Description
These gingerbread cookie bars are a delicious holiday treat made with warm ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, then topped with a creamy frosting. They offer the perfect balance of spice and sweetness and are easy to bake in a single pan, making them ideal for serving at holiday gatherings or as a festive dessert. Keywords: Gingerbread Cookie Bars, gingerbread bars, holiday cookie bars, easy Christmas dessert.
Ingredients
- Cookie Bars:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (optional for thinning)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the cookie bars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Bake the bars: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
- Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. If needed, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost the bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Sprinkle the top with festive sprinkles for a fun holiday touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg