Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that encapsulate the warm, cozy flavors of the holiday season. These soft and chewy bars are incredibly simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their rich ginger and spice profile, Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a versatile dessert that can easily be customized to suit your taste.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Servings: 16
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 180
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Why Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These Gingerbread Cookie Bars offer an array of benefits. They’re not just delicious; they’re also easy to prepare, making them a fantastic option for busy days or last-minute gatherings. With their wholesome ingredients, these bars provide a satisfying sweet treat without excessive fuss. Plus, they can easily be made ahead of time and stored, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors whenever you desire.
How to Make Gingerbread Cookie Bars Step by Step
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ¼ cups – forms the base and structure of the cookie bars.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – gives the bars their lift and softness.
- Ground Ginger: 1 ½ teaspoons – brings that unmistakable zingy warmth.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – adds sweetness and depth.
- Ground Cloves: ½ teaspoon – intensifies the spiced profile.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon – balances the sweet and highlights the spices.
- Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks), softened – creates that rich, chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed – adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Egg: 1 large – binds the dough together.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – enhances every flavor.
- Molasses: ½ cup – brings depth, color, and classic gingerbread taste.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and molasses until fully combined. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until thoroughly incorporated; the dough will be thick. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is no longer jiggly. Allow to cool completely in the pan. Optionally, drizzle with glaze or dust with powdered sugar. Slice into bars and enjoy with a warm drink or holiday cheer.
How to Serve Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These delightful Gingerbread Cookie Bars taste fantastic on their own, but they can also be paired with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You could even add a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast!
How to Store Gingerbread Cookie Bars
To keep your Gingerbread Cookie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to preserve them for an extended period, freeze the bars in a single layer, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the microwave.
Expert Tips for Cooking Gingerbread Cookie Bars
- Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter; this will keep the bars from becoming tough.
- For added flavor, try mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- You can adjust the spices to your liking, adding more ginger or cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor; they have more potency than pre-ground ones.
Delicious Variations of Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Feel free to mix up the classic Gingerbread Cookie Bars! For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper for some heat. For a citrusy kick, incorporate orange or lemon zest into the dough. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, replace the egg with a flax egg for a delightful egg-free treat.
Gingerbread Cookie Bars are a must-try recipe that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Their rich flavors and ease of preparation make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them at home or share them with loved ones, Gingerbread Cookie Bars are sure to become a favorite!
Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour Forms the base and structure of the cookie bars.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Gives the bars their lift and softness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Ground Ginger Brings that unmistakable zingy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds sweetness and depth.
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cloves Intensifies the spiced profile.
- ½ teaspoon Salt Balances the sweet and highlights the spices.
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup Unsalted Butter, softened Creates that rich, chewy texture.
- 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 large Egg Binds the dough together.
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Enhances every flavor.
- ½ cup Molasses Brings depth, color, and classic gingerbread taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla, and molasses until fully combined.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until thoroughly incorporated; the dough will be thick.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is no longer jiggly.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Optionally, drizzle with glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
- Slice into bars and enjoy with a warm drink or holiday cheer.
