With the holiday season just around the corner, I can’t help but crave the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked Gingerbread Cookie Bars wafting through my kitchen. There’s something so comforting about these bars, combining the deep flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of molasses, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings by the fireplace.
I originally discovered this recipe on a chilly afternoon when all I really wanted was a sweet treat that could bring a smile to my face after a long week. The best part? These bars are incredibly simple to make! Whether you’re preparing for a festive celebration or just looking to treat yourself on a lazy weekend, they promise to delight your taste buds without the fuss.
As you bite into the soft, spiced layers topped with creamy frosting and cheerful sprinkles, you’ll find that they are not just a dessert but a delightful experience. Ready to channel your inner baker? Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your holiday season feel even sweeter!
Why Will You Love Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
Irresistible aroma fills your home as they bake, instantly creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.
Lusciously soft texture combines perfectly with creamy frosting, making each bite a delightful experience.
Quick and easy to prepare, these bars are perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
Versatile enough for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual snacking—these treats will impress everyone!
Fun and festive, they can be topped with colorful sprinkles, adding a cheerful touch to any dessert table.
Your friends and family will not only savor the flavors but also cherish the moments shared over these delightful bars!
Gingerbread Cookie Bars Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in the warm and spiced goodness of Gingerbread Cookie Bars!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – provides the perfect base for your bars and helps achieve a soft texture.
- Baking soda – acts as a leavener, giving your bars just the right amount of lift and softness.
- Ground ginger – infuses a rich warmth that’s essential for that classic gingerbread flavor.
- Ground cinnamon – adds a comforting spice that pairs beautifully with ginger.
- Ground allspice – enhances the spice profile with its warm, aromatic flavor.
- Ground cloves – brings a robust depth that elevates the overall taste.
- Ground nutmeg – adds a hint of sweetness and nutty aroma for a cozy feel.
- Ground black pepper – just a pinch adds an unexpected kick and balance to the spices.
- Salt – enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter – contributes rich flavor and moisture; make sure it’s melted for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar – brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens and helps achieve a lovely crust on top of the bars.
- Unsulphured molasses – gives that distinct gingerbread taste and dark color; choose light or dark for preferred richness.
- Large egg – adds moisture and binds the ingredients together for a perfect texture.
- Pure vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic note.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Full-fat brick cream cheese – ensures a rich and creamy frosting; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending.
- Unsalted butter – works with cream cheese to create a smooth and luxurious frosting.
- Confectioners’ sugar – sweetens the frosting while adding a light, airy texture.
- Pure vanilla extract – adds a fragrant sweetness to your frosting.
- Ground ginger, cinnamon, & allspice (small pinch each) – infuse your frosting with a delightful spiced twist that echoes the cookie bars.
Optional Garnish
- Sprinkles – add a festive pop of color and joy to your Gingerbread Cookie Bars!
How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and adjust the rack to the center position. Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the edges for easy removal later.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This blend of spices is where the magic begins!
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Mix the melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses in a medium bowl until smooth and lump-free. Stir in the egg and vanilla, creating a velvety mixture that will enrich your dough.
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Combine the wet and dry ingredients by pouring the butter mixture into the flour mixture. Stir gently until there are no traces of flour left. Transfer the thick dough into the lined pan and press it down into an even layer.
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Bake for 23–26 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is set yet soft, and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Let it cool in the pan for at least 1 hour to firm up perfectly.
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Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla extract until the frosting is deliciously fluffy.
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Taste the frosting and feel free to adjust the sweetness with a pinch of salt. Once satisfied, generously spread it over the cooled gingerbread bars, then sprinkle with colorful decorations if using.
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Refrigerate the frosted bars for 30 minutes before slicing. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut them into squares for sharing!
Optional: Top with festive sprinkles for extra cheer!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these delicious bars uniquely yours!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for an equally delightful treat.
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Vegan: Use plant-based butter, applesauce for the egg, and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan twist.
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Spice Overload: Add extra spices such as cardamom or nutmeg for a bolder flavor profile that warms the soul.
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Nutty Texture: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft bars.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted bars for an irresistible sweet contrast to the spiced flavors.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus burst that enhances the gingerbread essence.
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Maple Swirl: Replace molasses with pure maple syrup for a sweeter, richer flavor that takes the bars to new heights.
