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Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

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4 from 8 reviews

Delightfully spiced gingerbread cookie bars topped with a creamy, rich cream cheese frosting. These easy-to-make bars combine traditional holiday flavors like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the smooth sweetness of molasses for a perfect seasonal treat. Baked in a 9×13 inch pan and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they are perfect for parties, dessert platters, or cozying up with a cup of tea during the winter months.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings

Ingredients

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 unsulfured molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk (discard 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a properly heated environment for even baking.
  2. Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan using non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda until evenly combined.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating proper aeration.
  5. Add Molasses and Vanilla: Beat in the molasses and vanilla extract thoroughly to integrate the molasses’ rich flavor.
  6. Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the whole large egg and the additional egg yolk until fully combined, contributing to the dough’s structure and moisture.
  7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry flour mixture, about half at a time, mixing gently until a uniform dough forms without overmixing.
  8. Press Dough into Pan: Spread or gently press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. To prevent sticking, lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray before pressing.
  9. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges start pulling away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Cool Completely: Allow the cookie bars to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack; this ensures they set properly for frosting application.
  11. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened butter until fluffy in a separate mixing bowl.
  12. Add Cream Cheese: Beat in the full-fat brick-style cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  13. Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Cream: On low mixer speed, gradually beat in powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with one tablespoon of whipping cream or milk, adjusting to your preferred frosting consistency and sweetness.
  14. Frost the Bars: Once the cookie bars are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.
  15. Optional Decoration: Decorate with sprinkles or other toppings as desired to add color and festive flair.

Notes

  • For best results, do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the bars tender.
  • If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can slightly increase the amount of ground ginger and cinnamon.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
  • The frosting consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less powdered sugar or cream depending on your preference.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and use a suitable sweetener for frosting.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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