The Heartwarming Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe You’ll Adore

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg drift through kitchens during holiday baking season, creating memories with every gingerbread cookie bars recipe we craft.

Warm spices blend seamlessly into soft, chewy bars that melt in your mouth.

These delectable treats capture the essence of festive cheer with their rich, molasses-infused flavor.

Each bite brings comfort and nostalgia, transporting you to cozy winter afternoons.

The perfectly balanced spices dance on your palate, offering a delightful twist on traditional gingerbread cookies.

Layers of deep, complex flavors make these bars an irresistible dessert that everyone will adore.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread across faces as the delightful scent fills your home.

All the Spices of the Holidays: Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Whip Up Holiday Cheer: Gingerbread cookie bars capture the warm, festive spirit of the season with their rich spices and cozy flavor profile.
• Bake Without Stress: These bars eliminate the tedious process of rolling and cutting individual cookies, making holiday baking a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids can help drizzle icing and cut squares, turning baking into a delightful family activity that creates sweet memories together.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Pantry staples like flour, spices, and molasses transform into a delectable dessert that impresses without requiring fancy or hard-to-find ingredients.

Gingerbread Cookie Bar Ingredients to Gather

• All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation that provides structure and body to the gingerbread cookie bars.
• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Classic warm spices that create the signature gingerbread flavor profile.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the bars rise and become light and tender.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the bars.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a soft, tender texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the bars.
• Molasses: Gives the classic dark color and distinctive gingerbread taste.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the bar’s structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Creates a simple, sweet glaze that adds a finishing touch to the gingerbread bars.

Directions for Baking Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Turn on the oven to 350°F.

Grab a baking pan and coat it with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well blended.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Pour in molasses, crack in an egg, and add vanilla extract.

Mix everything until it’s smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.

Step 5: Spread the Dough

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan.

Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for golden-brown edges as your signal that the bars are ready.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Step 8: Drizzle with Sweet Icing

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth icing.

Drizzle the white glaze over the cooled gingerbread bars.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Cut the bars into squares.

Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy the warm, spicy flavors of these delightful gingerbread treats.

Tips for Chewy, Spiced Gingerbread Bars

• Adjust ground spices to taste, using fresh, high-quality spices for maximum flavor intensity.
• Choose dark molasses for a deeper, richer gingerbread taste that enhances the traditional flavor profile.
• Check bars early to prevent overcooking; they should be slightly soft in the center with golden edges.
• Let bars cool completely before adding icing to ensure a smooth, clean drizzle that sets perfectly.
• Replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk for the icing to create a vegan-friendly version.

Gingerbread Bar Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and spice profile.
• Vegan Spice Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of chicken egg, and opt for plant-based milk in icing.
• Low-Sugar Gingerbread Option: Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, reduce molasses, and add extra spices for depth of flavor.
• Chocolate-Drizzled Gingerbread: Top cooled bars with melted dark chocolate instead of traditional white icing for a rich variation.

Ways to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange gingerbread bars on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh holly or rosemary for a classic Christmas presentation.
• Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve warm bars alongside spiced chai tea or creamy eggnog to enhance the seasonal flavor profile and create a comforting treat.
• Gifting Delight: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for charming homemade holiday gifts that spread sweet cheer.
• Dessert Bar Styling: Dust bars with extra powdered sugar or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for added texture and whimsical winter decoration.

Storing Holiday Gingerbread Bars

• Seal gingerbread bars in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without icing to maintain best texture.
• Store at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, keeping away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp around edges.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?

Yes, but reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons of finely minced fresh ginger to prevent overpowering the other spices.

• What if I don’t have molasses?

You can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, though the traditional gingerbread flavor will be slightly different.

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

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. A toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Gingerbread cookie bars bring nostalgic holiday warmth straight from grandma’s kitchen. Spicy molasses and rich butter combine in these irresistible squares that invite winter celebrations with each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings and Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar glaze
• Candied ginger, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients including flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and creamy, creating a smooth mixture.
3. Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until fully integrated and uniform in texture.
4. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending carefully to create a consistent dough without overmixing.
5. Transfer the prepared dough into a greased baking pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
6. Place pan in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 22-24 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
7. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the texture.
8. Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar with milk until achieving a smooth, drizzling consistency.
9. Once cooled, drizzle icing across the surface of the gingerbread bars in a decorative pattern.
10. Slice into uniform squares and serve, enjoying the rich, spiced flavor of these delectable bars.

Notes

• Make the bars gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Boost flavor intensity by toasting spices like ginger and cinnamon before mixing into dry ingredients, which deepens their warm, rich undertones.
• Control sweetness and texture by adjusting molasses quantity – less molasses creates crispier bars, while more creates chewier, more decadent results.
• Store bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to maintain moisture and prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 183
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg