Delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars topped with icing and festive decorations

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

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Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Cozy Holiday Delight

As the autumn leaves crunch beneath our feet and the chill in the air beckons us to cozy up indoors, nothing warms the heart quite like the scent of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through the house. One of my favorite memories from childhood is the joy of making gingerbread treats with my grandmother, her laughter ringing through the kitchen as we rolled out dough and cut out festive shapes. Those sweet moments inspired my creation of these Gingerbread Cookie Bars, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in alone with a steaming cup of tea.

These bars are simple, delicious, and offer a twist on the classic gingerbread cookie, making them a fantastic easy fall dessert for your gatherings. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cozy Comfort:
    The warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a nostalgic aroma that comforts and soothes.

  • Easier Than Cookies:
    Instead of rolling, cutting, and baking individual cookies, these bars come together in one pan, simplifying your baking process.

  • Frosted Delight:
    Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of nutmeg, each bite is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

  • Perfect for Sharing:
    Ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day, these bars are a crowd-pleaser.

  • Family-Friendly:
    Little hands can help mix and frost, making this a fun family activity in the kitchen!

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package cream cheese frosting
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping)

How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan to ensure your bars come out easily.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined — the dough should be warm and fragrant!
  5. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and smooth the top to create an even layer.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool completely, then frost with the cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with nutmeg before serving.

Variations & Creative Twists

Let your creativity shine by trying out these delicious variations:

  • Chocolate Lovers Delight:
    Swirl in some mini chocolate chips for an indulgent touch that pairs beautifully with the spices.

  • Nutty Crunch:
    Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, tender bars.

  • Fruity Twist:
    Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dates to add a fruity sweetness to every bite.

  • Zesty Lemon Frosting:
    Instead of traditional cream cheese frosting, try a lemon glaze for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the spices.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

  • Make-Ahead Magic:
    These bars can be made a day in advance; simply store them covered at room temperature. Frost just before serving for maximum freshness.

  • Ingredient Swaps:
    If you’re out of butter, coconut oil works nicely in a pinch! Similarly, any neutral oil can replace the butter if needed.

  • Slicing Tricks:
    For perfect slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, then wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges.

  • Storage Suggestions:
    Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them completely before enjoying!

Nutrition Information per Serving

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 210
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 120mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I make this ahead?
    Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and kept in an airtight container.

  • Can I use different ingredients?
    Yes! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or even use a sugar-free sweetener if you prefer.

  • How do I store leftovers?
    Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

  • How long does it last?
    The Gingerbread Cookie Bars will stay fresh for about a week, or you can freeze them for up to three months!

Final Thoughts

As we settle into the warm embrace of this holiday season, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars remind us that simple joys often bring the most warmth. Whether shared with family and friends or savored during a quiet moment alone, each bite transports you to a cozy memory of gingerbread goodness.

Save this Gingerbread Cookie Bars recipe to your holiday treat board so it’s ready when you need a cozy dessert to share and enjoy! Happy baking!

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Gingerbread Cookie Bars

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

A cozy holiday treat, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars bring the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package cream cheese frosting
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined.
  3. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the greased baking pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool completely, then frost with the cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with nutmeg before serving.

Notes

These bars can be made a day in advance; cover and store at room temperature. Frost just before serving for maximum freshness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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

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