If you have been waiting for a delightful treat packed full of cozy spices and rich molasses flavor, this Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars combine the nostalgic warmth of traditional gingerbread with a chewy, tender texture that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon pick-me-up, these cookie bars are a perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and comfort rolled into one delicious pan of yum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses wonderfully simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and each one brings a special something to the bars. From the soft chewiness created by butter and brown sugar to the aromatic spices that define gingerbread, every item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¼ cups – provides the essential structure so your bars hold together beautifully.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – adds just enough lift to keep the bars soft and tender.
- Ground Ginger: 1 ½ teaspoons – delivers that signature bold, zesty warmth that gingerbread is known for.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – rounds out the spice profile with a sweet, comforting note.
- Ground Cloves: ½ teaspoon – deepens the spice complexity and adds a slightly smoky touch.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon – balances sweetness and accentuates all the cozy spices.
- Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks), softened – brings richness and helps create that chewy, tender texture.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed – adds moisture, a subtle caramel note, and helps keep the bars wonderfully soft.
- Egg: 1 large – binds all ingredients together for perfect consistency.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – elevates every flavor beautifully with its sweet warmth.
- Molasses: ½ cup – the heart of the gingerbread taste, giving depth, color, and that classic rich flavor.
How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper to make sure the bars don’t stick and come out easily. Lightly grease the parchment so it’s effortless to lift those perfect bars out later.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This blend is where the signature gingerbread flavor begins to take shape by evenly distributing all the spices and leavening.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the packed brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then, add in the egg, pure vanilla extract, and molasses, combining until everything is perfectly smooth and glossy. This mixture is the rich, flavorful base that keeps your bars chewy and moist.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry flour mixture into the buttery wet ingredients. The dough will look thick and hearty, almost like a soft brownie batter. This is exactly what you want for robust, chewy gingerbread bars.
Step 5: Press Into Pan and Bake
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your hands. Pop the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look set and the center no longer jiggles—a clear sign your bars are perfectly baked.
Step 6: Cool and Optional Finishing Touches
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. If you want to add a little extra flair, drizzle some glaze over the top or dust with powdered sugar. These garnishes enhance not only the look but add an elegant touch of sweetness.
Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!
Once cooled, slice into generous bars and get ready to serve your delicious Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe with a warm drink or your favorite holiday accompaniments. These bars are pure joy in every bite.
How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a drizzle of vanilla or cream cheese glaze, or a light dusting of powdered sugar, instantly elevate the look and flavor of these bars. You can also try crushed candied ginger or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts for added texture and flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or steaming hot chocolate for an irresistible combination. They also go beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the warm spices with cool creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties or special occasions, arrange your gingerbread bars on a festive platter lined with fresh holly or evergreen sprigs. You can also sandwich smaller bars with cream cheese frosting between them to create delightful mini gingerbread bars that wow your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover gingerbread cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, which means you can enjoy this treat even after the baking day is over.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months, so you can have a stash of holiday bliss ready whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps soften the bars and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I substitute molasses with something else?
Molasses is crucial for the classic gingerbread flavor and color, but you can try using dark corn syrup or honey in a pinch. Keep in mind, the taste will be slightly different and less rich without molasses.
How do I make these bars more cake-like?
Adding an extra egg or a bit more baking soda can make the bars fluffier and more cake-like, but the original recipe is designed for that chewy, fudgy texture that is so delightful in gingerbread bars.
What if I don’t have ground cloves?
If you don’t have cloves, you can omit them or replace with a pinch of ground allspice or nutmeg to keep the warm, spicy undertone without overwhelming the flavor profile.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but be sure to choose one that works well in spiced baked goods for the best results.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries add wonderful texture and contrast to the chewy spice bars. Just fold in about ½ cup during the last step before pressing the dough into the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to capture all the warmth and festive cheer of gingerbread in an easy, shareable form. It’s perfect for times when you want something comforting without fuss, and it’s sure to bring smiles with every chewy, spiced bite. Give it a try—you might just find a new holiday tradition in the making!
Print
Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Total Time: 35-37 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic gingerbread cookie, combining warm spices and rich molasses into a chewy, moist bar perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy snacks. With a soft yet firm texture, these bars bring the traditional flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves together in an easy-to-make pan treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cloves
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Molasses
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg, pure vanilla extract, and molasses until smoothly incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the dough is fully combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your hands for an even surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is no longer jiggly when gently shaken.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Optionally, drizzle with a glaze or dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Slice into bars and serve warm or at room temperature, perfect with a cup of tea or festive drink.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- For a stronger spice flavor, consider adding a pinch more ground ginger or cinnamon.
- You can substitute molasses with dark corn syrup or honey, but molasses is preferred for authentic gingerbread flavor and color.
- These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
- To make a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or lemon juice and drizzle over cooled bars.
