalted butter: This adds richness and flavor, especially when browned for a nutty taste.
• Brown sugar: Packed with moisture, it creates a soft texture and enhances the deep, caramel notes.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a nice golden crust.
• Large egg: Provides structure and moisture to the bars, helping them rise perfectly.
• Molasses: This gives our gingerbread bars a distinctive flavor, adding to that warm, spicy experience.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic sweetness, balancing the spices beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the recipe, helping to create a chewy texture in every bite.
• Baking soda: This is our secret leavening agent, helping the bars rise and stay fluffy.
• Ground spices (cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg): These spices create the signature gingerbread flavor, making each bite comforting and festive.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The gooey chocolatey goodness that melts in your mouth—feel free to use dark chocolate for a richer flavor!
• Liquid egg whites: Essential for creating our airy meringue topping that’s fun and beautiful.
• Granulated sugar (for meringue): This sweetener helps to create stability in the meringue’s texture.
• Cream of tartar: Acts as a stabilizer, ensuring your meringue holds its shape while baking.
• Additional vanilla extract (for meringue): Enhances the meringue flavor, adding a lovely aroma.

For exact quantities, keep scrolling to the end of the article, where you can find a handy printable version of the recipe!

How to Make Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Let’s get started on creating these delicious Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

First, let’s line a 9×23 cm loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This makes it easy to lift out your cookie bars later.

Next, give it a light coating of non-stick spray. Your bars will thank you for this little extra effort!

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Now, cube about 115 grams of unsalted butter, and melt it over medium heat in a heavy saucepan. Stir constantly until it foams and turns a lovely golden brown.

The browning adds so much flavor! Once you see that rich color, transfer the butter to a heatproof bowl and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

While the butter cools, preheat your oven to 175°C.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until nicely blended.

Now add in one large egg, molasses, and a splash of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is so smooth it could put a smile on anyone’s face!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and your delicious spices.

Remember to include ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. These ingredients will give your bars that classic gingerbread flavor.

Then, gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Do this carefully; we don’t want to overmix it!

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Once the mixtures are combined, it’s time for the star of the show—semisweet chocolate chips! Gently fold in those chocolatey gems until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Bake the Cookie Dough

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Add a few extra chocolate chips on top if you’re feeling generous.

Bake for about 25 minutes or until the edges look golden brown and the top is mostly set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 7: Prepare the Meringue Topping

Once your cookie bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool fully in the pan.

While they cool, let’s whip up that dreamy meringue topping! Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer.

In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites and granulated sugar. Place it over the simmering water and whisk until the mixture is warm and the sugar is dissolved.

Step 8: Pipe Decorative Meringue Swirls

After that, transfer the mixture to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.

Beat it on high until it thickens and turns opaque. Add cream of tartar and a bit of vanilla extract, and continue whisking until you see those gorgeous stiff peaks!

Now, remove the cooled slab from the pan and cut it into six even bars.

Fill a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip and pipe decorative swirls of the meringue on top of each bar.

Step 9: Toast the Meringue

Finally, let’s toast the meringue! Use a kitchen torch carefully, to give each swirl a light golden color. This adds a delightful toasted flavor and a beautiful finish to your bars.

And just like that, you’ve created Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars that will impress everyone you serve them to!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is browned, not burned—watch it closely!
• Measure your ingredients accurately for the best results.
• Piping the meringue can be a creative outlet; have fun with the design!
• For a hint of spice, consider adding a dash of cayenne to the meringue.
• Keep an eye on the meringue while toasting; it can brown quickly.

Equipment Needed

• 9×23 cm loaf pan: You can use any similar-sized baking dish if you don’t have one.
• Parchment paper: Aluminum foil works too, but parchment prevents sticking better.
• Stand mixer: A hand mixer will work if you don’t have a stand mixer.
• Whisk: A simple balloon whisk will do the job for mixing!
• Kitchen torch: If you don’t have one, broil the meringue carefully in the oven.

Variations for Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive folks.
• Spiced Up: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the wet ingredients for a spicy twist!
• Vegan Version: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg and use aquafaba instead of liquid egg whites for the meringue.
• Use Different Chocolate: Try dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile—each brings its own charm.

Serving Suggestions for Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Pair with coffee: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the rich flavors of the bars.
• Add a scoop of ice cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream makes a delightful side.
• Presentation: Serve on a colorful platter, garnished with festive sprinkles for a seasonal touch.
• Fresh fruit: Offer slices of ripe pears or apples for a crisp contrast.
• Chocolate sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top adds a decadent touch!

FAQs about Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Can I make these Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars in advance?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container after cooling, and they’ll maintain their delightful texture.

How should I store leftover bars?
To keep them fresh, store your Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month!

Can I use different chocolate types for this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re a dark chocolate lover, feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips. Milk chocolate or white chocolate would work well too, creating a different flavor experience.

What can I substitute for liquid egg whites?
If you want an egg-free option for the meringue topping, aquafaba—the liquid from canned chickpeas—is an excellent substitute. Just whip it like you would with egg whites!

Are these bars suitable for kids?
Yes! The fun combination of flavors makes them appealing to children. Plus, making them together can be a fun kitchen adventure that everyone will love!

Final Thoughts

Creating Smores Gingerbread Cookie Bars is not just about baking; it’s about making memories. I love how a simple combination of ingredients can bring joy to my family and friends. The aroma of gingerbread wafting through the kitchen is heartwarming, while the gooey chocolate and fluffy meringue elevate any occasion. These bars are the perfect dessert for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. And let’s be honest, who can resist a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? So grab your apron and let’s spread the joy with these delightful bars!

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