Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chunks or chips (milk, semisweet, or bittersweet)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Setting these aside ensures even spice distribution throughout the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the mix, contributing to a tender texture in the bars.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy, adding moisture and rich gingerbread flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars soft and tender.
- Spread Dough and Add Toppings: Press half the dough evenly into a greased baking pan. Evenly sprinkle the mini marshmallows and chocolate chunks over this layer, then gently press the remaining dough on top to cover the fillings.
- Bake and Cool: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until set and golden around the edges. Let the pan cool completely before cutting into squares to maintain the gooey layers.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and egg for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the bars tender.
- Use high-quality chocolate chunks for superior melting and flavor.
- Press dough evenly to ensure uniform baking and prevent marshmallow burning.
- Cool bars completely before slicing to avoid messy oozing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: smores, gingerbread, cookie bars, holiday dessert, chewy bars, marshmallows, chocolate, festive treats