Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Introduction

The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread. But if you’re craving the classic taste of gingerbread without the hassle of rolling out dough and using cookie cutters, Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the solution! These soft, chewy bars capture all the cozy flavors of gingerbread in a simple, easy-to-make treat. The rich blend of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for your holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party, bringing them to a family gathering, or just enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, these gingerbread bars are sure to be a hit. They’re quick to prepare, and the best part is that they can be made in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious slice of holiday joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons you’ll fall head over heels for these Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

• Quick and Easy: No rolling out dough or cookie cutters required, just mix, pour, and bake!
• Perfect Holiday Flavor: A lovely balance of warm spices, molasses, and brown sugar.
• Soft and Chewy: These bars have the perfect texture—soft in the middle with just a little crispness on the edges.
• One-Pan Wonder: A simple recipe that results in minimal mess and maximum flavor.
• Versatile: Enjoy them plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with a cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
• Great for Gift-Giving: These bars make fantastic gifts wrapped in festive cellophane or placed in a decorative tin.
• Kid-Friendly: The fun shape and sweet flavor are perfect for kids to enjoy, and they can help with the easy prep.
• Bake-Ahead: Bake these bars ahead of time and store them for several days, or freeze them for later!

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

For the Cookie Bars:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)

Ingredient Highlights

• Molasses: The key ingredient that brings the deep, rich flavor to these gingerbread bars.
• Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves combine to create that classic holiday gingerbread flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cookie bars.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: While optional, this smooth, tangy frosting pairs wonderfully with the warm, spiced bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Gingerbread Cookie Bars is a simple process that will fill your kitchen with the smell of the holidays.

Prepare the Cookie Bars

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and molasses until well combined.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
6. Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until smooth and fluffy.
3. Finish with Vanilla and Milk: Add the vanilla extract and milk, mixing until you reach the desired consistency for spreading.

Frost the Cookie Bars (optional)

Once the bars are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting on top. If you prefer a simpler version, dust the bars with a little powdered sugar instead.

How to Serve

There are plenty of ways to serve and enjoy these Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

1. At Holiday Gatherings: Serve these bars on a festive platter surrounded by holiday decorations.
2. With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These bars pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
3. Gift-Wrapped: Wrap these bars individually in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a charming holiday gift.
4. With Frosting: Serve them with or without the cream cheese frosting, depending on your preference.
5. Cut Into Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the bars into fun shapes like stars, trees, or gingerbread men.

Additional Tips

To make your Gingerbread Cookie Bars even better, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use Fresh Spices: Fresh ground spices make a big difference in flavor, so be sure to use freshly opened ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the best texture.
3. Chill the Dough: If you prefer, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for an even chewier texture.
4. Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center of the bars to ensure they’re done. They should come out clean, with no batter sticking to it.
5. Store Properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Recipe Variations

Want to put a unique spin on these Gingerbread Cookie Bars? Here are a few variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a fun twist.
• Top with Candied Ginger: Sprinkle chopped candied ginger on top of the frosting for an extra pop of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch.
• Change the Frosting: Instead of cream cheese frosting, try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.

Freezing and Storage

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are easy to store and freeze:

• Room Temperature: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Frosted or Not: You can freeze the bars frosted or unfrosted. If freezing frosted bars, it’s best to freeze them without a top layer of frosting to prevent sticking.

Special Equipment

You won’t need much to make these Gingerbread Cookie Bars, but here’s what will help:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar.
• Baking Pan: An 8×8-inch square baking pan is perfect for these bars.
• Spatula: To spread the batter and frosting evenly.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

• Can I use a different type of molasses?
  Yes, you can use light or dark molasses, but dark molasses will give the bars a stronger, more robust flavor.
• Can I skip the frosting?
  Absolutely! These bars are delicious on their own, but the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast that’s perfect for the spiced gingerbread flavor.
• What if I don’t have all the spices?
  You can use a pre-mixed gingerbread spice blend, but it’s best to make your own combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for the freshest taste.
• Can I double the recipe?
  Yes! You can easily double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might need a little longer.

Print

Conclusion

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are everything you want in a holiday treat—easy to make, full of flavor, and a real crowd-pleaser. The rich spices of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses create that warm, festive aroma that fills your home, instantly putting you in the holiday spirit. Whether you’re baking them for your family or gifting them to friends, these bars will spread holiday cheer with every bite. They’re the perfect mix of soft, chewy goodness with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can add frosting, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a few chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy.

So, gather the ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking up a batch of these delicious bars. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!