The Coziest Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe for Holiday Magic

Gingerbread cookie bars radiate winter warmth with their spicy, nostalgic essence that instantly crafts kitchens into cozy sanctuaries.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and molasses weave magical memories of childhood celebrations and festive gatherings.

Rich, soft textures promise a delightful contrast between crisp edges and tender centers that melt in your mouth.

Fragrant spices dance through each bite, creating a sensory experience that connects generations of baking traditions.

Layers of deep, complex flavors capture the spirit of holiday comfort and home-based happiness.

Delicate hints of ginger and nutmeg whisper stories of seasonal joy and familial connection.

Comfort awaits in every square of this irresistible treat that brings smiles and memories together.

Why Gingerbread Cookie Bars Are a Seasonal Favorite

• Savor Seasonal Spice Symphony: Dive into a warm, aromatic experience with these gingerbread cookie bars that capture the essence of holiday baking through a perfect blend of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Effortless Elegance in Every Bite: Enjoy a simple yet sophisticated dessert that transforms traditional gingerbread cookies into convenient, easily shareable bars with minimal prep and maximum flavor impact.
• Creamy Comfort Crowning Glory: Indulge in the luxurious cream cheese frosting that adds a silky, tangy complement to the rich, spiced base, creating a balanced and irresistible treat perfect for festive gatherings or cozy winter moments.

Ways to Switch Up Your Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Holiday Spice Adventure: Replace ground nutmeg with cardamom for an exotic, warm flavor profile that enhances the traditional gingerbread taste.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and rich, earthy undertones that complement the spicy notes.
• Chocolate Drizzle Fusion: Melt dark chocolate and create elegant zigzag patterns across the frosted bars, adding a decadent layer of complexity to the classic recipe.
• Salted Caramel Boost: Swirl homemade salted caramel sauce into the cream cheese frosting, creating a sophisticated sweet-and-salty combination that elevates the gingerbread experience.

What Ingredients Are in Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie bars, look for unbleached flour for best texture.
• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Classic warm spices that give traditional gingerbread flavor, use fresh ground spices for maximum aroma.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates soft texture, ensure it's fresh for best results.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates tender texture, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness and moisture, darker varieties have more intense flavor.
• Molasses: Signature gingerbread ingredient that gives deep, rich color and distinctive taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, pure extract offers better taste than imitation.
• Egg, Egg Yolk: Bind ingredients and contribute to soft, chewy texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create smooth, creamy base for frosting, both should be softened at room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting, sift to prevent lumps.
• Whipping Cream or Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency, adds subtle richness.
• Optional Sprinkles: Decorative touch for festive presentation.

How to Bake Gingerbread Cookie Bars Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

• Warm oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan
• Coat pan with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper

Step 2: Create Dry Spice Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Baking soda

Whisk ingredients until well combined

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar

Mix until light and fluffy

• Molasses
• Vanilla extract
• Whole egg
• Egg yolk

Blend until smooth

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture

Stir gently until just incorporated

Avoid overmixing

Step 5: Prepare Cookie Base

Transfer dough to prepared pan

Use lightly greased hands to spread evenly

Ensure smooth, consistent layer

Step 6: Bake Golden Bars

Place pan in preheated oven

Bake 22-25 minutes

Look for edges pulling away from pan

Check doneness with toothpick test

Step 7: Create Creamy Frosting

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese

Blend until silky smooth

• Powdered sugar
• Whipping cream

Mix until desired consistency

Step 8: Finish and Decorate

Allow bars to cool completely

Spread frosting evenly across surface

Optional: Sprinkle festive decorations on top

Expert Tips for Gingerbread Bars with Texture

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use dry and liquid measuring cups for accurate flour, sugar, and spice quantities to ensure the perfect texture and flavor balance.
• Soften Butter Smartly: Leave butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a creamy, smooth consistency without melting.
• Mix Minimally: Stir dry and wet ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cookie bars and maintain a tender crumb.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Watch the edges for slight pulling away from the pan and insert a toothpick to test- it should come out with a few moist crumbs for the most delectable texture.
• Chill Before Frosting: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan to prevent melting cream cheese frosting and ensure clean, crisp edges when cutting.

How to Store and Warm Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Refrigerate: Store cooled gingerbread bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap unfrosted bars tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

What Goes Great with Gingerbread Cookie Bars

• Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Brew a rich, aromatic chai tea that complements the gingerbread's warming spices, creating a cozy flavor harmony that tingles your taste buds.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, letting the cool, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the spicy, dense cookie base.
• Enjoy with Mulled Wine: Sip on a glass of mulled wine, with its similar warming spices and deep, fruity undertones that echo the gingerbread's complex flavor profile.
• Complement with Caramel Latte: Indulge in a smooth caramel latte that brings out the molasses and brown sugar notes, creating a decadent dessert experience that feels like a warm hug.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Gingerbread cookie bars bring warmth from classic holiday traditions, blending rich molasses and spicy ginger into a comforting dessert. Layers of sweet nostalgia invite you to savor each delicious bite, connecting generations through this heartwarming seasonal treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar (light or dark)
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) unsulphured molasses

Spices and Leavening:

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces (225 grams) brick-style cream cheese (full-fat)
• 2–3 cups (240–360 grams) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons whipping cream or milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and positioning a rack in the center. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking together flour, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda until thoroughly incorporated.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously blend softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.
4. Incorporate molasses and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, then add the whole egg and egg yolk. Mix until the ingredients are completely unified.
5. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
6. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, using lightly greased fingertips to spread it evenly across the surface. Ensure a smooth, consistent layer.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. Look for slightly pulling edges and a clean toothpick test as indicators of doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely within the pan, allowing them to set and firm up.
9. For the frosting, whip the butter in a mixing bowl until it becomes exceptionally soft and fluffy.
10. Add cream cheese and beat until the mixture is silky and free of lumps.
11. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of whipping cream. Blend on low speed until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
12. Once the bars are thoroughly cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface using a offset spatula.
13. For a festive touch, sprinkle decorative toppings over the frosted bars if desired.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing and optimal texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookie bars.
• Use freshly ground spices for a more vibrant and intense gingerbread flavor.
• Check doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dry bars.
• Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
• Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg