Description
These ValentineSmores Gingerbread Cookie Bars combine the warmth of gingerbread with gooey chocolate and sweet meringue. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or celebrating special moments, they are easy to prepare and utterly delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 liquid egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for meringue)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and non-stick spray.
- Melt unsalted butter over medium heat until golden brown, then cool it.
- Whisk together browned butter with sugars, egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
- Sift dry ingredients and fold into the wet mixture without overmixing.
- Stir in chocolate chips before spreading the dough in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing.
- Whip egg whites and sugar over simmering water until warm, then beat until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe meringue on top of cooled bars and toast with a kitchen torch.
Notes
Use high-quality chocolate chips for best flavor and melting quality.
Can adjust for gluten-free by substituting with a gluten-free blend.
Make-ahead option: prepare the cookie base a day early.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg