Gingerbread Cookie Bars. That’s right, we’re diving headfirst into a world of warm spices, molasses magic, and cookie bar goodness! These aren’t just any bars; they’re a cozy hug in every bite, a reminder of winter evenings spent with loved ones. I remember my grandmother baking gingerbread during the holidays, and the aroma filled our house. This recipe is my spin on her classic, transformed into easy to make bars perfect for sharing. Let’s get baking these delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars !
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Why You Will Love This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
What's not to love about Gingerbread Cookie Bars ? These treats are incredibly comforting, blending spicy, sweet, and chewy textures perfectly. They're so much faster to make than individual gingerbread cookies, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules or last minute gatherings. Plus, the warm spices fill your kitchen with the most delightful aroma!
These bars are particularly special because they strike the perfect balance between soft cookie and dense cake. I love adding a simple cream cheese frosting for that extra touch of indulgence. And seriously, who can resist a gingerbread recipe that's actually easy? Trust me, this will become a go to Gingerbreadrecipe!
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Ingredients Needed for This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Here's everything you'll need to create these magical Gingerbread Cookie Bars:
For the Gingerbread Bars:
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more, to desired consistency)
How to Make This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Ready to bake some Gingerbread Cookie Bars? Follow these simple steps for the most delicious result!
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I prefer to use parchment paper for easy removal.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This is your dry ingredient mix.
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In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts!
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the molasses and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. That molasses is what gives it the characteristic gingerbread flavor!
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your bars might be tough.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 25 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting (if using).
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While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting (if using). In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
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Once the bars are completely cooled, frost them evenly with the cream cheese frosting. Cut into squares and serve.
How to Serve This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Dust with powdered sugar: A simple yet elegant touch.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream: Adds a light and airy contrast to the rich bars.
- Pair with a warm beverage: Enjoy them with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon: Enhances the warm, spicy flavor.
Consider making my Soft Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe to accompany these bars for a delightful gingerbread themed dessert spread!
How to Store This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Proper storage ensures your Gingerbread Cookie Bars stay fresh and delicious:
- Refrigeration: Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw completely before frosting.
- Reheating: These bars are best served at room temperature, so no reheating is needed.
- Shelf life: Unfrosted bars can sit at room temperature for 2 3 days, but they will be fresher if refrigerated.
Tips to Make This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Want to guarantee Gingerbread Cookie Bar success? Here are a few tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter come together more smoothly.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough bars.
- Measure carefully: Baking is a science! Accurate measurements are essential.
- Use quality spices: Freshly ground spices will give you the best flavor. If you enjoy these flavors, then you can check out these Soft Gingerbread Cookies With Maple Glaze for more ideas.
Helpful Notes for This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
A few extra clarifications for ultimate success:
- Molasses: Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor. Blackstrap molasses can be too bitter.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the richest flavor.
- Baking Pan: Feel free to experiment with different pan sizes for thicker or thinner bars. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Variation of This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Want to get creative with your Gingerbread Cookie Bars ? Try these variations:
- Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Cookie Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Lemon Glaze: Instead of cream cheese frosting, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. You might also be enjoy Easy Christmas Cookie Lasagna.
- Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a pinch of ginger and cinnamon to your cream cheese frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these gingerbread cookie bars so easy to make?
This recipe simplifies the traditional gingerbread baking process by using the cookie bar format, which eliminates the need for individual rolling and cutting. You’ll have delicious gingerbread flavor with minimal effort.
Can I freeze gingerbread cookie bars?
Yes, gingerbread cookie bars freeze well! Allow them to cool completely after baking, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
What are the key ingredients for the perfect gingerbread flavor?
The perfect gingerbread flavor comes from a blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses. This combination creates the signature depth and aroma that make gingerbread so comforting.
How do I know when the gingerbread cookie bars are done baking?
The gingerbread cookie bars are done when the edges are slightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make them dry.
Conclusion
So there you have it: my recipe for utterly delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars. They’re simple to make, full of warm, comforting flavor, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Give these Gingerbread Cookie Bars a try and let me know what you think! I'm confident that you'll make a new family-favorite holiday cookie bar.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars: The Easiest Holiday Dessert Ever!
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are soft, chewy, and full of warm spices. Perfect for the holidays, they are easy to make and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition:
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 15g
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more, to desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in molasses and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk.
- Frost cooled bars and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients.
- Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Unfrosted bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- You can dust with powdered sugar, serve with whipped cream, or pair with a warm beverage.
