Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

The Most Decadent Gingerbread Brownies Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Gingerbread brownies bring a festive twist to classic chocolate treats, upgradeing ordinary desserts into extraordinary holiday delights.

Sweet meets spicy in this delectable fusion of traditional brownie richness and warm seasonal flavors.

Imagine biting into a dense, fudgy square that dances with cinnamon, cloves, and molasses undertones.

Layers of complex, comforting spices complement the deep chocolate base, creating a sensory experience that feels like a warm holiday embrace.

Soft, chewy textures meld with robust ginger notes, promising a surprising culinary adventure for your taste buds.

These brownies elevate your baking game, offering a unique dessert that bridges classic comfort and seasonal excitement.

Bakers seeking something beyond ordinary chocolate squares will fall in love with this innovative recipe.

Why Gingerbread Brownies Are a Warm, Spiced Dessert

  • Cozy Holiday Flavor Explosion: These gingerbread brownies blend the rich, chocolatey goodness of traditional brownies with warm, spicy gingerbread notes that instantly transport you to festive comfort.
  • Super Simple Baking Magic: Requiring just one bowl for wet ingredients and another for dry, this recipe offers foolproof preparation that even novice bakers can master with confidence and minimal kitchen stress.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for winter gatherings, holiday parties, or quiet evening treats, these brownies work wonderfully as a dessert that satisfies both chocolate and spice lovers with their decadent, soft texture and warming ginger-cinnamon undertones.
  • Quick Weeknight Indulgence: From start to finish, these brownies take less than an hour to prepare and bake, making them an ideal spontaneous sweet treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Everything You Need to Make Gingerbread Brownies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, smooth flavor and tender texture for the brownies.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture with caramel-like undertones.
  • Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and create a dense, fudgy consistency.
  • Molasses: Offers classic gingerbread flavor and dark, robust sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and depth.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Main structural component that gives brownies their classic texture.
  • Ground Ginger, Cinnamon: Classic warming spices that define the gingerbread profile.
  • Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavor notes.
Finishing Ingredient:
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Light dusting adds visual appeal and subtle sweetness.

How to Bake These Soft and Spiced Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Delicious Wet Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
Whisk these together until they become smooth and creamy. Then add:
  • Eggs
  • Molasses
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks silky and well blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 4: Blend Everything Together

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain. The batter should look rich and uniform.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly using a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by looking for set edges and a firm center.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Let the brownies rest in the pan until completely cool. Dust with powdered sugar using a fine sifter. Slice into squares and serve on a beautiful plate.

Tips for Rich Flavor and Even Texture

  • Check Moisture Levels: Avoid overbaking by testing the center with a toothpick- it should come out with a few moist crumbs for the perfect fudgy texture.
  • Enhance Spice Depth: Toast ground ginger and cinnamon in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding to boost their warm, aromatic flavors.
  • Create Clean Cuts: Chill brownies completely in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing to get precise, clean squares without crumbling.
  • Control Sugar Sweetness: Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor that complements the gingerbread profile more intensely.
  • Prevent Sticking: Line the pan with parchment paper with extra overhang to easily lift and remove brownies without breaking them.

Best Way to Store and Reheat These Brownies

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover gingerbread brownies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly soft and warm. Let cool for a minute before serving to enhance taste and texture.

What Tastes Good with Gingerbread Brownies

  • Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: A creamy, spiced chai tea perfectly complements the gingerbread's warm, aromatic flavors, enhancing the brownie's rich, molasses-based profile.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast against the warm, spicy brownie, balancing the dessert's intense ginger and cinnamon notes.
  • Serve with Salted Caramel Latte: The sweet-salty caramel and robust espresso cut through the brownie's richness, while the coffee's warmth highlights the dessert's deep, complex spices.
  • Enjoy with Aged Rum: A smooth, slightly sweet aged rum brings out the molasses undertones, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that elevates the gingerbread brownie's depth of flavor.

Mix-Ins and Ideas to Change the Flavor

  • Spiced Chocolate Infusion: Enhance the gingerbread brownies by adding dark chocolate chips and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a rich, warming kick that complements the classic ginger flavors.
  • Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful textural contrast and added depth of flavor that elevates the traditional gingerbread profile.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Style: Create a decadent marbled effect by swirling softened cream cheese mixed with a touch of powdered sugar through the brownie batter before baking, adding a tangy richness to the spiced dessert.
  • Holiday Liqueur Boost: Incorporate a splash of rum or brandy into the wet ingredients for an adult-friendly version that intensifies the warm, festive essence of the gingerbread brownies.
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Gingerbread Brownies Recipe

Gingerbread Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Gingerbread brownies merge classic holiday spices with rich chocolate in a delightful seasonal dessert. Warm cinnamon, ginger, and molasses create a festive treat that melts in your mouth and brings winter cheer to the table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Finishing Ingredient:

  • Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare your workspace by positioning an oven rack in the middle position and warming the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides for easy removal.
  3. Create a rich base by whisking melted butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy consistency.
  4. Introduce eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly until the liquid ingredients form a uniform, velvety texture.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, breaking down any potential lumps for even distribution.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using gentle strokes to incorporate completely without overmixing, which could create tough brownies.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and ensure a smooth, level surface.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for subtle signs of doneness: set edges and a firm center that slightly resists when gently pressed.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool entirely within the pan, which helps them set and develop a rich, dense texture.
  10. Once completely cooled, dust the surface with a delicate layer of confectioners’ sugar for an elegant finish.
  11. Slice into square portions and serve, revealing the moist, spiced interior of these gingerbread-inspired brownies.

Notes

  • Spice up your dessert game with these decadent gingerbread brownies that blend the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with warm, comforting holiday spices.
  • Molasses adds depth and moisture, creating a luscious treat that’s perfectly balanced between chewy and soft.
  • Baking time matters: watch closely and check at 30 minutes to prevent over-drying, ensuring a moist and tender brownie.
  • Line your pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean cutting, making serving a breeze.
  • Ground ginger and cinnamon transform traditional brownies into a festive, aromatic dessert that screams winter comfort.
  • Dust with confectioners’ sugar just before serving to add a delicate, sweet finish that makes these brownies look as incredible as they taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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