Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the perfect holiday treat, combining all the warm spices of classic gingerbread in a soft, chewy bar form. With a deliciously spiced base and a creamy frosting on top, these bars are easy to make and ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in. They have all the festive flavors of gingerbread cookies without the need for rolling out dough and cutting shapes. Follow this simple recipe to create a batch of these flavorful, spiced bars that will bring the warmth of the season into every bite!

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What are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Gingerbread cookie bars are a twist on traditional gingerbread cookies, baked in a sheet pan or baking dish, then cut into squares or bars. They have a soft, chewy texture and are flavored with classic gingerbread spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Unlike rolled and cut gingerbread cookies, these bars are quick and easy to make, with no need for chilling or shaping dough. They are often topped with a creamy frosting, such as vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting, for added sweetness and richness. These bars are perfect for holiday parties or as a festive dessert any time during the winter season.

Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Before you get started, gather all the ingredients needed for the gingerbread bars and the frosting.

For the Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (optional, to adjust consistency)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sprinkles, cinnamon, or extra gingerbread spice mix

Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars (Double Check)

Here’s a quick double-check to make sure you have everything:

For the Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

• The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg gives these bars their classic gingerbread flavor.
• Molasses adds a deep, rich flavor and moist texture, so be sure to use unsulphured molasses for the best results.
• Brown sugar helps create a soft, chewy texture and adds extra flavor, while the granulated sugar provides a slight crispness on the outside.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• Cream cheese and butter should be softened to room temperature for smooth, creamy frosting.
• Powdered sugar adds sweetness without the grainy texture of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract enhances the flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Gingerbread cookie bars are versatile, and you can easily make substitutions or try fun variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

1. Flavor Variations:

• Maple Gingerbread Bars: Replace the molasses with maple syrup for a lighter, more caramel-like flavor.
• Spiced Chocolate Gingerbread Bars: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips or chunks for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Citrus Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note that complements the spices.

1. Frosting Variations:

• Vanilla Buttercream: If you prefer a classic vanilla frosting, use a basic buttercream recipe by whipping together ½ cup butter, 2-3 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
• Brown Butter Frosting: For a more complex flavor, make brown butter frosting by browning the butter before mixing it with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
• Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the cream cheese frosting for extra warmth and spice.

1. Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the bars gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
• Egg-Free: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) as an egg replacement.

1. Texture Modifications:

• Crispy Bars: For a slightly crisper texture, bake the bars a little longer or use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar for the entire amount.
• Extra Chewy Bars: For extra chewy bars, increase the molasses by 1-2 tablespoons or add an extra egg yolk to the batter.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make soft, chewy gingerbread cookie bars with a creamy frosting on top.

1. Prepare the Gingerbread Cookie Bar Batter

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Set aside.
• Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla: Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

2. Bake the Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Spread the batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
• Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be set, but the center will remain soft and chewy.
• Cool: Let the gingerbread bars cool completely in the baking dish before frosting or cutting.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

• Beat the cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy.
• Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

4. Frost the Bars and Serve

• Frost the bars: Once the gingerbread bars have cooled completely, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula.
• Garnish: If desired, sprinkle the frosting with cinnamon, extra gingerbread spices, or festive sprinkles for decoration.
• Cut into bars: Cut the gingerbread into squares or rectangles and serve.

How to Cook Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to make these delicious gingerbread cookie bars:

1. Batter: Cream butter and sugars, add molasses and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients.
2. Bake: Spread the batter in a greased or lined 9x13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.
3. Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a smooth, fluffy frosting.
4. Frost and Serve: Once cooled, frost the bars, decorate if desired, and cut into squares.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake to avoid overbaking. The edges should be set, but the center should still be soft and chewy.
• Not Cooling Before Frosting: Be sure to let the gingerbread bars cool completely before frosting. If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
• Skipping the Molasses: Don’t skip the molasses, as it’s essential for the classic gingerbread flavor and chewy texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some tips to serve and present your gingerbread cookie bars beautifully:

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Serve at Room Temperature: Gingerbread cookie bars are best served at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
• Holiday Treats: These bars make a perfect addition to a holiday dessert table or cookie exchange.

Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Festive Sprinkles: Add festive holiday sprinkles on top of the cream cheese frosting for a colorful and fun presentation.
• **Cinnamon Dusting**: Dust the top of the frosted bars with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or powdered sugar for a simple, elegant look.
• Cut Into Shapes: Use a cookie cutter to cut the gingerbread bars into holiday shapes like trees, stars, or snowflakes.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter and frosting.
• Chill for Neat Cuts: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting them for cleaner, sharper edges.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make gingerbread cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the gingerbread cookie bars a day or two in advance and store them, covered, at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the freshest result.

2. How long do gingerbread cookie bars last?
Gingerbread cookie bars will last for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you frost the bars, store them in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh for up to 5 days.

3. Can I freeze gingerbread cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze gingerbread cookie bars! Freeze the unfrosted bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw the bars at room temperature and frost them before serving.

4. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! You can frost these bars with vanilla buttercream, spiced cream cheese frosting, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer.

5. How do I make the bars extra chewy?
For extra chewy gingerbread bars, you can increase the molasses slightly or add an extra egg yolk. Using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar also adds more moisture for a chewier texture.

Conclusion

Gingerbread cookie bars are a delicious and festive way to enjoy the classic flavors of gingerbread during the holiday season. With their warm spices, soft and chewy texture, and creamy frosting, these bars are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night at home. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you’ll have a batch of beautifully spiced bars ready in no time. Customize the frosting, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy these gingerbread cookie bars with family and friends!

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