Looking for a holiday dessert that’s packed with the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread? These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect solution. Soft, chewy, and bursting with spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With an optional creamy layer of cream cheese frosting, these gingerbread bars are a festive favorite that can be enjoyed all year long.
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
⅓ cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream cheese frosting (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing for the best texture.
Bake the Bars
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly soft.
Cool and Frost
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting if desired. Slice into bars and enjoy.
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm or Room Temperature: These gingerbread cookie bars can be enjoyed either warm or at room temperature. For a warm, comforting treat, serve them shortly after baking, but allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors set.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair the bars with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience. They also go great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Add a Dusting of Cinnamon: If you’re not frosting the bars, try dusting them lightly with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a simple but festive presentation.
Storage Tips:
At Room Temperature: Store the gingerbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Be sure they are completely cooled before sealing them to avoid moisture buildup.
Refrigeration: If you’ve added cream cheese frosting, it’s best to store the bars in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These bars freeze well without the frosting. Wrap the uncut bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and frost if desired.
Related Recipes:
- Ultimate Guide to Making and Enjoying Baked Beans
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
- Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies
FAQs:
Can I make Gingerbread Cookie Bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the bars and store them at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze them (unfrosted) for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute molasses in the recipe?
Molasses is key to the traditional gingerbread flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or maple syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor will be milder and slightly less rich.
How do I keep the bars soft and chewy?
To keep the bars soft and chewy, avoid overmixing the dough, and be sure not to overbake them. The center should still be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Can I add other toppings or mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can add white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries to the dough for extra texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle festive holiday sprinkles on top of the frosting for a more decorative touch.
Conclusion:
With their spiced flavor and soft, chewy texture, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. Give them a try and experience the irresistible warmth of gingerbread in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars offer the rich, spiced flavors of classic gingerbread in an easy-to-make bar form. Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Topped with an optional cream cheese frosting, they are soft, chewy, and a festive treat that’s sure to delight. This simple recipe yields 16 bars, making it ideal for family gatherings or gift-giving.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
⅓ cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream cheese frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is still slightly soft.
- Let cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting if desired. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
For a richer flavor, let the bars sit for a day before serving.
You can add mix-ins like white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Frosting is optional but adds a creamy sweetness that complements the spices well.
The bars freeze well for up to 3 months, unfrosted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 230 kcal
