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
Keywords: gingerbread cookie bars, holiday baking, gingerbread dessert, gingerbread bars recipe, spiced cookie bars, easy gingerbread recipe, molasses bars, Christmas treats