Simple & Delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe!

Are you ready to dive headfirst into a world of cozy spices, sweet molasses, and creamy frosting? Forget the fuss of rolling and cutting individual cookies! We’re here to introduce you to the ultimate holiday delight that brings all the festive cheer with half the effort: **Gingerbread Cookie Bars**! Imagine the warm aroma filling your kitchen, the soft, chewy texture melting in your mouth, and that irresistible tang of cream cheese frosting bringing it all together. These aren’t just bars; they’re a hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing (or not!) and guaranteed to become a new seasonal favorite. Get ready to bake some magic!

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Effortless Elegance:

  Unlike traditional gingerbread cookies that require rolling, cutting, and decorating each individual piece, these **Gingerbread Cookie Bars** are a breeze! Simply press the dough into a pan, bake, cool, and frost. It’s the perfect solution for busy bakers who still want to impress.

• Irresistible Flavor Fusion:

  Every bite of these bars delivers that classic gingerbread warmth with a delightful twist. The rich blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves sings with the deep sweetness of molasses, all perfectly balanced by the bright, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a harmonious symphony of holiday flavors that will have everyone asking for more!

• Perfect for Sharing (or Not!):

  Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing a treat to a potluck, or simply want to have a delicious dessert on hand for your family, these **Gingerbread Cookie Bars** are ideal. They’re easy to transport and serve, making them a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering. Plus, with 15 generous servings, there’s plenty to go around!

• Chewy, Soft Perfection:

  Say goodbye to overly crisp or crumbly gingerbread. This recipe yields a gloriously soft and chewy bar that holds up beautifully under a generous layer of frosting. The texture is simply divine, making each bite a truly comforting experience.

Ingredients for Your Gingerbread Cookie Bars Adventure

Gather your magic makers! Here’s what you’ll need to create these spectacular **Gingerbread Cookie Bars**:

Cookie Bars:

• 🍪 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 🌰 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 🍂 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 🌿 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 🥄 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 🧈 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 🍬 1 cup brown sugar, light or dark
• 🍯 1/3 cup unsulphered molasses
• 🥚 1 large egg
• 🍳 1 large egg yolk (discard the white)
• 🍶 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 🧀 8 ounces brick-style cream cheese, full-fat
• 🧁 2-3 cups powdered sugar
• 🥛 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream or milk

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions to Heavenly Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of delightful **Gingerbread Cookie Bars**:

1. Get Ready:

   Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This little step makes a big difference!

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients:

   In a medium-sized bowl, gently whisk together your flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. Imagine the aromatic spices dancing together! Set this fragrant mix aside.

3. Cream Wet Ingredients:

   In a separate, larger bowl (your stand mixer or a hand mixer will be your best friend here!), beat the softened butter and brown sugar until they’re wonderfully light and fluffy. Now, blend in the rich molasses and the fragrant vanilla extract. Finally, beat in the whole egg and the extra egg yolk until everything is smoothly combined and luscious.

4. Combine & Form:

   It’s time for the grand merge! Slowly add your dry flour mixture into the wet butter mixture, about half at a time. Mix until just barely combined – remember, don’t overmix, or your bars might get tough! We want them soft and chewy.

5. Press & Bake:

   Press this delightful gingerbread cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan. A little trick: if your hands get sticky, lightly spray them with non-stick cooking spray before pressing. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges look beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool Down:

   This is the hardest part – patience! Let your **Gingerbread Cookie Bars** cool completely in the pan before even thinking about frosting them. Trust us, impatience leads to melty frosting!

7. Whip Up Frosting:

   While the bars cool, let’s make that dreamy cream cheese frosting. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until it’s light and fluffy. Add the brick-style cream cheese and beat until smooth and lump-free.

8. Sweeten the Frosting:

   With your mixer on low speed, gradually beat in the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time. Alternate with 1 tablespoon of whipping cream (or milk) until your frosting reaches the perfect sweet and creamy consistency you desire. You might not need all 3 cups of sugar or all 2 tablespoons of liquid – adjust to your taste!

9. Frost & Enjoy:

   Once the **Gingerbread Cookie Bars** are completely cool, generously spread the luscious cream cheese frosting over them. Feel free to add sprinkles for a festive touch, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few candied ginger pieces! Now, slice and enjoy your masterpiece!

Presenting and Serving Your Gorgeous Gingerbread Cookie Bars

These **Gingerbread Cookie Bars** are already stunning on their own, but with a little flair, you can turn them into a show-stopping dessert! Here are some fun ideas:

• Festive Toppings Galore:

  Sprinkles are always a winner for a celebratory look! For a more sophisticated touch, try a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, a scattering of candied ginger pieces, a sprinkle of orange zest, or even some finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture. Drizzle with a little extra molasses or a simple glaze for an artistic touch.

• Cut Them Creatively:

  While squares are classic, you can get creative! Use cookie cutters to make holiday shapes (stars, trees, gingerbread men) for mini bars, or cut them into triangles for a unique presentation. Just be sure to frost the entire slab before cutting for neat edges.

• Serving Suggestions:

  These bars are perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a steaming mug of hot chocolate. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert platter, potluck, or family gathering. You can also serve them individually on small plates as a delightful after-dinner treat. For an extra indulgent experience, warm a bar slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!

How to Store Your Gingerbread Cookie Bars and How Long They Last

Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these glorious **Gingerbread Cookie Bars**, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store them:

• At Room Temperature:

  If your kitchen isn’t overly warm, you can store frosted **Gingerbread Cookie Bars** in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Make sure they are in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The cream cheese frosting is best kept chilled, so for optimal freshness and safety, refrigeration is usually preferred.

• In the Refrigerator:

  For maximum freshness, especially with the cream cheese frosting, store your **Gingerbread Cookie Bars** in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last beautifully for up to 5-7 days. Bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

• Freezing for Later:

  Yes, you can freeze these! For best results, freeze the unfrosted bars. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted slab tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost as directed. You can also freeze individual frosted bars by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring them to an airtight freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

FAQs About Gingerbread Cookie Bars

Got questions about baking your perfect batch of **Gingerbread Cookie Bars**? We’ve got answers!

1. Can I use pre-ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves?

   Absolutely! The recipe specifically calls for pre-ground spices, making it super convenient. They’re perfect for delivering that classic gingerbread flavor.

2. Can I make these Gingerbread Cookie Bars gluten-free?

   Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The results are often very good, maintaining a similar texture.

3. What if I don’t have molasses?

   Molasses is key to the distinct gingerbread flavor and moist texture. While you could technically substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup in a pinch, the flavor won’t be quite the same. We highly recommend sticking with unsulphured molasses for the best results.

4. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

   You can slightly reduce the brown sugar in the bars by about 1/4 cup without drastically altering the texture. For the frosting, start with 2 cups of powdered sugar and add more to taste, as it’s quite flexible.

5. How do I know when the Gingerbread Cookie Bars are done baking?

   The edges of the bars will look golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars.

6. How long do the bars need to cool before frosting?

   It’s crucial that the bars cool completely, usually at least 1-2 hours, or even longer if your kitchen is warm. If they’re even slightly warm, your cream cheese frosting will melt and slide right off!

7. Can I make these Gingerbread Cookie Bars dairy-free?

   For the bars, you can substitute dairy-free butter sticks. For the frosting, use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, along with a dairy-free milk or cream.

8. What kind of cream cheese should I use for the frosting?

   Always use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for the best texture and stability in your frosting. Avoid cream cheese spreads or low-fat versions, as they can make the frosting runny.

9. Can I add other spices to the Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with a pinch of allspice or a tiny dash of black pepper for an extra kick that’s traditional in some gingerbread recipes.

10. My frosting is too thin/too thick, what should I do?

    If your frosting is too thin, gradually beat in more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick, add more whipping cream or milk, half a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.