Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gingerbread cookie bars are a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. Soft, spiced, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. They’re easy to make, slice up beautifully, and bring a comforting warmth that fills the room with festive cheer. Whether you are baking for a holiday party or just want a cozy snack, these bars will surely be a hit.

Emily

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Soft, spiced gingerbread cookie bars topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Gingerbread Bars

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully blended.
6. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden.
7. Allow to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Spread the frosting over the cooled gingerbread bars.
10. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Store leftover gingerbread cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There are countless reasons to fall in love with gingerbread cookie bars. First off, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them a fantastic option for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. In under an hour, you can create a lovely dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Additionally, gingerbread cookie bars capture that warm, nostalgic flavor of the holidays, thanks to the enticing spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. As you take each bite, you’re enveloped in cozy memories of festive times.

“These gingerbread bars are a total game changer! The cream cheese frosting takes them to the next level.” – A happy home baker

Step-by-Step Overview

Making gingerbread cookie bars is both simple and rewarding. The process involves mixing the dry ingredients, creaming together the butter and sugar, and combining everything until you create a delicious dough. After baking, a smooth cream cheese frosting finishes off these delightful bars.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Mix the dry ingredients.
2. Cream the butter and sugar.
3. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
4. Bake until golden.
5. Frost and serve!

Gather These Items

For the best gingerbread cookie bars, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

If you want to change things up, consider substituting half the molasses with maple syrup or using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Directions to Follow

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully blended.
6. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden.
7. Allow to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Spread the frosting over the cooled gingerbread bars.
10. Cut into squares and serve.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When it comes to serving gingerbread cookie bars, the possibilities are endless. You can enjoy them warm, right out of the oven, or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

For a holiday twist, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for added color and crunch. You can also serve these bars alongside a simple fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Preserving your leftover gingerbread cookie bars is a breeze. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To maintain their freshness for a longer period, you can refrigerate them, which will keep them tasty for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them months from now, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Helpful Cooking Tips

To enhance your baking experience and ensure perfectly spiced gingerbread bars, consider these tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to facilitate even mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry mixtures, mix just until combined to keep your bars tender.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bars are done.

Recipe Variations

Experimenting with your gingerbread cookie bars is a fun way to make them your own. Here are some creative ideas:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a surprising heat.
• Pumpkin Spice Option: Substitute 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree for the molasses for a fall twist.

FAQs

Can I use honey instead of molasses?
Yes, honey can be used as a substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly.

How long does it take to bake?
Baking usually takes between 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for delicious results.

For more delightful recipes like these gingerbread cookie bars, check out our delicious collection of treats, including Protein Muffins and Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust.

Feel inspired? Join us on our social media pages for more recipes: Pinterest and Facebook. Enjoy your baking, and happy holidays!