Description
Delightful gingerbread cookie bars blend warm spices with sweet nostalgia. Molasses and brown sugar create rich layers of comforting holiday cheer you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsps baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by positioning the oven rack in the middle and heating to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, and all spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves) with salt in a large mixing bowl. Thoroughly combine dry ingredients and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, blend melted butter with granulated and dark brown sugars, molasses, and vanilla. Whip the mixture until it becomes light and airy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold the egg into the sugar mixture until fully integrated. Slowly incorporate dry ingredients, mixing on low speed, then increase to medium to create a uniform dough.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring smooth distribution. Bake for 15-20 minutes until edges darken and a toothpick reveals moist crumbs when inserted. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Whip softened cream cheese and butter together until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually introduce powdered sugar and vanilla to the cream cheese blend. Start mixing on low speed, then increase to medium-high until the frosting reaches a silky, smooth consistency.
- Once bars have cooled completely, generously spread cream cheese frosting across the surface. Optional: Garnish with festive sprinkles. Cut into individual bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure butter is fully melted but not hot when mixing to prevent curdling of other ingredients.
- Use fresh spices for maximum flavor intensity, checking expiration dates before measuring.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep bars tender and prevent tough texture.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cutting of bars.
- Room temperature egg helps create smoother batter and more consistent mixing.
- Slightly underbake for softer, chewier bars – toothpick should have a few moist crumbs.
- Cool bars completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of cream cheese topping.
- Swap molasses with honey for lighter flavor or maple syrup for different sweetness profile.
- Use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 229 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 164 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg