Description
Homemade gingerbread cookie bars blend classic holiday spices with rich molasses for a nostalgic treat. Warm notes of cinnamon and ginger create a comforting dessert you’ll savor during festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup icing sugar
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
- Create a fragrant dry mixture by combining flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer at medium speed.
- Introduce molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, spreading it uniformly with a spatula to create an even layer that reaches all corners.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for approximately 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, dust the surface generously with powdered sugar and slice into square servings.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and smooth texture.
- Use freshly ground spices to enhance the rich, warm flavor profile of the gingerbread.
- For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Adjust baking time slightly for softer or crispier bars depending on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg