If you’re searching for that perfect treat to bridge the gap between cozy winter flavors and crowd-pleasing satisfaction, Gingerbread Brownies are here to steal the show. This delightfully chewy and spiced bar merges everything you love about holiday gingerbread with the irresistible fudginess of classic brownies. The rich aroma of molasses, ginger, and cinnamon makes your kitchen feel like the warmest, most inviting place in the world, and every bite truly tastes like a festive hug.

Gingerbread Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let their showstopping flavor fool you: Gingerbread Brownies come together with straightforward ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Each one is essential for crafting their unique taste, rich texture, and beautiful finished look.

Unsalted butter: Melted butter creates a tender, rich crumb and helps the brownies bake up impossibly moist and flavorful.
Light brown sugar: Packed brown sugar brings toasty sweetness and that perfect chewiness you crave from a brownie.
Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together and add to the bars’ soft, sink-your-teeth-in texture.
Molasses: The secret weapon for authentic gingerbread flavor—a spoonful completely transforms the taste and color.
Vanilla extract: It rounds out all the warm spices and deepens the cozy aroma.
All-purpose flour: The classic base to create structure while letting all the iconic flavors shine through.
Ground ginger: Essential for that signature gingery heat and depth, so don’t be shy here!
Cinnamon: Another layer of warmth and spice, weaving beautifully through the brownies.
Baking powder: Adds just enough lift for thick, luscious brownies instead of cake.
Kosher salt: Salt sharpens every flavor, ensuring the brownies never taste flat.
Confectioners’ sugar: A simple dusting before serving gives them a magical, bakery-worthy look.

How to Make Gingerbread Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This helps your Gingerbread Brownies bake evenly right from the beginning. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy brownie removal. Trust me, you’ll appreciate this when it’s time to lift out your perfectly baked bars without a crumb lost!

Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, pour in your melted butter and add the brown sugar. Stir these together until the mixture looks creamy. This not only combines the ingredients but also sets the stage for that classic, chewy brownie texture.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs, Molasses, and Vanilla

To the butter-sugar mixture, add your eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and beautifully blended. The molasses is what sets these Gingerbread Brownies apart—a small amount packs a punch of sticky-sweet depth.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening so every bite is balanced and flavorful.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is fully combined. The batter will be thick and fragrant. Overmixing is a brownie’s enemy, so fold it gently to avoid toughness.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes if using a 9×9-inch pan. If you opt for a 9×13-inch pan, reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look set and the center is no longer wobbly.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the Gingerbread Brownies cool completely in the pan before handling. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment and give them a pretty snow-dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Cut into squares and prepare for smiles all around.

How to Serve Gingerbread Brownies

Garnishes

Just a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar is enough to give these brownies a festive look, but you can take it a step further with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream. For a sophisticated twist, try a touch of finely grated orange zest to complement the spices.

Side Dishes

Pair Gingerbread Brownies with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced chai, or rich coffee for the ultimate cozy treat. If you’re feeling extra decadent, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of tangy crème fraîche to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Gingerbread Brownies into holiday shapes with cookie cutters, or stack mini-squares into a festive tree for a dessert platter. For parties, wrap individually in parchment and tie with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and cut, keep your Gingerbread Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Layer with parchment to keep the edges soft and prevent sticking. The flavors only get better as they sit!

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cut brownies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They stay lusciously fresh for up to two months—ideal for prepping ahead during the holiday rush.

Reheating

If you crave that just-baked warmth, reheat individual Gingerbread Brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. From frozen, allow to thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a 300°F oven until soft and fragrant.

FAQs

Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?

Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will make the Gingerbread Brownies even richer and more robust, with a deeper molasses flavor. Just be prepared for a slightly darker color and a touch more chewiness.

What if I don’t have molasses?

While molasses gives the classic flavor, you can swap with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup in a pinch. The taste will be slightly different, but you’ll still get a moist, spiced bar.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Feel free to stir in up to a cup of chocolate chips, white chocolate, or chopped walnuts for an extra layer of texture and decadence in your Gingerbread Brownies.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The brownies will be just as delicious, with only a slight shift in texture.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the Gingerbread Brownies and bake them in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch the bake time, as a larger pan may need a few minutes longer to set perfectly in the center.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Gingerbread Brownies enough for anyone looking to create something special, fuss-free, and flat-out delicious. Whether for a holiday party, an afternoon treat, or a cheerful gift, one batch is all it takes to fall in love. Give them a try, and let these irresistible, spiced brownies add a little warmth to your day!