Description
Festive holiday spirit sparkles in these gingerbread cookie bars, blending classic spices with rich molasses sweetness. Comfort and cheer await as you savor each perfectly spiced, chewy square that brings warmth to winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (595 milliliters/20.2 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (170 grams/6 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (170 grams/6 ounces) molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams/8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 grams/12.7 ounces) powdered sugar
- 23 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish:
- Holiday sprinkles
- Crushed gingerbread cookies
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring easy bar removal.
- Combine all dry ingredients – flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt – in a medium mixing bowl, then set aside.
- Create a smooth mixture by beating butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Transfer the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, watching for set edges and checking the center with a toothpick for doneness. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Whip butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, creating a smooth frosting base. Enhance with vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt until light and spreadable.
- Once cooled, generously spread frosting across the gingerbread surface, creating an even layer.
- Embellish with holiday sprinkles or crushed gingerbread cookies for a festive appearance.
- Remove bars from pan using parchment paper, slice into desired shapes, and serve.
Notes
- Swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour blend to make these bars celiac-friendly and allergen-sensitive.
- Add extra ground ginger or fresh grated ginger for a more intense, warming spice profile that elevates the traditional flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and ensure thicker, chewier bars with crisp edges.
- Experiment with cream cheese frosting as an alternative topping for a tangier, less sweet variation that complements the gingerbread’s rich spices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg