Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Gingerbread cookie bars are a festive and flavorful twist on classic gingerbread cookies. These soft and chewy bars are spiced with warm gingerbread flavors and topped with a creamy frosting or glaze, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet seasonal treat. Easy to make and even easier to serve, they’re a holiday must-have!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy: A tender texture that’s easier to achieve than traditional cookies.
• Quick to make: No rolling or cutting required, just press and bake.
• Full of holiday flavor: Packed with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses for a festive taste.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for potlucks, cookie swaps, or as a gift.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bars:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Molasses
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

For the Frosting (Optional):

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

Make the Bars:

1. Prepare the oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the wet ingredients:
   • Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Combine and spread:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting (Optional):

1. Beat the ingredients:
   • In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
   • Optional: Stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
2. Frost the bars:
   • Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars.
3. Cut and serve:
   • Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: About 12–16 bars
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 20 minutes
• Cooling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Glazed bars: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of frosting.
• Spiced frosting: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the frosting for extra warmth.
• Chocolate version: Fold white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks into the batter.
• Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
• Reheating: These bars are best served at room temperature and do not require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use blackstrap molasses?

Yes, but blackstrap molasses has a stronger flavor and is less sweet, so adjust the sugar if needed.

2. How do I know when the bars are done?

The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

3. Can I skip the frosting?

Yes, the bars are delicious on their own or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

4. What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

Chill the bars slightly before cutting and use a sharp knife wiped clean after each cut.

5. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the bars a day or two in advance and frost them just before serving.

6. Can I use a smaller pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time as thicker bars may take longer to cook.

7. What can I substitute for molasses?

Dark corn syrup, maple syrup, or honey can work, but they will alter the flavor slightly.

8. How do I add a festive touch?

Decorate the frosting with sprinkles, candied ginger, or a drizzle of caramel.

9. Can I make this dough as cookies instead?

Yes, scoop the dough into balls and bake as gingerbread cookies, reducing the baking time to 8–10 minutes.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two pans or a larger sheet pan.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat, combining all the warmth and spice of gingerbread in an easy-to-make bar form. Whether topped with creamy frosting or enjoyed plain, these bars are a festive delight that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Bake a batch and savor the flavors of the season!

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