Description
Homemade gingerbread cookie bars blend classic holiday spices with sweet, comforting textures. Warm molasses and rich butter create a memorable dessert that connects families during festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Main 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)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 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
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly and preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
- Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, blending until the ingredients are completely unified.
- Create a separate bowl for dry ingredients, whisking flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a smooth, consistent dough.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to distribute it evenly across the surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should come out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan.
- For the optional cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until they form a silky texture.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting becomes creamy and uniform.
- Once the bars have cooled, generously spread the frosting across the entire surface.
- Cut into square portions and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Gently fold dry ingredients to prevent overmixing, which can make bars tough.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and clean cutting.
- Adjust spices according to personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 219 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg