There’s something about gingerbread that screams holiday magic, don’t you think? The warm spices, the cozy molasses flavor, and the way the aroma fills your kitchen—it’s like the holidays wrapped in a blanket. If you’re anything like me, you might have a special spot in your heart for gingerbread cookies. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy all that festive flavor without rolling dough or cutting out shapes? Enter Gingerbread Cookie Bars: soft, spiced, and topped with a dreamy spiced cream cheese frosting.
These bars are the perfect mix of easy and impressive, making them ideal for everything from holiday gatherings to quiet nights with a mug of hot cocoa. They bake up quickly, cut neatly into squares, and the frosting? Oh, it takes them to the next level. Let’s dive into why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- All the Gingerbread Flavor Without the Fuss
Rolling out gingerbread dough can be a labor of love, but these bars skip all that. You just press the dough into a pan, bake, and voilà! - Soft and Chewy Texture
These bars strike the perfect balance: soft and tender with just enough chew. They’re moist without being cakey, thanks to the molasses and melted butter. - Holiday-Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
Let’s talk frosting. It’s silky, slightly tangy, and infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. A dollop of this on top transforms these bars into pure indulgence. - Perfect for Gifting or Sharing
These bars travel well, so they’re perfect for holiday cookie swaps, gifting to friends, or bringing to potlucks. Just slice them up, pop them in a cute box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift. - Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing
Not into frosting? No problem. Prefer a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate? Go for it. These bars are a blank canvas for your holiday creativity.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
- Nutrition Per Serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 9g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of gingerbread cookie bars and that luscious frosting:
For the Bars
- 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- Provides structure for the bars. Be sure to measure it correctly for the best results.
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- Helps the bars puff up slightly in the oven.
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- The star spice for that classic gingerbread flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Adds warmth and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- A subtle spice that ties the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- For a touch of bold, sweet spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Adds a cozy, nutty aroma.
- Small pinch of ground black pepper
- Enhances the spices without being overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
- Makes the bars rich and moist.
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- Dark brown sugar gives a deeper molasses flavor, but either works.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- Balances the sweetness.
- 1/3 cup (80ml) unsulphured molasses
- Essential for the gingerbread flavor. Use Grandma’s or your favorite brand.
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- Helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Enhances the overall flavor.
For the Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 ounces (170g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- The base of the frosting. Full-fat ensures it’s creamy and rich.
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
- Adds silkiness to the frosting.
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
- Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Small pinch of ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice
- A subtle echo of the spices in the bars.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- For a sweet, aromatic touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can whip these up like a pro.
1. Prep the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and adjust the rack to the center position.
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and salt.
- Tip: Whisking ensures the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and molasses until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla, whisking until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a large spoon or silicone spatula, mix until just combined. The dough will be thick and shiny—don’t worry, that’s what you want!
5. Spread in the Pan
- Transfer the dough to your prepared baking pan.
- Use a spatula (or your hands) to press it into an even layer. It might look thin, but it will puff up as it bakes.
6. Bake
- Bake for 23–26 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set but still soft, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Tip: Avoid over-baking; the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
7. Cool Completely
- Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour.
8. Make the Frosting
- Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until creamy.
- Add the confectioners’ sugar and spices, mixing on low speed until combined. Then, switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until fluffy.
9. Frost and Decorate
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars.
- Optional: Add festive sprinkles for extra holiday flair.
10. Chill and Slice
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the frosting, then lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.
How to Serve
These bars are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic: Serve with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
- Party-Perfect: Arrange on a festive platter with holiday candies and cookies.
- Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle with caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra pizzazz.
Additional Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients
- Make sure the egg and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Don’t Skip the Molasses
- It’s the key to authentic gingerbread flavor.
- Customize the Frosting
- Prefer less sweetness? Add a pinch of salt or reduce the sugar slightly.
- Storage Tip
- Keep frosted bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Freeze for Later
- Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months; just thaw and frost when ready.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Frosting: Use vegan cream cheese and butter.
- Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne for a warm kick.
- Chocolate Twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips to the batter.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve.
Q: What if I don’t have all the spices?
A: You can use a store-bought gingerbread spice blend as a shortcut.
Conclusion
There you have it—gingerbread cookie bars that are as easy as they are irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total newbie, this recipe is your ticket to holiday baking success. Try it, share it, and don’t forget to tag me in your photos—I’d love to see your festive creations! Happy baking!
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Gingerbread Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These gingerbread cookie bars are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Topped with spiced cream cheese frosting, they’re a holiday favorite that’s quick and easy to make—no rolling or cutting required!
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Small pinch of ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml) unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 6 ounces (170g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
- Small pinch each of ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, sugars, molasses, egg, and vanilla.
- Mix wet ingredients into dry until fully combined.
- Press dough into the prepared pan and bake for 23–26 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then mix in sugar and spices. Spread over bars.
Notes
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes after frosting.
- Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American