Gingerbread cookie bars are an irresistible treat that combines nostalgic flavors with a modern twist. The warm spices, buttery richness, and the creamy frosting make these bars a perfect dessert for any season, especially the holiday months. With a soft, chewy texture and a flavor profile that evokes the essence of gingerbread cookies, you will find them ideal for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying at home with a warm beverage. In this article, you’ll discover why gingerbread cookie bars are a beloved choice, detailed instructions on how to make them, as well as tips for serving, storing, and even customizing your treats.
Why We Love This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
You might wonder what makes gingerbread cookie bars stand out among the myriad of dessert options available. The answer lies in the enchanting combination of spices and the delightful ease of preparation. Unlike traditional gingerbread cookies that require rolling out and cutting into shapes, these bars save you time while still delivering that classic gingerbread flavor. Each bite is filled with warmth and comfort, perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings. Whether topped with cream cheese frosting or enjoyed plain, they promise satisfaction in every slice.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
To create these delectable gingerbread cookie bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/3 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz brick-style cream cheese, full-fat
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream or milk
How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Making gingerbread cookie bars from scratch isn’t only enjoyable; it’s also fairly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and rise nicely.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. This creates a flavorful foundation for your bars.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the unsulphured molasses and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well. Then, add in the egg and egg yolk, stirring until everything is combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts. Mix at a low speed until just combined, avoiding over-mixing to keep the bars tender.
- Spread the Dough: Press or spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Your bars are done when the edges start pulling away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the whipping cream or milk, until you achieve your desired consistency and sweetness.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese mixture. Optionally, top with sprinkles for a festive touch.
How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars
When it’s time to serve your freshly baked gingerbread cookie bars, consider slicing them into small squares or rectangles for easy sharing. These treat bars pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, and they are excellent for holiday parties or cookie exchanges. If you’re hosting a gathering, plate them with other seasonal desserts to create a delightful dessert table. You can also garnethem with a sprinkle of cinnamon or additional festive sprinkles for visual appeal.
Expert Tips for Gingerbread Cookie Bars
To elevate your gingerbread cookie bars and make them truly exceptional, keep the following expert tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture and flavor, ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This will help everything mix more smoothly.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough bars.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to modify the spice blend to suit your taste preferences. You could add a pinch of allspice or even a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Chill for Firmness: If you prefer firmer bars, pop them in the refrigerator for a short time before slicing them. This will make cutting easier and help them hold their shape better.
- Experiment with Frosting: While cream cheese frosting is classic, you can also drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the bars for a less rich option.
How to Store Gingerbread Cookie Bars
If you find yourself with leftovers—or if you want to make a batch ahead of time—you’ll want to store your gingerbread cookie bars properly to maintain their freshness. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just be sure to slice them before freezing for easy serving later.
Variations of Gingerbread Cookie Bars
The beauty of gingerbread cookie bars lies in their adaptability. Here are some exciting variations you might consider trying:
- Chocolate Gingerbread Bars: Fold in some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the frosted bars for chocolatey goodness.
- Nutty Additions: Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the bars before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Adding cranberries or raisins can introduce a delightful sweetness and chewiness to every bite.
- Vegan Alternative: You can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative, molasses, and using flax eggs in place of the eggs.
- Spiced Frosting: Add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor that harmonizes well with the bars.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gingerbread Cookie Bars
What are gingerbread cookie bars?
Gingerbread cookie bars are a dessert that combines the classic flavors of gingerbread cookies into a soft, chewy bar form, usually topped with cream cheese frosting.
How do I know when my gingerbread cookie bars are done?
You can tell your gingerbread cookie bars are done when the edges pull away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I freeze gingerbread cookie bars?
Yes, gingerbread cookie bars freeze well. You should wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container before freezing.
What can I serve with gingerbread cookie bars?
These delicious bars pair perfectly with warm drinks like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. You can also serve them alongside other holiday desserts.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Equipment
- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ tsp Ground Ginger
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Ground Cloves
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ¾ cup Unsalted Butter Softened.
- 1 cup Brown Sugar Light or dark.
- ⅓ cup Unsulphured Molasses
- 1 large Egg
- 1 large Egg Yolk
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter For frosting, softened.
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Full-fat, brick-style.
- 2-3 cups Powdered Sugar To taste.
- 1-2 Tbsp Whipping Cream or Milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Add the egg and egg yolk, stirring until combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the edges pull away from the sides and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter and cream cheese together until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and whipping cream/milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Once bars are cool, frost generously with cream cheese mixture and add sprinkles if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!