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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients including flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and creamy, creating a smooth mixture.
- Incorporate molasses, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until fully integrated and uniform in texture.
- Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending carefully to create a consistent dough without overmixing.
- Transfer the prepared dough into a greased baking pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the texture.
- Prepare icing by whisking powdered sugar with milk until achieving a smooth, drizzling consistency.
- Once cooled, drizzle icing across the surface of the gingerbread bars in a decorative pattern.
- 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