These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the spiced warmth of gingerbread with the creamy richness of frosting. They’re perfect for a Christmas party or any festive gathering. With a chewy texture and bold flavor, topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Gingerbread cookie bars are quick, easy, and delicious. You don’t need to roll individual cookies—just bake the dough in a 9×13 pan, cut, and serve! The recipe is ideal for parties since it yields plenty of bars and features a perfect balance of spices. The combination of the chewy gingerbread bars and the rich, tangy cream cheese frosting makes these a must-have dessert for the holiday season. Plus, the festive appearance, with a sprinkle of holiday toppings, adds to their charm.
Ingredients
Gingerbread Cookie Bars:
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2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
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1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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½ teaspoon ground cloves
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (113 g)
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¾ cup packed light brown sugar (150 g)
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¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
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⅓ cup unsulphured molasses (80 ml)
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1 large egg, room temperature
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1 teaspoon freshly ground ginger (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
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1 cup full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature (226 g)
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¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (57 g)
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1 ½ cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (180 g)
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Holiday sprinkles (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
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Add the molasses, egg, and freshly grated ginger (if using) and beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
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Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using an offset spatula.
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Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with little to no crumbs. Let the bars cool completely.
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To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
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Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
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Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then garnish with holiday sprinkles, if desired. Cut and serve!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 24 bars
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
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Cooling Time: 2 hours
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Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
Variations
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Add-ins: For extra flavor, mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough. White chocolate chips would complement the gingerbread flavor beautifully.
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Frosting alternatives: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, try vanilla buttercream or eggnog frosting instead. These options are equally festive and pair well with the spiced bars.
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Maple-flavored frosting: Add 1 ½ teaspoons of maple flavoring to the cream cheese frosting for a delicious twist on traditional gingerbread.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep the baked cookie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the bars (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for the best results. When ready to serve, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and let them come to room temperature before garnishing and serving.
FAQs
How long should I bake the gingerbread cookie bars?
Bake the bars for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! The cookie dough can be made up to 48 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can use vanilla buttercream or eggnog frosting if you prefer a different flavor.
How do I prevent the bars from becoming dry?
Make sure not to over-bake the bars. The edges should be set, and the center should remain soft. The bars will continue to bake as they cool, so ensure they are cooled before frosting.
Can I freeze these gingerbread cookie bars?
Yes, the bars can be frozen (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can add ½ cup of chocolate chips, nuts, or even chopped candied ginger for added texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to use freshly ground ginger?
Freshly ground ginger adds a nice depth of flavor, but it’s optional. Ground ginger from a spice jar works perfectly fine too.
Can I make a smaller batch of gingerbread cookie bars?
Yes, simply cut the recipe in half and use an egg yolk instead of a whole egg. Bake in an 8×8 pan for about 15 minutes at 350°F.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
What other toppings can I use besides sprinkles?
You could sprinkle cinnamon, chopped nuts, or crushed gingerbread cookies on top for additional flavor and decoration.
Conclusion
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are an ideal dessert for the holidays, offering all the flavors of traditional gingerbread in a simple, easy-to-make bar. With their chewy texture, spiced flavor, and creamy frosting, they’re sure to become a favorite at your next Christmas party or festive gathering. Plus, they’re a breeze to make in advance, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season without spending all your time in the kitchen!

Gingerbread Cookie Bars
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- Author: Alice
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars combine the spiced warmth of gingerbread with creamy frosting, making them the perfect holiday treat. With a chewy texture and a bold flavor, they’re ideal for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (113 g)
¾ cup packed light brown sugar (150 g)
¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
⅓ cup unsulphured molasses (80 ml)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon freshly ground ginger (optional)
1 cup full-fat block cream cheese, room temperature (226 g) (for frosting)
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (57 g) (for frosting)
1 ½ cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (180 g) (for frosting)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the molasses, egg, and freshly grated ginger (if using) and beat until well combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan using an offset spatula.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with little to no crumbs. Let the bars cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars, then garnish with holiday sprinkles, if desired. Cut and serve!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or chopped candied ginger work great.
- If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, try vanilla buttercream or eggnog frosting.
- For a unique twist, add 1 ½ teaspoons of maple flavoring to the cream cheese frosting.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg