Gingerbread cookie bars are the perfect treat for the holiday season, combining the warm, spiced flavors of classic gingerbread with the ease of a bar cookie. Soft, chewy, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or indulging in a sweet treat, these bars are a simple yet delightful way to enjoy the taste of the holidays.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (85g) molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Bar Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and molasses until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Bake the Bars:
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and creamy.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Top with holiday sprinkles if desired.
- Serve:
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Gingerbread cookie bars are soft, spiced, and wonderfully festive. They’re a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of gingerbread in a fun, shareable form. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer!
