# Components:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
10 - 1/2 cup molasses
11 - 1/4 cup milk
12 - 1 large egg
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Chaos Mix-ins
14 - Assorted festive ingredients such as mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, chopped candied ginger, toffee bits, crushed gingersnaps, or dried cranberries (approx. 2-3 cups total, divided)
# Method:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, molasses, milk, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-emulsified.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
05 - Carefully fold in most of your chosen mix-ins into the batter, reserving a small handful to sprinkle on top later.
06 - Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved mix-ins over the top and gently press them into the batter.
07 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs are acceptable.
08 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into 16 individual portions.
