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)

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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