Gingerbread cookie bars are a delightful treat, perfect for the holiday season or anytime you crave something sweet and spiced. These bars combine the traditional flavors of gingerbread with a creamy frosting, making them a hit with friends and family. If you enjoy baking cookies, you might want to try brown sugar cinnamon cookies as another delicious option.

Why Make This Recipe

Making gingerbread cookie bars is easy and fun. The simple ingredients are likely already in your pantry, and the process is straightforward. Plus, they can easily be enjoyed by a crowd, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or potlucks. The delightful flavor combination of spices enhances any celebration, reminiscent of cozy winter days. You may also find Best Jimbo Sugar Cookie Recipe useful.

How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda.
In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars, cut into squares, and enjoy!

You may also find Eskimo Pie Ice Cream Bars Edys Pie useful.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These gingerbread cookie bars can be served as a festive dessert at parties or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. They are easy to slice into squares, making portions convenient for sharing. To elevate the flavors, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of hot cocoa. You may also find Evolution Eskimo Bars Edys Pie useful.

How to Store Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Store any leftover gingerbread cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To maintain their texture, it’s best to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You may also find Honey Butter Cornbread Cookies useful.

Tips to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for better mixing.
When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level off with a knife to avoid dense bars.

Feel free to sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting for added flavor.

Variation

For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the bar mixture. You could also substitute the cream cheese frosting with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter touch.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze gingerbread cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze them by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container for up to three months.

2. What can I use instead of molasses?
You can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will differ slightly.

3. How can I add more spice?
Feel free to increase the amount of ginger or cinnamon to your taste, or consider adding ground cloves for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion

Enjoy making and serving these delicious gingerbread cookie bars. They are not only a fantastic treat but also a wonderful way to celebrate the season. If you’re looking for more recipes, check out Gingerbread Cookie Bars – Sally’s Baking Addiction for additional ideas. For a unique twist, the Gingerbread Cookie Bars | The Girl Who Ate Everything feature different variations worth trying. You might also enjoy the Soft Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe – Gluesticks Blog for a softer texture. For those who love classic recipes, visit Gingerbread Cookie Bars – Barefeet In The Kitchen. Lastly, for a fun idea, try the Gingerbread Cookie Bars – If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Author: ruth-martha
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful gingerbread cookie bars with creamy frosting, perfect for the holiday season.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.

Cream together the butter and brown sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy.
Beat in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a separate bowl until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled bars, cut into squares, and enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, sprinkle extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 250
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: gingerbread, cookie bars, holiday dessert, baking, cream cheese frosting

Gingerbread Cookie Squares