Name: Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (340 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (226 grams or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (150 grams) brown sugar, packed; 1/3 cup (113 grams) molasses (unsulphured); 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweet memories of childhood winters dance through my favorite gingerbread cookie bars that blend warmth and nostalgia into every delectable bite.

Cozy kitchens filled with spicy aromas always remind me of grandma’s classic recipes.

Molasses and rich brown sugar create a deep, comforting flavor profile that feels like a warm hug.

Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg weave magic into these soft, chewy bars that melt in your mouth.

Baking these treats becomes an invitation to slow down and savor simple pleasures.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delightful experience that connects generations through one incredible recipe.

You simply must try these irresistible bars that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Whip Up Festive Flavors: Dive into a delightful dessert that captures the warm, spicy essence of gingerbread in an easy-to-make bar format, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weekend treats.
Customize with Ease: Create a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed plain or topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and presentation to your liking.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Prepare these gingerbread bars with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it an accessible recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Enjoy a nostalgic dessert that brings together classic holiday spices in a soft, chewy bar that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.

Cookie Base Ingredients:

Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides tender texture and delicious flavor to the gingerbread bars.
Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet ingredients that contribute to the cookie's rich taste and help create a soft, moist texture.
Molasses: A dark, robust syrup that gives the gingerbread its signature deep, warm flavor and dark color.
Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie bars.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet, aromatic essence.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the bars their classic cookie texture.
Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spices that create the traditional gingerbread flavor profile.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the bars rise and become light and tender.
Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet and spicy flavors in the recipe.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

Cream Cheese, Butter: Smooth, rich base ingredients that create a creamy, luxurious frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F and grease a 9×13-inch pan.

This sets the stage for delicious magic.

Step 2: Create Buttery Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend:

Softened butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Add Wet Flavor Boosters

Stir in:

Molasses
Egg
Vanilla extract

Mix until everything dances together perfectly.

Step 4: Craft Spice Powder

In a separate bowl, combine:

Flour
Ground ginger
Cinnamon
Cloves
Nutmeg
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re well acquainted.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Worlds

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.

Stir until everything blends smoothly without overmixing.

Step 6: Spread the Love

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide pan into oven and bake 18-22 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let bars chill completely in the pan, allowing flavors to settle.

Step 9: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat:

Softened cream cheese
Butter

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 10: Finish Frosting

Add:

Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Continue mixing until dreamy and creamy.

Step 11: Frost and Decorate

Once bars are cool, spread frosting evenly across the top.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and watch faces light up with joy!

Use exact measurements for spices to ensure the perfect gingerbread flavor balance and avoid overpowering or underwhelming taste.
Allow butter, cream cheese, and eggs to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture in both bars and frosting.
Insert a toothpick near the center to test baking – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs for perfectly tender bars.
Let bars cool completely before adding cream cheese frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, even spread.
Keep gingerbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic spicy flavor.
Vegan Spice Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free cream cheese for frosting to accommodate plant-based diets.
Low-Sugar Gingerbread Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce molasses quantity, and use sugar-free powdered sugar alternative for lighter, diabetic-friendly treat.
Paleo Friendly Bars: Use coconut flour, replace refined sugars with maple syrup, incorporate almond butter, and skip traditional frosting for a grain-free, whole-food friendly dessert.

Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Create a stunning holiday dessert display by arranging the gingerbread cookie bars on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Cozy Afternoon Treat: Pair these warm, spicy bars with a mug of hot apple cider or rich hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort food experience during chilly winter afternoons.
Gifting Delight: Package the bars in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or holiday ribbons for a homemade gift that spreads seasonal cheer to friends and family.
Brunch Companion: Serve these gingerbread bars alongside a cheese board or as a sweet ending to a weekend brunch, complementing both savory and sweet breakfast dishes.

Store frosted gingerbread bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
Wrap completely cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Chill bars in refrigerator until frosting firms up, then wrap carefully in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Warm individual bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Why use molasses in gingerbread bars?

Molasses gives these bars their deep, rich flavor and signature dark color. It’s a traditional ingredient that provides a distinctive sweet and slightly bitter taste unique to gingerbread.

Can I make these bars without cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own. The frosting is optional, so you can skip it if you prefer a less sweet or more traditional gingerbread texture.

How do I know when the gingerbread bars are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. They should look set but still slightly soft in the middle.

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling

Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.