Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup molasses
Mix-ins
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chunks or chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This dry mixture will deliver the warm spice foundation for your bars.
- Cream the butter and sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat softened butter with brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step introduces air, ensuring tender bars.
- Incorporate molasses and egg: Add the molasses and egg to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until smooth and fully combined. The molasses gives that traditional gingerbread depth while the egg enriches the texture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender and moist.
- Add the chocolate and marshmallows: Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and mini marshmallows, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for pockets of gooey sweetness and melty chocolate in every bite.
- Bake the bars: Spread the batter evenly into a lined 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the edges are set and the marshmallows have begun to slightly brown but remain gooey. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Make sure butter and egg are at room temperature for smooth mixing and better texture.
- Mix only until combined to avoid tough bars and ensure a tender crumb.
- Use fresh ground spices for a more vibrant, authentic gingerbread flavor.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Watch the baking time: bars are done when edges are lightly browned and marshmallows are toasted but still soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be adapted to gluten-free or vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/24th of recipe)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: gingerbread, s'mores, cookie bars, holiday dessert, marshmallows, chocolate, festive baking