Name: Quick 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 (280 grams) all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter; 3/4 cup (165 grams) brown sugar; 1/4 cup (85 grams) molasses; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk

Sweet memories of childhood winters dance through this gingerbread cookie bars adventure, bringing warmth to your kitchen.

Cozy aromas will swirl around your home, promising delightful comfort.

Fragrant spices blend seamlessly into a rich, soft base that melts in your mouth.

Each square captures classic holiday magic with a modern twist.

Layers of molasses and cinnamon create an irresistible texture that beckons everyone closer.

Soft, chewy edges promise pure indulgence with every delectable bite.

Make these bars and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

Create Festive Comfort: Dive into a heartwarming baking experience that fills your kitchen with cozy holiday aromas and nostalgic spice notes.
Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and basic kitchen tools, ensuring success with every batch.
Quick Family Dessert Solution: Transform traditional gingerbread into convenient bars that are faster to prepare than individual cookies, making them ideal for busy households and spontaneous gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Treat: Capture the classic gingerbread flavor in a shareable format that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for potlucks, cookie exchanges, and seasonal celebrations.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The base of the gingerbread bars that provides structure and texture.
Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic gingerbread flavor profile.
Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and provides a light, tender texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the gingerbread bars.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist texture.
Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness and moisture to the bars.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to complement the spices.
Molasses: Gives the bars their distinctive dark color and deep, rich flavor.

Icing Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar, Milk: Create a smooth, sweet glaze to top the gingerbread bars.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish and line it with parchment paper, making sure the paper covers the bottom and sides completely.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:

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

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well combined and look like a fragrant, speckled mixture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud.

Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses. Mix everything until it’s completely blended and looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is perfectly combined.

Don’t overmix – you want the batter to be just incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Make sure it’s smooth and reaches all the corners. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The bars are done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely.

This is super important for getting clean cuts and the perfect texture.

Step 7: Create Drizzling Icing

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth, silky icing that drizzles beautifully.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top. Let it set for a few minutes, then slice into squares.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
Enhance the spice blend by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
Prevent overbaking by checking the bars at 18 minutes and using a toothpick test to ensure moist, soft texture.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
Experiment with cream cheese frosting instead of traditional milk-based icing for a richer, tangier topping.

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 eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose plant-based milk for icing.
Dairy-Free Friendly Option: Use dairy-free margarine, alternative milk, and skip butter in the original recipe for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Low-Sugar Ginger Bars: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content by half, using applesauce to maintain moisture.

Holiday Cookie Platter Centerpiece: Arrange gingerbread bars with festive holiday cookies on a decorative wooden board, creating a stunning dessert display that delights guests and showcases seasonal treats.
Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these spiced bars with warm chai tea or mulled cider, offering a cozy and comforting snack perfect for chilly winter afternoons with friends and family.
Gift-Worthy Dessert Package: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon, creating homemade edible gifts that spread warmth and cheer during holiday gatherings or as thoughtful personal presents.
Dessert Bar Buffet Option: Include these gingerbread bars alongside other seasonal sweets like peppermint brownies and sugar cookies, providing a delightful variety of textures and flavors for party guests to enjoy.

Store cooled gingerbread bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate the bars in a sealed container to extend shelf life to 7-10 days, maintaining their soft texture.
Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving, preserving their delicious flavor and moisture.

FAQs

Can I make these gingerbread bars without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with mashed banana, applesauce, or a commercial egg replacer to create a vegan-friendly version of these bars.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bars – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the bars are done. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

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.