Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of gingerbread during the holiday season. Whether it’s the comforting scent of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves or the warm, chewy texture of the cookies, gingerbread is a must-have treat during the colder months. But what if you could take the flavor of traditional gingerbread cookies and transform them into soft, chewy bars? Enter Gingerbread Cookie Bars—a delightful twist on the classic, made even easier by eliminating the need to roll and cut out individual cookies. These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Read on for the full recipe and tips on how to make these flavorful bars a holiday favorite!

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What are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a soft, chewy, and spiced bar cookie that captures all the warm, cozy flavors of classic gingerbread in a quick and easy-to-make format. Instead of rolling out dough and cutting it into shapes like traditional gingerbread cookies, you simply spread the dough into a baking pan and bake it into thick, chewy bars. These bars are typically spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses, which give them their signature gingerbread flavor. They can be enjoyed plain or topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting for an added layer of decadence.

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Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

To make the perfect Gingerbread Cookie Bars, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and holiday spices. Here's everything you’ll need:

For the Cookie Bars:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the bars and helps them hold their shape.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Ensures the bars rise just enough to be light and chewy.
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger – The star spice that gives gingerbread its signature warmth.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds sweet warmth and depth to the flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves – Provides an earthy, spicy kick that enhances the ginger and cinnamon.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spices.
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Creates a rich, moist, and tender bar texture.
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds sweetness and moisture while enhancing the molasses flavor.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• ½ cup unsulphured molasses – The key ingredient that gives gingerbread its deep, dark, and robust flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and flavors of the spices.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional but highly recommended!):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creates a rich, tangy base for the frosting.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
• 3 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth and light.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Pinch of salt – Enhances the flavor and cuts the sweetness of the frosting.

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Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs, here are some easy substitutions and variations:

• Whole Wheat Flour: For a heartier, more wholesome texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
• Coconut Sugar: For a slightly healthier option, you can use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar. It will still give the bars a deep caramel flavor.
• Vegan Option: To make these bars vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). You can also use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter for the frosting.
• Spice Variation: If you’re not a fan of cloves or want a different flavor profile, you can add nutmeg or allspice in place of the cloves.

Feel free to experiment and make these gingerbread cookie bars your own!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s walk through how to make these delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars step by step. This easy process ensures that you’ll have perfect, chewy bars every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out later. Alternatively, grease the pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Molasses, Egg, and Vanilla

• Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookie bars.

Step 6: Spread the Dough

• Transfer the dough to the prepared 9x13-inch pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the pan.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

• 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 or with just a few moist crumbs. The center should be soft but not gooey.
• Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)

• While the bars are cooling, make the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and beat on low until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost the Bars

• Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or butter knife.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle the frosted bars with cinnamon, nutmeg, or holiday-themed sprinkles.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

• Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve!

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How to Cook Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to ensure that your Gingerbread Cookie Bars turn out perfectly every time:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your pan by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: Cream the butter and brown sugar, then mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla.
4. Combine and Spread: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and spread the dough into your prepared pan.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, then cool completely.
6. Frost (Optional): Make and spread the cream cheese frosting once the bars are cool.
7. Slice and Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

While Gingerbread Cookie Bars are simple to make, a few common mistakes can hinder the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Undercooking or Overcooking: To avoid dry bars, check them at the 20-minute mark. You want them to be set but still slightly soft in the center.
• Frosting Too Early: If you add the frosting while the bars are still warm, it will melt and create a mess. Wait until the bars are completely cooled.
• Using Too Much Molasses: While molasses is essential for gingerbread flavor, too much can make the bars overly dense and sticky. Stick to the recipe for best results.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are not only delicious but also incredibly festive. Here are a few tips to serve them beautifully:

• Add Garnish: Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar, cinnamon, or even crushed candy canes over the frosting for extra holiday flair.
• Use Cookie Cutters: For a fun presentation, use festive cookie cutters (like gingerbread men, trees, or stars) to cut the bars into shapes after baking but before frosting.
• Layered Bars: For a twist, you could layer the bars with a thin layer of white chocolate or caramel before frosting.

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How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or simply enjoying at home with a hot cup of cocoa. You can serve them plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or fully frosted for an extra indulgent treat. They also make wonderful gifts—package them up in a festive tin for a homemade present that’s sure to impress.

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Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Here are some ways to take the presentation of your Gingerbread Cookie Bars to the next level:

• Festive Platter: Arrange the bars on a holiday-themed platter, and sprinkle with edible glitter or holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Gift Packaging: Place bars in a decorative box or tin lined with parchment paper. Tie a holiday ribbon around the box for a perfect homemade gift.
• Frosting Designs: Get creative with your frosting—use a piping bag to add swirls, dots, or even mini gingerbread men decorations on top.

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Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw and frost when ready to serve.
• Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the level of ginger and cinnamon to suit your taste. Some prefer more spice, while others like it milder.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them (without frosting) for up to 3 months.

2. Can I leave out the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds a creamy, tangy sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.

3. What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes! If you need more bars, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger pan or two smaller pans.

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Conclusion

Gingerbread Cookie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat—soft, chewy, and full of warm, spicy flavors. They’re easy to make, great for gifting, and perfect for festive gatherings. Whether you serve them plain or topped with a creamy layer of cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So, get baking and enjoy the irresistible flavors of gingerbread in this simple yet delicious bar form!

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