Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

When the holidays roll around, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread. But if rolling out dough and decorating cookies feels like too much effort, these Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars are here to save the day. They pack all the traditional gingerbread flavors—molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—into soft, chewy bars that are easy to make and even easier to eat.

Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and festive sprinkles, these cookie bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in. They’re festive, flavorful, and require far less effort than traditional gingerbread cookies, making them the ideal treat for busy bakers.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making these chewy gingerbread cookie bars step-by-step, share tips for success, and offer creative variations to make them your own.

Why You’ll Love These Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

1. Rich, Warm Spices

The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves creates a perfectly spiced base that screams holiday cheer.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These bars are moist and chewy, thanks to the perfect balance of molasses, butter, and brown sugar.

3. Easy to Make

No need to chill dough, roll out cookies, or use cookie cutters. Just press the dough into a pan, bake, and frost.

4. Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the spiced gingerbread bars, taking them to the next level.

5. Festive and Fun

Top with holiday sprinkles for a pop of color that makes these bars perfect for gifting or sharing at parties.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive cookie bars:

For the Cookie Bars

• ½ cup butter (melted): Adds richness and keeps the bars moist.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and structure.
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar: Adds a deeper molasses flavor and moisture.
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the spices.
• ⅓ cup molasses: The star ingredient for authentic gingerbread flavor.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookie bars.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become fluffy.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The dominant spice that ties everything together.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle, earthy undertone.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Adds depth and richness to the spice blend.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 6 ounces cream cheese (softened): The base for a tangy, creamy frosting.
• 3 tablespoons butter (softened): Adds richness and helps with consistency.
• 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and creates a smooth texture.
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the creamy flavor of the frosting.

Optional Topping

• Holiday sprinkles: For a festive finishing touch.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Move the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 cups all-purpose flour
   • 2 teaspoons baking soda
   • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
   • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
   • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
   • ½ teaspoon salt
2. Set aside.

3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl with handheld beaters), combine:
   • ½ cup melted butter
   • ¾ cup granulated sugar
   • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
   • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
   • ⅓ cup molasses
2. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

4: Add the Egg and Dry Ingredients

1. Add 1 large egg to the wet mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase to medium speed and mix for 1 minute to ensure the dough is well-blended.

5: Bake the Bars

1. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the surface.
2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bars are darker in color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
3. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool completely before frosting.

6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together:
   • 6 ounces softened cream cheese
   • 3 tablespoons softened butter
2. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar and ¾ teaspoon vanilla. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 1–2 minutes until creamy.

7: Frost and Decorate

1. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
2. Garnish with holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
3. Slice into 24 bars and serve.

How to Serve

These Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars are versatile and festive. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• Holiday Dessert Tables: Add them to a spread of cookies, pies, and cakes for a stunning presentation.
• Edible Gifts: Package them in decorative boxes or tins for friends and family.
• After-Dinner Treat: Serve with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy winter dessert.
• Festive Parties: Bring them to cookie exchanges or potlucks for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Bars

1. Don’t Overbake: Remove the bars when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs to keep them soft and chewy.
2. Chill the Frosting: If the frosting feels too soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes before spreading.
3. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, ensure your ground spices are fresh and aromatic.
4. Customize the Topping: Add crushed peppermint, chocolate shavings, or nuts for extra flair.
5. Cut Cleanly: Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to slice the bars into neat squares.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add white chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting.
• Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan margarine, egg with a flax egg, and cream cheese frosting with a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
• Citrus Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, festive flavor.

Storage and Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Frosted bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw, frost, and decorate when ready to serve.

FAQ

Q: Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark?
A: Yes, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor that complements the spices.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Bake the bars and store them unfrosted. Frost and decorate before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to cut these bars?
A: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper, wiping clean between cuts for neat edges.

Conclusion

These Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are everything you want in a holiday dessert: rich, spiced, chewy, and topped with creamy frosting. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to impress at any gathering.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting treats to loved ones, or simply indulging in the festive spirit, this recipe is a must-try. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of holiday magic.

Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
• Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars

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Description

Soft and spiced gingerbread cookie bars topped with tangy cream cheese frosting and holiday sprinkles.

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Ingredients

• For Cookie Bars: Butter, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, molasses, egg, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt.
• For Frosting: Cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla.
• Optional Toppings: Holiday sprinkles.

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
• Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter, sugars, vanilla, and molasses. Add egg and dry ingredients.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes. Cool completely.
• Beat cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Frost cooled bars.
• Garnish with sprinkles, slice, and serve.

Notes

Store at room temperature for 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes