Gingerbread Cookie Bars

why make this recipe

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic gingerbread cookies we all love. They are soft, chewy, and filled with warm spices that make them perfect for the holiday season. These bars are easy to make and serve, making them a great treat for gatherings or a cozy night at home. Plus, the creamy frosting on top adds a delicious finish that enhances the flavors of the ginger and spices.

how to make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before frosting.
8. For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
9. Spread the frosting on cooled gingerbread bars.
10. Cut into squares and serve.

how to serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed plain or with the delicious cream cheese frosting on top. These bars make a tasty dessert on their own but can also be paired with a cup of hot cocoa or tea for a comforting treat.

how to store Gingerbread Cookie Bars

To keep Gingerbread Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months; just be sure to wrap them well.

tips to make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the bars tender.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to adjust the amounts of ginger and cinnamon.
• For a fun touch, sprinkle some festive decorations or extra cinnamon on top of the frosting.

variation

You can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit into the batter for additional flavor and texture. These small additions can make your bars even more unique!

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in this recipe.

2. Is there a way to make these bars less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or brown sugar to lower the sweetness. Additionally, you can skip the frosting if you prefer a less sweet treat.

3. How long do these bars take to bake?
The Gingerbread Cookie Bars typically take 20-25 minutes to bake. Make sure to check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when they are done.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

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• Author: yolanda
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful twist on the classic gingerbread cookies, these soft and chewy bars are filled with warm spices and topped with creamy frosting.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before frosting.
8. For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
9. Spread the frosting on cooled gingerbread bars.
10. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Store bars in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: gingerbread, cookie bars, holiday dessert, festive baking