Jolly Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Baking these delightful gingerbread cookie bars brings warmth to any kitchen.

Spices dance through the soft, chewy texture of these irresistible treats.

Every bite delivers a rich blend of molasses and warm holiday memories.

The classic gingerbread flavor creates an instant connection to festive traditions.

Fragrant cinnamon and ginger weave their magic into each delectable square.

Comfort and nostalgia merge in these simple yet incredible bars.

You’ll fall in love with this easy dessert that celebrates the season’s most beloved flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22-25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 22

What’s in Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure and tender crumb for the gingerbread bars, choose unbleached flour for best results.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Powerful spice blend that creates the quintessential warm, festive gingerbread flavor, seek fresh, fragrant spices from reputable brands.
• Baking Soda: Helps the bars rise and creates a soft, delicate texture, ensure it's fresh and not expired.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender texture, use high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the bars, choose dark brown sugar for more intense flavor.
• Molasses: Gives authentic gingerbread depth and dark color, select robust or blackstrap molasses for intense taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial versions.
• Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients and provide structure, use fresh, room-temperature eggs.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates smooth, tangy frosting base, use full-fat versions at room temperature for best consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting, sift to prevent lumps.
• Whipping Cream or Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency, add gradually for perfect spreadability.
• Optional Sprinkles: Adds festive decoration and whimsy to the finished bars.

Tools for Baking Gingerbread Cookie Bars Right

• Baking Pan (9×13 inch): Essential for creating perfect cookie bars with even thickness.
• Parchment Paper or Non-stick Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Used for combining dry ingredients.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for creaming butter and mixing wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Helps cream butter and create smooth frosting.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and spread dough.
• Toothpick: Checks doneness of cookie bars.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Soft and Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Spice Preparation

Gather warm seasonal spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a cozy holiday flavor profile.

• Dough Mixing

Combine softened butter with rich brown sugar, creating a smooth foundation for the bars. Fold in molasses and vanilla for depth and warmth.

• Ingredient Blending

Gently incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, ensuring a uniform texture without overmixing. The goal is a soft, pillowy dough.

• Pan Setup

Spread the dough evenly into a rectangular baking pan, using gentle pressure to create a smooth surface that will bake consistently.

• Baking Magic

Cook in a preheated oven until edges turn golden and center feels set. The aroma of warm spices will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.

• Cooling Moment

Allow bars to rest completely, letting flavors meld and texture settle into a delightful, tender treat.

• Frosting Finale

Whip cream cheese and butter into a silky smooth topping. Generously spread across cooled bars, creating a creamy contrast to the spiced base.

• Decorative Touch

Optional festive sprinkles can add a playful, celebratory finish to these delectable gingerbread bars.

Tips for Extra Warmth in Gingerbread Bars

• Add extra ground ginger or swap half the ground ginger with fresh grated ginger for a more intense, zesty flavor profile that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Replace wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing rich, warm gingerbread taste.
• Sprinkle crushed candied ginger, chopped pecans, or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cream cheese frosting for a stunning holiday presentation.
• Include a tablespoon of applesauce or sour cream in the batter to ensure extra soft, tender gingerbread bars that stay moist for days.
• Wrap frosted bars tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze unfrosted bars for 3 months to enjoy delicious gingerbread treats anytime.

Serving Gingerbread Cookie Bars for Any Occasion

• Holiday Dessert Platter: Create a stunning seasonal display by arranging these gingerbread bars alongside mini peppermint brownies, spiced sugar cookies, and cinnamon roll bites for a delightful Christmas dessert spread.
• Cozy Afternoon Companion: Pair these warm, spicy bars with a steaming mug of chai tea or hot cocoa, making it the perfect treat for a chilly winter afternoon relaxation moment.
• Gifting Delights: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, transforming them into charming homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday party hosts.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Slice the bars into smaller squares and include them on a breakfast buffet alongside fresh fruit, creating a beautiful and delicious morning dessert option that brings festive cheer to the table.

Storing Gingerbread Bars Without Drying Out

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful gingerbread bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cool temperatures help maintain their soft texture and prevent cream cheese frosting from spoiling.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best taste and texture.
• Room Temperature Tips: Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place them on a covered plate away from direct sunlight to maintain their scrumptious quality.
• Portioning Wisdom: Cut bars into uniform squares before storing. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect shape during storage.

Cozy Gingerbread Cookie Bars

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade gingerbread cookie bars offer a delightful twist on classic holiday treats. Spiced with warm cinnamon and molasses, these rich bars provide a comforting dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (1) large egg
• 1 (1) large egg yolk
• 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar (light or dark)
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) unsulphured molasses
• 8 oz (225 grams) brick-style cream cheese (full-fat)
• 2–3 cups (240–360 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tsps ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsps whipping cream or milk

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack centered. Line 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or cooking spray for effortless removal.
2. Dry Ingredients Blend: Whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda in a medium bowl until uniformly combined.
3. Butter Mixture Creation: Cream softened butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light, fluffy, and substantially increased in volume.
4. Wet Ingredient Integration: Introduce molasses, vanilla extract, whole egg, and egg yolk to the butter mixture. Blend until thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
5. Dough Assembly: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing minimally to maintain a delicate texture. Transfer dough to prepared pan, using greased fingertips to distribute evenly.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 22-25 minutes, monitoring for slightly pulling edges and clean toothpick test. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely within the pan.
7. Frosting Preparation: Whip butter until exceptionally soft, then incorporate cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add powdered sugar and whipping cream, blending on low speed until achieving a spreadable consistency.
8. Final Decoration: Once bars are completely cooled, spread cream cheese frosting generously across the surface using an offset spatula. Optionally garnish with decorative toppings for a festive appearance.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a tender, soft bar texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Temperature Precision: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even incorporation and optimal baking results.
• Toothpick Test Tip: Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out clean with a few moist crumbs, indicating perfectly baked bars.
• Cooling Strategy: Let bars cool completely in the pan to set properly, allowing the texture to stabilize and flavors to develop fully before frosting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg