Why Make This Recipe
Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful treat, especially during the holiday season. They combine the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a nostalgic flavor that many love. This recipe offers a fun twist on traditional gingerbread cookies. Instead of rolling and cutting out shapes, you just mix, pour, and bake in a pan, which makes it quicker and simpler. With a delicious spiced cream cheese frosting on top, these bars are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup spiced cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before frosting with spiced cream cheese frosting.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These gingerbread cookie bars are best served after they have cooled and been frosted. They are delicious on their own but can also be paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. You can cut them into squares or triangles for easy serving. They make great holiday gifts when packaged in a festive box.
How to Store Gingerbread Cookie Bars
To keep your gingerbread cookie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the unfrosted bars for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps to create a smooth mixture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for the best texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter.
- If you want a thicker frosting layer, double the spiced cream cheese frosting recipe.
Variation
You can customize these gingerbread cookie bars by adding a little citrus zest, like orange or lemon, to the batter for a fresh twist. Another variation is to use pumpkin puree in place of some of the butter for added moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of spiced cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can use regular cream cheese frosting and add spices to taste.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are done baking.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before frosting with spiced cream cheese frosting.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!