Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Cozy Delight for the Holidays
As the crisp air of the Holiday season settles in, I find myself drawn to the comforting aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses wafting through my kitchen. These Gingerbread Cookie Bars whisper tales of simpler times, where families gathered around the table, sharing laughs and sweet treats. One bite of these soft, tender bars will instantly transport you to a cozy, snow-dusted cabin, wrapped in the warmth of love and friendship. Perfect for those chilly evenings with a cup of hot cocoa, this easy Holiday dessert is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Whip up these delightful Gingerbread Cookie Bars in no time, perfect for busy holiday baking sessions.
- Soft and Chewy: Experience the tender texture that makes these bars irresistible and comforting.
- Creamy Frosting: Topped with luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a rich, indulgent finish.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These bars are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply sharing with loved ones.
- Customizable: Easily adjust flavors or toppings to create your unique twist on this Holiday classic.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package cream cheese frosting
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping)
How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Let’s Make It Together
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan, allowing your kitchen to fill with the anticipation of warm, sweet treats.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt, creating a fragrant mixture that embodies Holiday cheer.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the rich molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, enveloping your senses with their warm, sweet aroma.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined, ensuring you capture every delightful spice in the batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and smooth the top, glancing forward to the delicious golden bars that will soon emerge.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, and let the smell of gingerbread fill your home.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting generously with cream cheese frosting and sprinkling a touch of nutmeg on top, creating a stunning holiday showstopper!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add Zest: Mix in the zest of an orange or lemon to give a zesty kick that brightens up the flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent contrast.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch among the soft bars.
- Spiced Cream Cheese: Infuse your cream cheese frosting with additional spices, such as cardamom or allspice, for an even more aromatic experience.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and evolve — perfect for busy holiday plans!
- Ingredient Swaps: Substitute coconut oil for butter if you prefer a dairy-free option or use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique twist.
- Slicing Tricks: For easier slicing, run a sharp knife under hot water and dry it off before cutting into the bars — this keeps them neat and attractive!
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully if you want to save some for later indulgence!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximate)
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! These bars can be made in advance and stored for up to 3 days at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to customize with alternative sweeteners or flours that you prefer.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for maximum freshness.
- How long does it last? If stored properly, these gingerbread cookie bars will remain delicious for about 3-4 days — if they last that long!
Wrapping It Up
As the days grow colder and the holiday spirit fills the air, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars stand out as a delightful treat sure to warm your heart and home. Rich, soft, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, they are a perfect way to gather friends and family around a cozy table. Save this Gingerbread Cookie Bars recipe to your Cozy Treats board so it’s ready when you need a comforting dessert that brings joy and nostalgia to those you love!
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients
For the Cookie 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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1 package cream cheese frosting
For Topping
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting and sprinkling nutmeg on top.
