Gingerbread Cookie Bars: Delightful Holiday Treats to Love

When I think of the holiday season, my mind instantly whirls with memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where the air was always thick with the warm, spicy scent of her famous Gingerbread Cookie Bars. Those afternoons spent with her, covered in flour and laughter, are some of my most cherished moments. She taught me that baking isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and sharing love through delicious treats. Every bite of those bars took me back to the joy of the holidays, and I knew I had to carry on that legacy.

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the season. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or simply a sweet pick-me-up during chilly days. With a spiced cream cheese frosting that dances on your taste buds, these bars are sure to impress everyone around your table. If you’re looking for something that captures the spirit of the season, look no further — this recipe is going to be your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love "Gingerbread Cookie Bars"

• Quick prep time: Ready in just 45 minutes!
• Simple ingredients: Most of them are pantry staples.
• Family-friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike!
• Freezer-friendly: Make a batch ahead and freeze for later enjoyment.
• Versatile: Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in.
• Deliciously spiced: The warm flavors of ginger and cinnamon are irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 and ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour
• 1 and ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• small pinch of ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, melted (I love using Kerrygold for that rich flavor!)
• ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar (dark brown adds a deeper flavor!)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (113g/80ml) unsulphured molasses (make sure it’s unsulphured for the best taste!)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 ounces (170g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
• 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 and ½ cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• small pinch each of ground ginger, cinnamon, & allspice (for the frosting)
• optional for garnish: sprinkles (because who doesn’t love a little sparkle on their treats?)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for our gingerbread bars to bake evenly.
2. While that’s warming up, grab your baking pan and grease it lightly. I usually use a little melted butter or non-stick spray — whatever is on hand!

Make the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: the flour, baking soda, and all those lovely spices — ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. This will help distribute the flavors evenly throughout your bars.
2. In a separate bowl, mix up the wet ingredients. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until it’s all nice and smooth — you want it to be creamy and inviting!
3. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Don’t rush it! Mix until just combined — it’s okay if there are a few lumps; we’re not making a soufflé here.

Spread and Bake

1. Once your batter is ready, pour it into your greased baking pan. I like to use a spatula to spread it out evenly so every bite has that delicious flavor.
2. Now, pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be slightly golden, and oh, the aroma will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!
3. When they’re baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key here! No frosting until they’re cool.

Prepare the Frosting

1. While the bars are cooling, let’s whip up that spiced cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until it’s super smooth and creamy. This step is crucial, so take your time — no one likes lumpy frosting!
2. Next, gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s fully combined. It should be light, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. For an extra kick, add a small pinch each of ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice to the frosting — trust me, it’ll be worth it!

Frost and Garnish

1. Once your bars have cooled completely, it’s time to frost! Spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of the gingerbread bars. Don’t be shy; you want every bit to be coated in that sweet goodness.
2. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle some fun sprinkles on top for a touch of color and flair. They’re optional, but who doesn’t love a little sparkle?
3. Now, slice those bars into squares, and get ready to enjoy a bite of holiday magic!

Variations

• Add chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
• Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free version.
• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
• Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Swap out the spices for pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flair.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are best served at room temperature. Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat! You can also dust a little extra powdered sugar on top for a lovely presentation. Feel free to cut them into smaller squares for sharing at holiday parties — they always disappear quickly! For more festive dessert ideas, check out our dessert recipes.

Storage

Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!

Helpful Notes

• If you prefer a lighter option, you can reduce the sugar by 25% without sacrificing flavor.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit any nuts or ensure your ingredients are nut-free.
• Feel free to add a splash of milk to the frosting if you want a thinner consistency.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or even citrus zest for a unique twist!
• These bars can be made vegan by substituting the egg with flaxseed meal and using vegan butter. Learn more about vegan egg substitutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze these delicious bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

What can I substitute for unsulphured molasses?

If you don’t have unsulphured molasses on hand, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still result in a sweet, delicious bar!

How long do these bars last?

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, feel free to freeze them as mentioned earlier!

Final Thoughts

As you gather your ingredients and embrace the cozy aromas of gingerbread filling your kitchen, I hope you feel the warmth of those sweet memories, just like I do. These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to create your own cherished moments with family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, get those hands a little messy, and dive into this delicious recipe. I promise you, each bite will bring a smile and a sprinkle of joy to your holiday season. Happy baking! For more holiday baking inspiration, explore our dessert recipes.

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