Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe

If you love the rich, spicy flavor of gingerbread but want an easier, quicker alternative to rolling out cookie dough, gingerbread cookie bars are the perfect solution. These bars capture the warmth of gingerbread cookies in a soft, chewy form that’s easy to bake and even easier to serve. Topped with a creamy layer of vanilla or cream cheese frosting, these gingerbread cookie bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or a cozy night in. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through making these deliciously spiced cookie bars that will become a festive favorite.

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What are Gingerbread Cookie Bars?

Gingerbread cookie bars are a simplified version of classic gingerbread cookies, baked in a single sheet pan or dish, and then cut into squares or bars. They have all the rich flavors of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that you love in gingerbread, but without the need to roll, cut, or decorate individual cookies. These bars can be frosted for an extra layer of sweetness or enjoyed on their own for a more rustic, spiced treat. The result is a chewy, soft, and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients List for Gingerbread Cookie Bars

For the Cookie Bars:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsulphured molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Decorating (Optional):

• Sprinkles, colored sugar, or cinnamon for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

Gingerbread cookie bars are versatile, and you can make several substitutions or variations to customize them based on your preferences or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter for both the cookie bars and frosting. For the frosting, substitute dairy-free cream cheese.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level to your taste. Add more ginger for an extra kick or reduce the cloves if you prefer a milder spice profile. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for a spicier, more traditional gingerbread flavor.
• Molasses Substitutes: If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute with an equal amount of dark corn syrup or maple syrup. Keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as rich as with molasses, but it will still be delicious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

These gingerbread cookie bars are easy to make, and by following these steps, you’ll have a festive treat ready in no time.

1. Prepare the Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be thick but spreadable.

2. Bake the Cookie Bars:

• Spread the dough evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.
• Bake the cookie bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The bars should still be soft and chewy in the middle.
• Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• While the bars are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
• Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
• If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream to thin it to your desired consistency.

4. Frost the Cookie Bars:

• Once the gingerbread cookie bars are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
• Optional: Decorate the frosted bars with sprinkles, colored sugar, or a light dusting of cinnamon for a festive touch.
• Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve!

How to Cook Gingerbread Cookie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

These cookie bars are easy to prepare and bake, and they require minimal cleanup compared to traditional gingerbread cookies. The key is to mix the dough until just combined and avoid overbaking to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

• Spread the Dough Evenly: Use a spatula to spread the dough evenly in the baking pan to ensure uniform baking. The dough will be sticky, so it helps to slightly wet the spatula or your fingers to press it down.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bars as they bake. You want the edges to be set but the center to remain slightly soft. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool, and overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though gingerbread cookie bars are simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final outcome. Here are some tips to avoid common pitfalls:

• Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookie bars.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese (if using frosting) are softened to room temperature. Cold ingredients won’t incorporate properly and can lead to a lumpy dough or frosting.
• Frosting Before Cooling: If you frost the bars while they are still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off. Make sure the bars are completely cool before frosting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Gingerbread cookie bars are festive and perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a cozy treat. Here are some ideas to serve and present them beautifully.

How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

• Serve the bars as-is for a simple, delicious treat.
• For a fancier presentation, garnish each bar with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or add a few festive sprinkles before the frosting sets.
• Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea for a warm and cozy pairing.

Presentation Ideas for Gingerbread Cookie Bars:

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange the bars on a holiday-themed platter with other cookies like sugar cookies, chocolate crinkles, or peppermint bark for a festive dessert tray.
• Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bars in cellophane and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.
• Decorative Frosting: Use a piping bag to create decorative swirls or patterns with the frosting for a more polished look.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars Recipe Tips

To ensure your gingerbread cookie bars turn out perfect every time, here are a few extra tips:

• Make Ahead: You can bake the cookie bars ahead of time and store them (unfrosted) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.
• Freeze the Bars: These bars freeze well. Cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and frost if desired.
• Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. If you like your gingerbread extra spicy, increase the ginger or cinnamon slightly for a bolder flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make gingerbread cookie bars without frosting?
A: Absolutely! These bars are delicious on their own. The frosting adds sweetness, but you can leave them unfrosted for a more traditional gingerbread flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also be a nice touch.

Q: How do I store gingerbread cookie bars?
A: Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, store them in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh. Allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I add mix-ins to the dough?
A: Yes! Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries to the dough for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Gingerbread cookie bars are a festive and flavorful treat that combines the warm spices of gingerbread with the ease of a bar cookie. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with cream cheese frosting, these bars are sure to become a holiday favorite. They’re perfect for baking with kids, bringing to holiday gatherings, or giving as gifts. With their rich flavor and soft, chewy texture, these gingerbread cookie bars are a cozy and delicious way to celebrate the season! Follow the steps and tips in this guide to bake your own batch and enjoy the comforting flavors of gingerbread in every bite.

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