Description
These Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Bars combine warm spices and molasses into a thick, tender batter baked to perfection and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This festive treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy snacking, offering the classic gingerbread flavor in an easy-to-cut bar form.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp baking soda
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract ensuring the mixture is well incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Carefully fold in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, mixing just until a thick batter forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Make Frosting: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until creamy and smooth.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and continue to mix until the frosting is smooth and thick.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar and mix until desired thickness is reached.
- Frost Bars: Once the cookie bars have fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Optionally, decorate with festive sprinkles or gingerbread man candies.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious, chewy gingerbread cookie bars with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the egg is at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Do not over-mix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bars chewy.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed, but texture may vary.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Bring refrigerated bars back to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