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Cranberry Kick: Toss in dried cranberries for tartness that perfectly complements the warm spices.
What to Serve with Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
As you savor the comforting flavors of these spiced delights, consider pairing them with accompaniments that harmonize beautifully with the warm, festive tones.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: Perfect for dipping, this rich beverage amplifies the cozy feel of the bars, making every bite heavenly.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop atop each bar adds a creamy contrast, enhancing the overall indulgence with its light texture.
- Spiced Apple Cider: The fruity and spiced notes of this warm drink complement the gingerbread flavor, creating a seasonal symphony.
- Pecan Pie: This classic dessert’s nutty richness provides a delightful textural contrast and balances the sweetness of your bars.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside warm gingerbread for a delightful temperature contrast, as the creaminess perfectly cuts through the rich spices.
- Fruits of the Season: Fresh apple slices or pears add a touch of brightness and freshness that balances the density of the bars.
- Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy and slightly sweet, these provide a delightful texture and taste experience, ideal for dipping alongside coffee or tea.
- Eggnog: This classic holiday beverage pairs wonderfully with gingerbread flavors, offering a rich and creamy complement to the spices.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate across your bars can elevate them further, adding depth and a luxurious touch.
Expert Tips for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Measure Carefully: Make sure to measure your flour accurately; too much can lead to dry bars. Use the spoon-and-level method for best results.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly mixed batter and frosting.
Cooling Time Counts: Don’t skip the cooling time! Allowing the bars to cool completely will help them set perfectly, making slicing easier.
Frosting Adjustments: Taste your cream cheese frosting before spreading it on the bars. A pinch of salt can help balance sweetness.
Storage Tips: Store any leftover Gingerbread Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, keeping them fresh and tasty!
Make Ahead Options
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time without compromising flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Additionally, the frosted bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to indulge, simply slice the bars after they chill for 30 minutes, and they’ll be just as delicious as if they were made fresh that day! Be sure to keep the bars covered to maintain their moistness and prevent them from drying out. Enjoy the convenience and savor every delightful bite!
Storage Tips for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Room Temperature: Keep Gingerbread Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This will keep your bars fresh while the creamy frosting remains delightful.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating: If you prefer your bars warm, gently microwave a single slice for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive that cozy, fresh-baked flavor!
Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
Absolutely! For the best Gingerbread Cookie Bars, choose fresh spices that are aromatic. Look for flour that’s unbleached and not overly packed. Ensure your butter is unsalted for better control of taste, and that your molasses is unsulphured for deeper flavor. A good quality cream cheese will elevate the frosting, so aim for full-fat, brick cream cheese — it makes all the difference!
How should I store my Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
Store your Gingerbread Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, a fridge is perfect for maintaining freshness; they can last up to a week this way. Remember to keep them sealed tightly to help preserve their moist texture!
Can I freeze Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
Yes, you can! Here’s how: wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to savor!
What should I do if my Gingerbread Cookie Bars are too dry?
Very well! If your bars turn out dry, it likely means they were overbaked or that too much flour was used. Next time, measure your flour carefully using the spoon-and-level method. If you experience this again, you can drizzle a bit of warm milk or cream over the bars to moist them up before serving. You could also serve them with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious remedy!
Are there any dietary considerations for Gingerbread Cookie Bars?
Of course! If you’re concerned about allergies, especially with pets in the home, keep these bars away from dogs, as chocolate or certain spices found in the bars can be harmful to them. If you’re baking for someone with gluten intolerance, consider using a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan butter and replace the cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free alternative or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk!
Gingerbread Cookie Bars That Will Wow Your Holiday Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and adjust the rack to the center position. Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the edges for easy removal later.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses in a medium bowl until smooth and lump-free. Stir in the egg and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients by pouring the butter mixture into the flour mixture. Stir gently until there are no traces of flour left.
- Transfer the thick dough into the lined pan and press it down into an even layer.
- Bake for 23–26 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top is set yet soft, and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for at least 1 hour to firm up perfectly.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla extract.
- Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness with a pinch of salt if needed.
- Once satisfied, generously spread it over the cooled gingerbread bars, then sprinkle with colorful decorations if using.
- Refrigerate the frosted bars for 30 minutes before slicing. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
- Cut them into squares for sharing!