Name: Best Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup icing sugar

Warm, spicy gingerbread cookie bars bring cozy winter memories flooding back with their incredible aroma.

Festive baking means connecting deeply with seasonal traditions and comfort.

Molasses and ginger create a magical combination that instantly transforms your kitchen into a delightful holiday haven.

Soft, chewy textures melt in you mouth, promising pure deliciousness.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance together, weaving nostalgic flavors that remind you of childhood celebrations.

Quick to make and even faster to disappear, these bars will become your new favorite seasonal treat.

Bake a batch and watch everyone smile with pure joy.

Savor Instant Comfort: These gingerbread cookie bars deliver warm, nostalgic holiday flavors packed into convenient bar form, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without complex preparation.
Customize with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe adaptable for bakers of all skill levels, allowing personalization with extra spices or decorative icing.
Quick Family Delight: Designed for busy households, these bars provide a hassle-free dessert option that captures traditional gingerbread taste without rolling or cutting individual cookies, making them ideal for gatherings and spontaneous treats.
Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just two bowls and a single baking pan, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess and reduces post-baking cleaning time, making it a stress-free baking experience for home cooks.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the gingerbread cookie bars.
Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic gingerbread flavor profile.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, soft base that ensures moistness and deep caramel notes.
Molasses: Adds signature gingerbread flavor and contributes to the dark, deep color of the bars.
Egg, Vanilla Extract: Help bind the ingredients and enhance the overall flavor complexity.

Leavening and Seasoning:

Baking Soda, Salt: Provide lift and balance the sweetness of the cookie bars.

Finishing Ingredient:

Powdered Sugar: Adds a sweet, decorative topping to complete the gingerbread cookie bars.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the bottom and sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:

All-purpose flour
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Baking soda
Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Create Creamy Butter Mixture

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.

Pour in molasses, crack in an egg, and add vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are completely incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring no dry pockets remain.

The batter should look smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Spread and Bake

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan.

Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the surface. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The bars are done when the edges start to pull away from the sides and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar. Slice into square bars and serve.

Ensure parchment paper overhangs the pan for easy bar removal and minimal cleanup.
Measure spices precisely to achieve authentic gingerbread flavor without overwhelming intensity.
Use room temperature butter and egg for smoother, more uniform batter consistency.
Test doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and maintain neat square edges.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
Vegan Spice Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce brown sugar, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and add extra spices for enhanced flavor complexity.
Chocolate Ginger Bars: Fold dark chocolate chips into the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bars for a rich variation.

Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange gingerbread bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and dusted powdered sugar for a charming Christmas presentation.
Cozy Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve bars alongside warm chai tea or mulled wine, creating a comforting winter treat perfect for relaxing moments with friends and family.
Dessert Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with festive ribbons, making delightful homemade edible gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.
Kid-Friendly Decorating Station: Set out bars with colorful sprinkles, chocolate drizzle, and small candies, letting children personalize their own gingerbread squares for a fun activity.

Store cooled gingerbread cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate bars in a sealed container for extended freshness, lasting up to 7 days.
Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

FAQs

What gives these gingerbread bars their signature flavor?

The combination of ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates the classic warm, spicy taste that makes gingerbread cookies so beloved during the holiday season.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to help maintain the texture and structure of the bars.

How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

The edges will be slightly pulled away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out with just a few moist crumbs, indicating they’re done but not overbaked.

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.

John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.