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Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 74 reviews

Delight in these moist and flavorful Gingerbread Cookie Bars, infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Topped with a creamy, rich cream cheese frosting, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, spiced treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Gingerbread 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 egg white)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz brick-style full-fat cream cheese
  • 2–3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons whipping cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. This will evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent throughout the flour.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
  4. Add Molasses, Vanilla, and Eggs: Beat in the molasses and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, followed by the whole egg and egg yolk. Ensure everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet butter mixture about half at a time. Stir until fully combined but avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
  6. Press Dough into Pan: Spread or press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. To prevent sticking, lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray if you’re pressing the dough by hand.
  7. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. The bars are done when the edges start pulling away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool fully in the pan. This ensures the bars set properly and makes frosting easier.
  9. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened butter until fluffy, then beat in the cream cheese until smooth. With the mixer on low speed, gradually beat in powdered sugar about 1 cup at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon of whipping cream or milk, until the frosting reaches your desired sweetness and consistency.
  10. Frost and Decorate: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled gingerbread bars. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles for a festive touch. Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

  • For best results, allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Light or dark brown sugar can be used depending on your preference for sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • If you prefer a stronger molasses flavor, you can increase the molasses quantity slightly.
  • Spritzing your hands with cooking spray before pressing the dough prevents sticking and keeps the dough handling easier.
  • These bars can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: Gingerbread bars, holiday desserts, cream cheese frosting, spiced cookie bars, festive treats

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/gingerbread-cookie-bars-recipe/