Name: Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/3 cup molasses; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars are everything I love about holiday baking—rich with molasses, infused with warm spices, and incredibly soft and chewy. These cookie bars are a cozy treat that bring nostalgic holiday flavors without the hassle of rolling out dough or using cookie cutters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and mess-free this recipe is compared to traditional gingerbread cookies. No chilling time, no fancy decorating—just simple mixing, baking, and slicing. These bars are perfect for sharing during the holidays or for enjoying with a cup of tea when I want something comforting and warmly spiced. They bake up beautifully every time, with soft centers and lightly crisp edges.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/3 cup molasses

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.

In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt, then set it aside.

In a large bowl, I cream the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.

I beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Gradually, I mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

I spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Then I bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

I let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Servings: 16 bars

Calories per serving: 210 kcal

Variations

Sometimes I like to mix things up by adding white chocolate chips or drizzling a simple glaze on top once the bars are cool. For a slightly different flavor, I’ve also tried adding a bit of orange zest to the dough—it gives a bright twist to the warm spices. If I want a denser texture, I use dark brown sugar instead of light.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want them to last longer, I freeze them for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To enjoy again, I let them thaw at room temperature or gently warm a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

Related Recipes:

Chewy Gingerbread Sprinkle Cookies

FAQs

How do I know when the gingerbread bars are done baking?

I look for the edges to be set and slightly pulling away from the pan, and the center should spring back lightly when touched. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.

Can I use blackstrap molasses?

I avoid blackstrap molasses in this recipe because it’s more bitter and less sweet than regular molasses. I stick with unsulphured molasses for the best flavor.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with good results. The texture is slightly different but still soft and chewy.

What can I substitute for molasses?

If I don’t have molasses, I sometimes use dark corn syrup or a mix of maple syrup and brown sugar. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it still tastes great.

Can I add frosting?

Absolutely! A cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze works beautifully if I want to dress these up for a party or holiday platter.

Conclusion

These Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a go-to for when I crave something sweet, spiced, and easy to make. They deliver all the nostalgic flavors of classic gingerbread without the extra work. Whether it’s the holidays or just a chilly afternoon, these bars bring comfort and joy with every bite.

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