Gingerbread Brownies

Gingerbread brownies bring the warmth and comfort of the holiday season right into your kitchen, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or a cozy family night. The rich flavors of gingerbread and the fudgy texture of brownies create a delightful twist on traditional desserts. Inspired by my family’s love for both brownies and gingerbread, this recipe captures the essence of the flavors we cherish in a quick and easy way.

Why Make This Recipe

These gingerbread brownies are special not only for their unique flavor combination but also because they are incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging at home, they bring joy to every occasion. The spices provide a warm hug, while the brownies satisfy any chocolate craving.

"This cake disappeared in minutes at our family gathering, definitely a keeper," says a happy home baker.

These brownies are a great choice for busy families, allowing you to bake a delightful dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. They make the ideal ending to a cozy meal or a delightful mid-afternoon snack. Plus, with minimal cleanup, you’ll have more time to enjoy these delicious treats!

How to Make Gingerbread Brownies

Creating gingerbread brownies is a straightforward process that combines melted butter with brown sugar and eggs for a luscious base. Once the wet ingredients are mixed, you’ll fold in flour and warming spices, ensuring all elements come together without overmixing. Then, if you’re feeling indulgent, chocolate chips can be added for an extra layer of richness.

After pouring the batter into a prepared pan, you’ll let the oven work its magic, transforming your mixture into a fudgy, fragrant treat. The key is to bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, which takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Once they cool, you’ll be ready to slice and savor these delightful brownies.

Ingredients

What you’ll need:

1 cup butter, melted
2 cups brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

This list covers everything you’ll need to create these delightful brownies. If you’re looking for substitutes, you can replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. The chocolate chips can also be swapped for nuts or dried fruit if you want to change things up a bit!

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies

Enjoy these gingerbread brownies warm or at room temperature. For a delightful dessert experience, you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re looking for extra flair, dusting them with powdered sugar adds a lovely touch. These brownies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced cider or a rich, hot chocolate.

How to Store

To keep your gingerbread brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer-term storage, these brownies freeze beautifully! Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container, where they will last for up to three months. To enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or briefly warm them in the microwave.

Tips to Make

For the best gingerbread brownies, be sure to use high-quality spices to really bring out the flavors. Mixing the batter only until just combined will yield fudgy brownies instead of cakey ones. Additionally, if you enjoy a bit more texture, consider adding chopped nuts or using less flour for a gooier center.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You can add a little orange zest for a citrusy twist or replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free baking mix. You can also make these brownies in mini muffin tins for a fun bite-sized treat.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor, but you’ll need to adjust the sugar balance slightly.

Can I make these brownies vegan?
Absolutely, replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and use a plant-based butter substitute.

How can I tell when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are perfectly baked!

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

For More Recipe Inspiration

For more delicious treats, check out our mini bento cake recipe or protein muffins. These delightful recipes are perfect additions to your baking repertoire!

Don’t forget to visit our social pages:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/

Emily

Gingerbread Brownies

Gingerbread brownies blend the comforting flavors of gingerbread with the fudgy texture of brownies, making them a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season or any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, melted Can be substituted with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 4 large eggs Can be substituted with flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan option.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Can be replaced with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger Use high-quality spices for best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional) Can be substituted with nuts or dried fruit.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.

Combining Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a lovely touch. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.