Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Festive Treat Full of Holiday Spice

There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of gingerbread to make your holidays extra cozy, and these Gingerbread Cookie Bars do just that with minimal effort. Imagine all the classic gingerbread flavors you love—rich molasses, spicy ginger, and warm cinnamon—packed into easy-to-bake bars that are soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible. Unlike traditional gingerbread cookies, these cookie bars require no rolling or cutting, making them a perfect no-fuss treat that’s ideal for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of tea. Their texture is perfectly soft, and every bite brings out the beautiful warmth of the season’s favorite spices. Topped with a simple cream cheese frosting or enjoyed plain, these gingerbread bars are bound to be a hit with your friends and family. Let’s get into the festive spirit and bake these delightful treats!

2. Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Bars:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3. Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as no flour streaks remain.
6. Bake: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
8. Prepare the Frosting (Optional): In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
9. Frost and Serve: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars. Cut into squares and serve!

4. How to Prepare

To prepare Gingerbread Cookie Bars, start by creaming the butter and sugars to achieve that perfect soft texture. Adding molasses gives the bars their signature gingerbread flavor, while a blend of holiday spices—ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg—brings warmth to every bite. Once the dough is mixed, spread it evenly in a prepared baking dish and bake until set. The cream cheese frosting, while optional, adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced gingerbread base. Once cooled and frosted, simply cut the bars into squares and enjoy!

5. Preparation Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Cooling and Frosting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

6. Servings

This recipe makes 24 bars, perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings or wrapping up as edible gifts.

7. FAQs

Q1: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the gingerbread bars up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and frost them right before serving for the best taste.

Q2: Can I freeze these gingerbread bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze them without the frosting. Wrap the uncut bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

Q3: What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
A: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, a simple dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully. You could also use a vanilla or buttercream frosting if you prefer.

Q4: Can I use blackstrap molasses?
A: It’s better to use regular molasses for this recipe. Blackstrap molasses is more bitter and could overpower the sweetness of the bars. Regular molasses gives the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Q5: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
A: Certainly! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a lovely addition for extra texture. You can also add white chocolate chips for a hint of sweetness that complements the spices.

8. Conclusion

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the ultimate treat to bring warmth and cheer to any holiday gathering. Their soft, chewy texture and rich blend of molasses and spices make them a perfect alternative to traditional gingerbread cookies—without the hassle of rolling out dough. These bars are easy to make, and the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting takes them to the next level of indulgence. Plus, their festive flavor makes them ideal for gift-giving, sharing at a holiday potluck, or simply savoring at home with a hot cup of tea. Whether you’re a gingerbread lover or trying it out for the first time, these Gingerbread Cookie Bars are sure to become a holiday favorite. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of gingerbread. Enjoy the sweet taste of the holidays!