Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, cozy scents of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses with these Gingerbread Cookie Bars! They’re the perfect alternative to traditional gingerbread cookies when you want something easier and quicker to make, but still packed with all the familiar holiday spices. These chewy bars are delicious on their own or with a layer of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a festive snack with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, these bars will quickly become a seasonal favorite!

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What Are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a softer, chewier take on classic gingerbread cookies, baked in bar form for an easy, quick treat. Instead of rolling out dough and cutting shapes, you simply spread the dough in a baking pan and slice into bars once baked. They’re infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, along with molasses for that signature deep flavor. These bars can be enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

For the Cookie Bars:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The base for the dough.
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger – The key spice for that gingerbread flavor.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and complements the ginger.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves – A strong spice that deepens the flavor.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise and stay soft.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds a little extra lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – For a rich and tender crumb.
• ¾ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – To sweeten the dough.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
• ⅓ cup molasses – Gives the bars that deep, rich gingerbread flavor.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting (For Topping):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The base for a rich, tangy frosting.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For flavor.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.

Substitutions and Variations

These bars are versatile, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

1. Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
2. Dairy-Free Option – Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
3. Add White Chocolate Chips – Mix in ½ cup white chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet contrast to the spiced flavors.
4. Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting – Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or ginger to the cream cheese frosting for an extra spiced kick.
5. Gingerbread Blondies – Swap ½ cup of the flour for almond flour for a denser, more blondie-like texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into making these chewy, spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 5: Spread the Dough in the Pan

• Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• The dough will be sticky, so it may help to lightly wet your hands or the spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting or cutting.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

While the bars cool, make the cream cheese frosting:

• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
• Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost the Bars (Optional)

Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the bars. Use a spatula to create smooth or swirled patterns. If you prefer, you can also skip the frosting and simply dust the bars with powdered sugar.

Step 10: Cut and Serve

Carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve!

How to Cook Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Dough – Cream together butter and sugars, then mix in egg, molasses, and vanilla before adding dry ingredients.
2. Spread and Bake – Spread the dough in a prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
3. Cool and Frost – Let the bars cool completely, then top with cream cheese frosting (optional).
4. Slice and Serve – Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the Bars – Gingerbread bars should be soft and chewy, not dry. Check for doneness at the 20-minute mark and remove from the oven when the center is just set.
2. Skipping the Cool Time – Don’t frost the bars while they’re warm; the frosting will melt and become runny.
3. Not Measuring Molasses Correctly – Use a liquid measuring cup and make sure to scrape out all the molasses to get the right flavor and texture.
4. Overmixing the Dough – Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until combined to keep the bars tender.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are perfect for serving at holiday parties, bake sales, or even as homemade gifts! Here are a few presentation ideas:

• Festive Sprinkles – Add holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter to the cream cheese frosting for a festive touch.
• Drizzle of White Chocolate – Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosted bars for an extra indulgent topping.
• Serve with Coffee or Cocoa – These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making them the perfect holiday snack.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• As a Dessert – Serve these bars as a dessert at holiday dinners or potlucks. You can also slice them into smaller squares for a dessert platter.
• With Frosting or Plain – Enjoy them with or without frosting, depending on your preference. They’re delicious both ways!
• Pack as Gifts – Wrap individual bars in festive parchment paper or place them in a holiday tin for a lovely homemade gift.

Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

1. Holiday Tin Gift – Place the frosted bars in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper and gift them to friends or family during the holidays.
2. Dust with Powdered Sugar – If you’re serving the bars without frosting, give them a dusting of powdered sugar to create a snowy look.
3. Swirled Frosting – Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to swirl the cream cheese frosting for a pretty and professional look.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Measure the Flour Correctly – Be sure to spoon and level your flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag to avoid over-measuring and getting dense bars.
• Make Ahead – These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. If frosted, store in the refrigerator.
• Chill the Dough if Sticky – If the dough is too sticky to spread in the pan, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to make it easier to work with.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the bars up to 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature if unfrosted, or in the refrigerator if frosted. You can also freeze the bars (without frosting) for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I freeze Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
A: Absolutely! Once the bars have cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then frost before serving if desired.

Q: How long do Gingerbread Cookie Bars last?
A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the bars will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’ve frosted them with cream cheese frosting, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious.

Q: What can I substitute for molasses?
A: If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute dark corn syrup, maple syrup, or honey, but the flavor will be less intense.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat, combining the rich, spiced flavors of gingerbread with a chewy texture that’s irresistible. Whether you serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. They’re easy to make, quick to bake, and bursting with festive flavor! So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the taste of the holidays with these delightful bars! Happy baking!

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